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NEW 



REMEDIES: 




FORMULA 



tol 



FOR THEIR ADMINISTRATION. 



BY 



ROBLEY DUNGLISON, M. D., 

PROFESSOR OF THE INSTITUTES OF MEDICINE, ETC., IN THE JEFFERSON MEDICAL 
COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA. 



SIXTH EDITION, 



ajitjr €ihn%ht SbWithn*. 



PRODESSE QUAM CONSPICI. 




PHILADELPHIA : 

BLANCHARD AND LEA. 
1851. 




35 ll t e X e "D, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, 
By Robley Dunglison, M. D., 
the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



WM. S. YOUNG. PRINTER. 



PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION. 



The last few years have been rich in valuable gifts to Thera- 
peutics; and amongst these, ether, chloroform, and other so called 
anaesthetics, are worthy of special attention. They have been 
introduced since the appearance of the last edition of the " JVevj 
Remedies." Other articles have been proposed for the first time, 
and the experience of observers has added numerous interesting 
facts to our knowledge of the virtues of remedial agents pre- 
viously employed. To include all these, it has been necessary to 
add very greatly to the dimensions of the present edition. 

The therapeutical agents now first admitted into this work, 
some of which have been newly introduced into pharmacology, 
and the old agents brought prominently forward with novel ap- 
plications, and which may consequently be regarded as New 
Remedies, are the following: — Adansonia digitata, Benzoate of 
Ammonia, Valerianate of Bismuth, Sulphate of Cadmium, Chlo- 
roform, Collodion, Cantharidal Collodion, Cotyledon Umbilicus, 
Sulphuric Ether, Strong Chloric Ether, Compound Ether, Hura 
Braziliensis, Iberis Amara, Iodic Acid, Iodide of Chloride of Mer- 
cury, Powdered Iron, Citrate of Magnetic Oxide of Iron, Citrate 
of Iron and Magnesia, Sulphate of Iron and Alumina, Tannate of 
Iron, Valerianate of Iron, Nitrate of Lead, Lemon Juice, Citrate 
of Magnesia, Salts of Manganese, Oleum Cadinum, Arsenite of 
Quinia, Hydriodate of Iron and Quinia, Sanicula Marilandica, and 
Sumbul. 



IV PREFACE. 

To increase the practical value of the work to the therapeutical 
inquirer, the author has added to the Index of Diseases the parti- 
cular pages in which the various remedies prescribed in those dis- 
eases are referred to. 

ROBLEY DUNGLISON. 

Philadelphia, 
18 Girard St., March, 1851. 



Electro -Magnetismus. Since the above was written, the 
author has received a work by Dr. Froriep, 1 of Berlin, in which 
he gives cases of good effects produced by Electro-Magnetism, in 
"rheumatic effusions spread over the body" — acute, subacute and 
chronic; in hemiplegia rheumatica, rheumatic neuralgia, rheu- 
matic facial palsy, spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the 
face, writers' cramp, rheumatic paralysis of the forearm, hip, 
muscles of the thigh and leg, &c, &c. He rarely employed any 
remedial agency along with it, being desirous of ascertaining, 
without the possibility of doubt, its real effect. Currents were 
transmitted through the medium of sponges saturated with salt 
and water, and applied to the skin, or by acupuncturation, when 
it was requisite to act energetically on parts deeply seated, by 
introducing two needles of platinum in the course of a nerve. 
Dr. Froriep's testimony is highly confirmative of the good effects 
ascribed to Electro-Magnetism in certain diseases, in the body of 
this work. 2 

1 On the Therapeutic application of Electro-Magnetism in the Treatment of Rheu- 
matic and Paralytic Affections. By Robert Froriep, Doctor in Medicine and Surgery, 
Public Professor of General Surgery in the University of Berlin, &c., &c, &c. Trans- 
lated from the German by Richard Moore Lawrance, M. D., Surgeon-Extraordinary to 
H. R. H. the Duke of Saxe Coburg and Gotha. London, 1850. 

a See page 296. 



PREFACE 

TO THE FIRST AND SECOND EDITIONS, 



The information concerning the remedies of more recent intro- 
duction lies scattered in so many works, that it cannot be accessible 
to the mass of physicians. The author has, consequently, believed, 
that he would be rendering a service to the profession by concen- 
trating the results of experience within reasonable limits, so that they 
may be readily available to all. The majority of the new agents — 
it will be found — have been furnished by modern chemistry; and 
their employment has been attended with this advantage, that — when 
properly prepared — they are not liable to uncertainty in their opera- 
tion; whilst the various plants from which strychnia, emetia, quinia, 
&c, are obtained, are liable to irregularity of action, owing to faulty 
desiccation, to the season in which they are culled, &c.4&c. — ob- 
jections which cannot apply to the active principles when separated 
from them. 

Owing to the difficulty of sifting the results of true from those of 
false observation, the author has esteemed it proper to give, as far as 
he was able, the recorded experience of all who have employed the 
remedies in question. 

It need scarcely be said, that to make a correct observer and a 
good therapeutist, a knowledge of every department of medical science 
is demanded. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and materia medica 
are, indeed, but introductory to the great object which the practitioner 
ftas in view — the alleviation and removal of suffering. Were it other- 
wise, it would be but necessary to institute empirical trials, in every 
case of disease, witjh various articles in and out of the received lists 
of the materia medica, and from such vague trials to endeavour to 
deduce what is termed "experience." 

The erroneous idea prevails too extensively, that every one is ca- 
pable of profiting by observation, and that, therefore, all who have 
had the same amount of experience, must be equally capable of 
treating disease. Setting aside, however, the consideration of the 
differences that must necessarily result from the varied powers of in- 
dividuals, it can scarcely be maintained, that he whose attention has 



VI „ PREFACE. 

not been properly directed to the study of the preliminary branches 
which have been enumerated, and whose mind has not been trained 
in tracing the relation between cause and effect, can ever duly profit 
by mere experience in that which has teen properly termed "the 
most inductive of all sciences." 1 

To treat disease methodically and effectively, the nature of the 
actons of the living tissues, in both the healthy and morbid conditions, 
must be correctly appreciated ; the effects which the articles of the 
materia medica are capable of exerting under both those conditions, 
must be known from accurate observations, and not until then can the 
practitioner prescribe with any well-founded prospect of success. 
Numerous errors would be perpetrated, were we to profess, and to 
carry out such profession, that we are guided by experience only, 
unless that experience had been gained by a due consideration of all 
the physiological, pathological, and therapeutical bearings of the sub- 
ject. In illustration of this, the well-known case cited by Dr. Paris 
in his Life of Sir Humphry Davy may be adduced. The enthusi- 
astic Beddoes, having hypothetically inferred that the inhalation of 
the nitrous oxide might be a specific for palsy, a patient was selected 
for trial, and placed under the care of Davy — at the time assistant to 
Beddoes. * Before administering the gas, Davy thought of ascertaining 
the temperature of the body by the thermometer placed under the 
tongue. The paralytic, deeply impressed by Dr. Beddoes with the 
certainty of the success of the remedy, of which he knew nothing — 
soon after the thermometer was placed in his mouth, believing this to 
be the great curative agent — declared that he felt somewhat better. 
Nothing more was, therefore, done; and he was requested to return 
on the following day. The same form was then gone through with 
the same results; and, at the end of a fortnight, the sick man was dis- 
missed cured, no agent of any kind having been employed except the 
thermometer. 

Now, if the reasoning powers were not duly exerted, experience 
would obviously -teach, as the result of this case, that the thermome- 
ter is an anti paralytic. The rational therapeutist is not, however, 
satisfied with this knowledge of the fact, for "fact it is." He in- 
quires into the mode in which the effect was induced, and he is not 
long in referring it to the influence exerted by the moral over the phy- 
sique; and he classes the thermometer with Perkinism, animal roag- 

1 Propterea sola experientia absque doctrina et ratione incerta est et conjecturalis. 
Qui enim novit rhabarbarura purgare bilem, nescit tamen quando, quibus, et cui rnorbo 
prosit, nisi sit medicus doctus et peritus. Piimcros. De vulgi erroribus in medicina, 
ib. i. cap. xl. Amstelod. 1639. 



PREFACE. Vli 

netism, and their 1 congenerous arts, — amongst articles that act chiefly 
through the new impressions which they make on the senses. 

It might seem to those who are unacquainted with medical history* 
that in periods approaching our own, no such illogical inferences 
could be deduced, and that it has been the custom with the profession 
for ages to bestow all due caution and the most rational inquiry in the 
collection of facts. Such, however, is far from being the case. It is, 
indeed, humiliating to reflect on the credulity or faulty observation 
that has existed among nations, who have successfully cultivated 
many of the other branches of natural science. It ought scarcely to 
be credited, and yet it is nevertheless true, that the aqua spermatis 
ranamm or "water of frog's spawn" was to be found not very 
long ago in the Pharmacopoeia of Sardinia; and the aqua hirundi- 
num cum castoreo or "water of swallows with castor" in those of 
Manheim and Wirtemberg. The latter preparation is directed to be 
made as follows : — Take of young swallows bruised in a mortar, 
forty; rue, two handfuls; castor, one ounce; white wine, three pints. 
This disgusting preparation was given in hysteria and epilepsy. 
Again; the bufones exsiccati or "dried toads" were in the Pharma- 
copoeias of Spain and Wirtemberg, — having been formerly adminis- 
tered in powder, as a diuretic, in dropsy. In another work, 1 the au- 
thor has cited many examples as strange as those instanced, and it 
would be easy to enumerate still more. 

In a recent French journal, and in an article by M. Ricord — the 
distinguished physician to the Venereal Hospital of Paris— we have 
an example of the pertinacity with which ancient prepossessions and 
inculcations adhere to us, and how difficult it is to think and to act 
according to the unbiassed suggestions of our own observation and 
reflection. In the treatment of blennorrhagic epididymitis or swelled 
testicle from gonorrhoea, M. Ricord recommends compression to be 
made by means of the "sparadrap " or plaster of Vigo with mercury. 
The history of the plaster of Vigo is singular. Although still in the 
Pharmacopoeia of Paris, it resembles its prototypes but in name. In 
the Pharmacopoeia of Wirtemberg, it is directed to be formed of 
living frogs and living earth-worms, boiled with various inert and 
by us rejected herbs in white wine and vinegar, — the decoction being 
strained, and added to olive oil, litharge, oil of bayberries, turpentine, 
yellow wax, olibanum, euphorbium, and liquid storax, all melted 
together, 

1 General Therapeutics, p. 55. Philad. 1836. [See, also, his General Therapeutics 
and Mat. Medica, 5th edit. i. 66. Philad. 1850.] 



Vlll PREFACE. 

Yet it is scarcely possible to conceive, that the frog's spawn could 
have been supposed to yield a product on distillation differing from 
that of other animal substances when subjected to the same process; 
that the swallows — in the preparation cited — added any thing to the 
antispasmodic virtues of the caste*, or that the living frogs and earth- 
worms exerted any efficacy in the sparadrap de Vigo — a plaster em- 
ployed for compressing tumours, and for which purpose we use one 
of simple adhesive constituents. They have all been properly re- 
jected from the lists of our medicinal agents, and are looked upon as 
irrational; yet we are compelled to infer from the fact of their having 
been received, in some countries, into officinal publications — into the 
pharmacopoeias, which emanate from congregations of those of our 
profession, who are esteemed learned by education and by practice — 
that they were originally admitted under the sanction of fancied ex- 
perience. 

In the darker periods of medical history, monstrous and revolting 
polypharmacal preparations were introduced, and nothing but the 
blindest devotion to authority or to established custom could have 
occasioned their retention. It is not long since the Theriac of An- 
dromachus — itself but a modification of the Antidotum Mithridatum — 
was dismissed from the British pharmacopoeias. It consisted of 
seventy-two articles, and was a farrago — as Dr. Heberden observed 
— that had "no better title to the name of Mithridates than — as it so 
well resembles — the numerous undisciplined forces of a barbarous 
king, made up of a dissonant crowd collected from different countries, 
mighty in appearance, but in reality an ineffective multitude, that only 
hinder each other." The electuarium opiatum polypharmacum of 
the Parisian codex — the descendant of the old theriac, with even an 
additional number of ingredients — contains acrid substances, 5; as- 
tringent, 5; bitter, 22; indigenous aromatics, 10; umbelliferous aro- 
matics, 7; balsams and resinous substances, 8 ; fetid ingredients, 6; 
narcotics, 1; earthy substances, 1; gummy or amylaceous, 4; sac- 
charine, 3. Total, 72 — and one of these the flesh of the viper; a 
little more than a grain of opium — which may be regarded as a prin- 
cipal effective ingredient — being contained in a dram of the compound. 
Yet, when the question arose in the London College of Physicians, 
as to what should be the fate of this "many-headed monster," and 
when it was proposed by Dr. Heberden, that it should be ejected from 
the pharmacopoeia, — on a division, it was found that there were thir- 
teen votes for retaining and fourteen for rejecting it. Its ostracism 
was determined by a majority of one only, in a learned body twenty- 
seven of whose members were present. 



PREFACE. IX 

Such was the fate of a "heterogeneous farrago," which, as Dr. Paris 
has remarked, "can be vindicated upon no principle of combination," 
and yet enjoyed the confidence of physicians for ages — a confidence 
unquestionably founded, in their belief, on experience, but experience 
based upon defective observation, and, consequently, on erroneous 
inferences — the results being consecutive rather than consequent, and 
bearing no relation whatever to the assigned cause. 

Happily, more correct ideas are beginning to be entertained on the 
subject of true experience. It is now felt — to employ the language 
of a distinguished surgeon — Professor Liston — that the greatest num- 
ber of well-assorted facts on a particular subject constitutes experience, 
whether these facts have been culled in five years or in fifty. A better 
system, too, of observation generally prevails, so that we have dis- 
carded the absurd and revolting agents that are still retained in the 
books of authority of some European countries. Much, however, 
remains to be done. The catalogue of the Materia Medica is yet 
overstocked, and the pruning knife has still to be applied, to lop off 
many of the redundancies which have been proved to be such by the 
more accurate attention that is daily paid to tracing the due relation 
between cause and effect. "To purchase a clear and warrantable 
body of truth," as Sir Thomas Browne has well observed, "we must 
forget and part with much we know." 

Every one will be compelled to admit, that it is the duty of the 
correct therapeutist to doubt the existence of qualities in any article 
until they have been adequately proved. When such is the case, no 
reasoning can set aside facts ; but unless the evidence be overpowering, 
it is equally his duty to remain in doubt, especially should reflection 
suggest to him strong grounds for believing, that the number of obser- 
vations has been insufficient, that they have not been properly made, 
or are unconsequential. 

To enable the profession to form an accurate estimate of the value 
of remedies of more recent introduction, or of the older remedies 
whose use has been revived under novel applications, the present 
volume was undertaken by the author. In Germany, several works 
exist on this subject, and that of Riecke — to which the author has 
repeatedly referred — served as a basis for many of the articles; his 
observations, however, do not come down farther than the year 1836. 
Some of the statements — especially in relation to the observations of 
certain of the German physicians — are given on Riecke's authority, 



X PREFACE. 

for he has rarely appended references, by which the correctness of his 
assertions could be tested. 1 

It has been a great object with the author to furnish exact references 
to works in which farther information may be obtained, and the number 
of these will show, that he has devoted no small amount of time and 
attention to the subject. He has likewise added the results of his own 
experience in public and in private. The motto which he has selected 
— prodesse quam conspici — conveys, in epitome, his feelings. His 
sole object has been, " to be useful" — and if he has succeeded, the re- 
ward is ample. 

ROBLEY DUNGLISON. 

Philadelphia, October 15, 1839. 

1 Recently, a second and enlarged edition of Riecke's work has appeared; but the 
therapeutical additions to it are by no means as numerous as the author had expected to 
find them. He has, consequently, made but few extracts from it in the present edition. 
It is entitled " Die neuern Arzneimittel, ihre physischen und chemischen Eigenschaften, 
Bereitungsweisen, Wirkungen auf den gesungen und kranken Organismus, und therapeu- 
tische Beniitzung. Von Victor Adolf Riecke, Dr. Med., Mitglied des Vereins fur 
Heilkunde in Preussen, u. s. w.; zweite, vollig umgearbeitete Auflage. Stuttgart, 1840." 
[Note to Preface of edition of 1841.] 



ALPHABETICAL 
LIST OF REMEDIES. 



Abeille mellifique, 703. 
Acetas chinicus, 605. 

morphicus, 523. 

morphii, 523. 

quinicus, 605. 

strychnicus, 664. 
Acetone, 645. 
Acetum ligneum, 13. 

lignorum empyreumaticum, 13. 

pyrolignosum, 13. 
Acid, acetic, empyreumatic, 13. 

auric, 127. 

benzoic, 17. 

chromic, 701. 

cyanhydricj 23. 

gallic, 20. 

hydriodic, liquid, 486. 

hydrocyanic, 23. 

medicinal, 24. 

lactic, 36. 

muriatic, dephlogisticated, 182. 
oxygenated, 182. 

nitric, 701. 

nitro-muriatic, 187. 

of milk, 36. 

oxymuriatic, liquid, 189. 

prussic, 23. 

pyroligneous, 13. 

pyrolignic, 13. 

tannic, 38. 
Acide hydrocyanique, 23. 

benzoique, 17. 

chromique, 701. 

gallique, 20. 

iodique, 491. 

lactique, 36. 

nitrique, 701. 

prussique, 23. 

pyro-acetique, 13. 

pyroligneux, 13. 

pyrolignique, 13. 

tannique, 38. 
Acidum aceticura empyreumati- 
cum, 13, 

benzoicum, 17. 

benzoicum per sublimationem,17. 

borussicum, 23. 

cahincicum, 148. 



Acidum caincse, 148. 

chromicum, 701. 

gallicum, 20. 

hydrocyanicum, 23. 

iodicum, 491. 

lacteum, 36. 

lacticum, 36. 

lactis, 36. 

ligni pyro-oleosum, 13. 

marinum dephlogisticatum, 182. 

muriaticum oxygenatum, 182. 

muriaticum oxygenatum ad con- 
tagia, 182. 

nitricum, 701. 

prussicum, 23. 

pyro-aceticum, 13. 

pyrolignosum, 13. 

pyroxylicum, 13. 

quercitannicum, 38. 

tannicum, 38. 

zooticum, 23. 

zootinicum, 23. 
Aconite, extract of, alcoholic, 51. 
• extract of, ammoniated, 50. 
Aconitia, 45. 
Aconitine, 45. 
Aconitium, 45. 

Acqna balsamica arteriale ; 82. 
Acqua Binelli, 82. g 
Acqua Brocchieri, 84. 
Acqua Monterossi, 83. 
Actaea racemosa, 212. 
Actee, 212. 
Acupuncturation, 51. 
Acupuncture, 51. 
Adansonia digitata, 702. 
Adstringirende Brazilische Rinde, 

252. 
.Esculin, 410. 

iEstfulus hippocastanum, 410. 
^Ether chloricus, 196. 

hydrocyanicus, 60. 

lignosus, 645. 

prussicus, 60. 

pyro-aceticus, 645. 

sulphuricus, 61. 

sulphuricus phosphoratus, 544. 

vitriolicus, 61. 



xu 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Aetzroggen, 312. 
Afterkorn, 312. 
Agaric blanc, 138. 

white, 138. 
Agaricus albus, 138. 
Agathosma crenatum, 293. 
Agathotes chirayita, 399. 
Aimant, 496. 
Air -douches into the Eustachian 

tube, 436. 
Akonitin, 45. 
Akupunktur, 51. 
Alaunerde, reine, 101. 
Alcali vegetabile salito-dephlogisti- 

caturn, 581. 
Alcohol, mesitic, 645. 

sulphuris, 668. 
Alcooi de soufre, 668. 
Alexiteriura chloricum, 182. 
Almond, bitter, water of, 80. 
Alumina, acetate- of, 74. 

pure, 101. 

salts of, 74. 

sulphate of, 74. 
Aluminae sales, 74. 
Alumine factice, 101. 

sels d', 74. 
Aluminii oxidum, 101. 
Aluminum, chloride of, 74. 
Ammonia, arseniate of, 104, 

benzoate of, 19. 

hydriodate of, 490. 

phosphate of, 76. 
Ammoniae arsenias, 104. 

ferro-citras, 342. 

phosphas, 76. 
Ammoniak arseniksaures, 104. 
Ammoniaque, arseniate d ; , 104, 

phosphate d', 76. 
Ammoniated counter-irritants, 245. 
Ammonii iodidum. 490. 
Ammonium arsenicum, 104. 

arseniksaures, 104. 

hydroiodicum, 490. 

iodatum, 490. 

iodide of, 490. 

phosphorsaures, 76. 
Amylum iodatum, 490. 
Anthrakokali, 80. 

sulphuretted, 80. 
Antidynous counter-irritants. 245. 
Apfelgranate, 402. 
Apis domestica, 703. 

mellifica, 703. 
Aqua amygdalarum, 80. 

arsenicalis Pearsonii, 105. 

balsamica arterialis, 82. 



Aqua Binellii, 82. 

Brocchierii, 84. 

chlorini, 189. 

lauro-cerasi, 30, 81. 

natri oxymuriatici, 643. 

oxygenata-muriatica, 189. 

oxygeno-muriatica, 189. 

oxymuriatica, 189. 

picis liquidse, 89. 
Argent, chlorure d', 94. 

et d'ammoniaque chlorure d ; , 95. 

cyanure d', 97. 

iodure d', 98. 

oxide d', 99. 

preparations d', 92. 
Argenti chloridum, 94. 

chloruretum, 94. 

cyanidum, 97. 

cyanuretum, 97. 

et ammoniaci chloruretum, 95. 

et ammoniae chloridum, 95. 

ioduretum, 98. 

iodidum, 98. 

muriatico-ammoniati liquor, 96. 

oxidum, 99. 

prasparata, 92. 
Argentum chloratum, 94. 

cyanogenatum, 97. 

divisum, 101. 

hydrocyanicum, 97. 

iodatum, 98. 

limatum, 101. 

muriaticum, 94. 

muriaticum an 

oxydatum, 99. 

salitum, 94. 
Argil, pure, 101. 
Argilla pura, 101. 
Armoise commune, 108. 
Arnica, 103. 

montana, 103. 

plauensis. 103. 
Arnique, 103. 
Arsenias ammonias, 104. 

potassae acidus, 336. 
Arseniate of soda, 105. 
Arsenic, hydriodate of, 106. 

iodide of, 106. 

and mercury. double iodide of,429. 

iodure de, 106. 

teriodide of, 106. 
Arsenici, 106. 

hydriodas, 106. 

et hydrargyri hydriodas. 429. 

et hydrargyri iodidum, 429. 

iodidum, 106. 
ioduretum, 106. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Xlll 



Arsenici teriodidum, 106. 
Arsenicum iodatum ; 106. 
Arsenikiodiir, 106. 
Arseniksaures ammonium, 104. 
Arsenite of potassa, 105. 
Artanthe elongata, 506. 
Artemisia vulgaris, 108. 

extractum resinosum, 111. 
Aspidium filix mas, 381. 
Assacou, 715. 
Athyrium filix mas, 381. 
Atropia, 113. 
Atropin, 113. 
Atrophia, 113. 
Atropine, 113. 
Atropinum, 113. 
Atropium, 113. 
Auri chloretum, 120. 

chloretum cum chloretonatri, 122. 

chloridum, 120. 

chloru return, 120. 

cyanidum, 125. 

cyanuretum, 125. 

et sodii chloridum, 122. 

et sodii chloruretum, 122. 

et sodii perchloruretum, 122. 

iodidum, 126. 

ioduretum, 126. 

murias, 116. 

nitromurias, 127. 

oxidum, 127. 

peroxidum, 127. 

prseparata, 116. 

pulvis, 129. 

terchloridum, 116. 

tercyanidum, 125. 

teroxydum, 127. 
Aurico-natricum murias, 122. 
Auriferes composes, les, 117. 
Auro-terchloride of sodium, 122. 
Aurum chloratum, 116. 

chloratum natronatum, 122. 

cyanatum, 125. 

cyanicum, 125. 

cyanogenatum, 125. 

hydrocyanicum, 125. 

iodatum, 126. 

limatum, 129. 

metallicum, 129. 

muriaticum, 116. 

muriaticum natronatum, 122. 

nitro-muriaticum, 127. 

oxydatum. 127. 

oxydulatum muriaticum, 116. 

salitum, 116. 

eesquichloratum natronatum, 122. 
Bachelor's buttons, 538. 



Balaustier, 402. 

Ballota lanata, 130. 

Ballota wollige, 130. 

Ballote cotonneuse, 130. 

Bandwurmwaldfarrn, 381. 

Bang, 166. 

Banksia Abyssinica, 139. 

Baobab, 702. 

Barii iodati hydras, 132. 
iodidum, 132. 

Barium iodatum, 132. 
iodide of, 132. 

Bark, resinous constituents of, 636. 
astringent, of Brazil, 252. 

Barosma crenata, 293. 

Baryt hydriodsaurer, 132. 

Baryta hydriodica, 132. 
hydriodate of, 132. 

Barytse hydriodas, 132. 

Barytin, 680. 

Barytium iodatum, 132. 

Baryumiodiir, 132. 

Baumnuss, 493. 

Bebeeria, 133. 
JBebeerin, 133. 

Bebeerina, 133. 

Bebeerin 
Bee, 703. 

Beifusswurzel, 108. 
extract, 111. 
gemeiner, 108. 
Benzoate of ammonia, 19. 
Benzoesaure, 17. 
Berberin, 136. 
Berberina, 136. 
Berberine, 136. 
Berberinum, 136. 
Berberisgelb, 136. 
Bergerthran, 545. 
Berliner Blau, 345. 
Betoine des Savoyards, 103. 
Biene, 703. 
Bignonenbaum, 137. 
Bignonia catalpa, 137. 
Bile, ox, 708. 
Bile, swine, 711. 
Bilis porcina, 711. 
Bilis taurina, 708. 
Binellisches Wasser, 82. 
Biogamia, 398. 
Biomagnetismus, 398. 
Bismuth, valerianate of, 704. 
Bismuthi valerianas, 704. 
Bismuthum valerianicum, 704. 
Bisulphuretum carbonii, 668. 
Bitter almonds, water of, 80. 
oil of. 81. 



XIV 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Bittererde citronensaures, 501. 
Bittermandehvasser, 80. 
Blankenheimer Thee, 390. 
Blau, Berliner, 345. 

Pariser, 345. 
Blaud's Pills, 373. 
Blaueaure, 23. 

Blausaures eisenoxydul Zinkoxid, 
695. 

Quecksilber, 413. 
Blau stoffei sen, 345. 
BlaustofFgold, 125. 
Blaustoffkalium, 538. 
BlaustofTquecksilber, 413. 
Blaustoffsilber, 97. 
Blaustoffzink, 694. 
Ble cornu, 312. 
Bled avorte, 312. 

farouche, 312. 
Blei hydriodsaures, 578. 

iodwasserstoffsaures, 578. 
Bleichpulver, 153. 
Bleiiodid, 578. 

Bleioxyd, salpetersaures, 723. 
Bleitannat, 580. 
Bleu de Prusse, 345. 
Blue, Prussian, 345. 

Berlin, 345. 
Boccho, 293. 
Bocchoe, 293. 
Bole, Armenian, 101. 
Boletus albus, 138. 

laricis, 138. ♦ 

purgans, 138. 
Boocho, 293. 

Brayera anthelmintica, 139. 
Brechnuss, 538. 



Brome, 141. 
Bromeisen, 338. 
Brometurn ferricum, 338. 

hydrargyrosum, 412. 
Bromhydras kalii, 585. 

potassae, 585. 

potassii, 585. 
Bromidum potassii, 585. 
Bromin, 141. 
Bromina, 141. 
Bromine, 141. 
Bromineum, 141. 
Brominium, 141. 
Brominum, 141. 
Bromium, 141. 
Bromkalium, 585. 
Bromquecksilber, 412. 

doppelt, 412. 



Bromquecksilber in maximum, 412. 
Bromum, 141. 
Bromure de potassium, 585. 
Bromnretum kalii, 585. 

potassii, 585. 
Bromwasserstoffsaures eisenoxyd, 
338. 

kali, 585. 
Brucia, 145. 
Brucin, 145. 
Brucina, 145. 
Brucine, 145. 
Brush, galvanic, 398. 

metallic, 398. 
Buccublatter, 293. 
Buchu, 293. 
Buckeye, 410. 
Buckhu, 293. 
Bugbane, 212. 
Buranhem, 512. 
Butyrum zinci, 688. 
Cade Oel, 721. 
Cadmii sulphas, 705. 
Cadmium sulphuricum, 705. 
Cadmium schwefelsaures, 705. 
Cadmium, sulphate of, 705. 
Cseruleum Beroliniense, 345. 

Borussicum, 345. 
Cahincae radix, 147. 
Cainanae radix, 147. 
Cainca root, 147. 
Caincae acidum, 147. 
Caincawurzel, 147. 
Calcar, 312. 
Calcaria chlorata, 153. 

chloretum, 153. 

chlorica. 153. 
Calcariae chlorum, 153. 
Calcii bichloruretum, 153. 

oxychloruretum, 153. 

oxydi chloruretum, 153. 

proto-chloru return, 153. 
Calcis bichloruretum, 153. 

chloridum, 153. 

hypochloris, 153. 

oxymurias, 153. 
Calcium, oxide de, chlorure d", 153. 

protoxichlorure de, 153. 
Calendula Alpina. 103. 

officinalis, 150. 

sativa, 150. 
Calendulin, 150, 
Caltha alpina, 103. 

sativa, 150. 
Calx chlorinata, 153. 

oxymuriatica, 153. 
Candytuft, bitter, 716. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XV 



Caninanae radix, 147. 
Caniraminum, 145. 
Caniramium, 145. 
Cannabine, 166. 
Cannabis indica, 164. 
Caper spurge, 334. 
Carboneum trichloratum, 705. 

chloratum, 196. 
Caro vitulina tosta, 173. 
Carbo animalis, 173. 

carnis, 173. 

mineralis, 339. 
Carbon, sesqui-chloride of, 705. 

sesqui-iodide of, 176. 

sesqui-ioduret of, 176. 

terchloride of, 196, 705. 

trichloratum, 705. 

chloratum, 196. 
Carboneum sulphuratum, 668. 

chloratum, 196. 

trichloratum, 705. 
Carbonis sesqui-chloridum, 705. 

sesqui-iodidum, 176. 

sesqui-ioduretum, 176. 

trichloridum, 705.. 
Carbonicum chloratum. 705. 
Carbonium iodatum, 176. 
Carbure de soufre, 668. 
Carburet of sulphur, 668. 
Carragaheen moss, 210. 
Carageen moss, 210. 
Carrageenin, 210. 
Castanea equina, 410. 

pavina, 410. 
Catalpa, 137. 

arborea, 137. 

arborescens, 137. 

cordifolia, 137, 

tree, 137. 
Catapuce, 334. 
Cataputia minor, 334. 
Catawba tree, 137. 
Catheterism of the Eustachian 

tube, 436. 
Cephaelinum, 309. 
Cerussa nigra, 339. 
Cetrarin, 177. 
Cetrarina, 177. 
Cetrarine, 177. 
Cetrarinum, 177. 
Chanvre Indien, 164. 
Charbon, animal, 173. 
Charcoal, animal, 173. 
Chaux, chlorate de, 153. 

chlorure de, 153. 

muriate suroxigene ou oxigene 
de, 153. 



Chaux, oxichlorure de, 153. 

oximuriate de, 153. 

souschlorate de, 153. 
Chestnut, horse, 410. 
Chimaphila, 179. 
Chimophila, 179. 
ChinastofF, 603. 
Chinicus citras, 607. 

hydrochloricus, 612. 

tiinii acetas. 

citras, 607. 

ferrocyanas, 608. 

hydrochloras, 612. 

murias, 612. 
Chinii nitras, 613. 

phosphas, 613. 

sulphas, 614. 

tannas, 635. 
Chinin, 603. 

arseniksaures, 606. 

citronensaures. 607. 

citronsaures, 607. 

eisenblausaures, 608. 

essigsaures, 605. 

gerbesaures, 635. 

gerbstofFsaures, 635. 

hydrochlorsaures, 612. 

iodwasserstofFsaures, 610. 

milchsaures, 611. 

phosphorsaures, 613. 

salpetersaures, 613. 

salzsaures, 612. 

schwefelsaures, 614. 

sulphat, 614. 

tanninsaures, 635. 

valeriansaures, 633. 

zitronsaures, 607. 
Chinini acetas, 605. 

citras, 607. 

phosphas, 613. 
Chininum, 603. 

aceticum, 605. 

citricum, 607. 

hydriodicum, 610. 

laeticum, 611. 

muriaticum, 612. 

resino-sulphuricum, 636. 

salitum, 612. 

tannicum, 635. 

valerianicum, 633. 
Chinioidine, 636. 
Chinium, 603. 

aceticum, 605. 

citricum, 607. 

ferro-cyanogenatum, 608. 

ferro-hydrocyanicum, 608. 

hydrochloricum, 612. 



XVI 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Chinium muriaticura, 612. 

nitricum, 613. 

phosphoricum, 613. 

salitum, 612. 

sulphuricum, 614. 

tannicum, 635. 
Chinoidine, 636. 
Chinolein, 716. 
Chiococcae radix, 147. 
Chirayita, 399. 
Chiretla, 399. 
Chlor, 182. 

Chloras kalicus depuratus, 581. 
Chloras potassicus, 581. 
Chlorate de potasse, 581. 
Chlorblei, 722. 
Chlorcalciumoxyd, 153. 
Chlore, 182. 

eau de, 189. 

liquide, 189, 
Chloretum auri, 120. 

cum chloreto natrii, 122. 

calcariae, 153. 

zinci, 688. 
Chlorflussigkeit, 189. 
Chlorgas, 182. 
Chlorgold, 120. 

natrium, 122. 
Chlorsilber. 94. 
Chlorgoldnatronium, 122. 
Chlorhydrasmorphicus, 527. 

quinicus, 613. 
Chlori aqua, 189. 

liquor, 189. 
Chloride of gold and sodium, 122. 

of soda, 643. 

of zinc, 688. 
Chlorine, 182. 

solution of, 189. 
Chlorineum, 182. 
Chlorini aqua, 189. 
Chlorinium, 182. 
Chlorinum, 182. 
Chlorkalk, 153. 

ChlorkohlenstofT, dreifach, 705. 
Chlornatron, 643. 
Chlornatrum, 643. 
Chloroform, 196. 
Chlorplatin, 577. 
Chlorplatinnatrium, 578. 
Chlorsaures kali, 581. 

natrum, 643. 
Chlorsilber, 94. 
Chlorsodaflussigkeit, 643. 
Chlorum, 182. 

calcariae, 153. 

liquidum, 189. 



Chlorure d'arirent, 94. 



d'or, 120. 
d'or et sodium, 



22. 



d'oxide de sodium, 643. 

de plomb, 722. 

de soude, 643. 
Chloruretum argenti, 94. 

argenti et ammonias, 95. 

auri, 120. 

auri et sodii, 122. 

oxidi calcii, 153. 

oxidi sodii, 643. 

potassae oxidatum, 581. 

zincicum, 688. 
Chlorwasser, 189. 
Chlor. wasseriges, 189. 
Chlorzink, 688. 
Chondrus, 210. 

crispus, 210. 

polymorphus, 210. 
Christophskraut, traubenformiges, 

212. 
Chromium, peroxide of, 701. 
Chromsaure, 701. 
Chrysanthemum, 150. 
Churrus, 166. 
Cicutinum, 706. 
Cimicifuga, 212. 
Cinchonia, 215. 

iodide of, 610. 
Cinchonin, 215. 
Cinchonine, 215. 
Cinchoninum, 215. 
Citras chinicus, 607. 

ferricus, 341. 

quinicus, 607. 
Citronensaft, 728. 
Clavus secalinus, 312. 

siliginis, 312. 
Clou de seigle, 312. 
Codeia, 218. 
Codeine, 218. 
Codeinum, 218. 
Cod-liver oil, 545. 
Cohort, 212. 
Cohosh, 212. 
Colchicia, 224. 
Colchicum, 223. 

autumnale, 223. 
Colchique, 223. 
Collodion, 232. 

cantharidal, 236. 
Collodium, 232. 

tinctum, 235. 
Compressio, 237. 
Compression, 237. 

methodical, 237. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XV 11 



Coneine, 706. 
Conia, 706. 
Conicinum, 706. 
Contra-irritation, 245. 
Contre-irritation, 245. 
Corrigeen moss, 210. 
Cortex adstringens Brasiliensis, 252. 
Corylus rostrata, 254. 
Cotyledon umbilicus, 707. 
Counter action, 245. 
Counter-irritant lotions, Granville's, 
245. 

ammoniated, 245. 

antidynous, 245. 

Gondret's, 245. 

Granville's, 245. 

Raspail's, 245. 
Counter-irritation, 245. 
Cousso, 139. 
Crayon noir, 339. 
Creasote, 255. 

Crocus martis aperiens, 376. 
Croton oil, 561. 
Crusadinha raiz, 147. 
Cubeba, 281. 
Cubeben, 281. 
Cubebenpfeffer, 281. 
Cubebin, 282. 
Cubebs, 281. 
Cusso, 139. 
Cyanather, 60. 
Cyaneisen, 345. 
Cyaneisenzink, 695. 
Cyanetum hydrargyri. 403. 

kalii, 588. 

zinci, 694. 

zinci et ferri, 695. 
Cyangold, 125. 
Cyan hydras potassse, 588. 

kalicus, 588. 

zincicus, 694. 
Cyanidum kalii, 588. 

mercurii, 413. 

potassii, 588. 
Cyankalium, 588. 
Cyanquecksilber, 413. 
Cyansilber, 97. 
Cyanure d 'argent, 97. 

d'or, 125. 

de mercure, 413. 

de potassium, 588. 

de zinc, 694. 
Cyanuret of ethule, 60. 
Cyanuretum argenti, 97. 

auri, 125. 

auricum, 125. 

ferrozincicum, 695. 

B 



Cyanuretum hydrargyri, 413. 

potassicum, 588. 

zincicum, 694. 

zinci et ferri, 695. 
Cyanwasserstoffather, 60. 
CyanwasserstofTsaure, 23. 
Cyanzink, 694. 
Delphia, 287. 
Delphin, 287, 
Delphina, 287. 
Delphinia, 287. 
Delphinine, 287. 
Delphium, 287. 

Derosne'sches opiumsalz, 535. 
Digitalia, 289. 
Digitalin, 289. 
Digitalina, 289. 
Digitaline, 289. 
Digitalinum, 289. 
Diosma, 293. 
Diosmin, 294. 
Dogwood, Jamaica, 722. 
Donovan's solution, 429. 
Doronic d'Allemagne, 103. 
Doronicum Germanicum, 103. 

plantaginis folio, 103. 
Drops, fever. Warburg's, 135. 
Druck, 237.' 
Duftstrauchblatter, 293. 
Eau d'amandes ameres, 80. 

de Binelli, 82. 

de Brocchieri, 84. 

de chlore, 189. 

de goudron, 89. 

de Javelle, 643. 

medicinale d'Husson, 223. 

styptique de Brocchieri, 84. 
Eisen, blausaures, 345. 
Eisenbromid, 338. 
Eisenchinin, citronensaures, 345. 
Eisencyaniircyanid, 345. 
Eiseniodiir, 349. 
Eisen, kohlensaures, 371, 376. 
Eisenoxyd, braunes, 376. 



eisenblausaures, 345. 
^ gerbesaures, 379. 

iodwasserstoffsaures, 349. 

kohlensaures, 376. 

milchsaures, 359. 

mit ammoniak, 342. 

salpetersaures, 361. 
Eisenoxydhydrat, 364. 
Eisenoxydul arsensaures, 336. 

arseniksaures, 336. 

blausaures, 345. 



XVill 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Eisenoxydul citronsaures, 341. 

hydriodsaures, 349. 

iodwasserstoffsaures, 610. 

kohlensaures, 364, 376. 

milchsaures, 359. 
Eisenpraparate, 335. 
Eisenzink, blausaures, 695. 
Eisenzinkcyaniir, 695. 
Eleclricitas. See Galvanismus. 

animalis, 392. 

galvanica seu metallica, 393. 
Electricity, galvanic, 392. 

magnetic, 296. 
Electro-magnelismus, iv, 296. 
Electropunctura, 303. 
Electropuncturation, 303. 
Elixir of opium, M'Mimn's, 530. 
Emeta, 309. 
Emetia, 309. 
Emetina, 309. 
Emetium, 309. 
Emetine of the violet, 309. 

indigenous, 309. 
Epurge, 334. 
Ergot, 312. 
Ergota, 312. 
Ergotin, 331. 
Esprit pyroacetique, 645. 
Essigalkohol, 645. 
Essiggeist, 645. 
Essigsaures morphium, 523. 
Ether, acetic, injections of, into the 
Eustachian tube, 440. 

chloric, 196. 

chloric, strong, 207. 

compound, 209. 

hydrocyanic, 60. 

prussic, 60. 

pyroacetic, 645. 

sulphuric, 61. 

sulphurique, 61. 
Etherine, hydrocyanate of, 60. 
Ethyle, cyanuret of, 60. 
Eupatorium huaco, 407. 
Euphorbia lathyris, 334. 
Euphorbie, purgirkorner, 334. 
Exoneurism, 398. 
Extract, alcoholic, of nux vomica, 

538. 
Extractum filis maris, 140. 

nucis vomicse alcoholicum, 538. 

opii aceticum, 526. 

resinosum radicis artemisiae, 111. 
Exlrait alcoholique de noix vo- 
mique, 538. 

de guarana, 569. 

savonneux de Purine, 675. 



Extrakt geistiges der Krahenaugen, 

538. 
Fallkraut, 103. 
Farrenkraut, 381. 

mannlein, 381. 

mannliches, 381. 
Fel bovinum, 708. 

bovis, 708. 

tauri, 708. 
Fer, arseniate de, 336. 

bromure de, 338. 

carbure de, 339. 

citrate de, 341. 

cyanure de, 345. 

deutoxicyanure de, hydrate, 345. 

hydrate, deutocyanure de, 345. 

hydriodate de, 349. 

iodure de, 349. 

lactate de, 359. 

nitrate de, 361. 

preparations de, 335. 

protocarbonate de, 371. 

protoiodure de, 349. 

reduit par hydrogene, 335. 

souscarbonate de, 376. 

tannate de, 379. 

tritohydrocyanate ferrure de, 345. 

tritohydroferro-cyanate de, 345. 

valerianate de, 380. 
Fern, male, 381. 

shield, male, 381. 
Ferri et aluminse sulphas, 711. 

ammonio-citras, 342. 

et ammoniac citras, 342. 

arsenias, 336. 

borussias, 345. 

bromidum, 338. 

carbonas, 371, 376. 

carbonas prsecipitatus, 376. 

carbonas saccharatum, 372. 

carburetnm, 339. 

carburetum nativum, 339. 

citras, 341. 

cyanuretum, 345. 

deuto-carbonas fuscus, 376. 

ferrocyannretum, 345. 

ferro-sesquicyanidum, 345. 

hydriodas, 349. 

hydrobromas, 338. 

iodidnm, 349. 

ioduretnm, 349. 

lactas, 359. 

et magnesias citras, 344. 

nitras^36I. 

nitratis liquor, 361. 

nitrici oxydati liquor, 361. 

oxydi ferrocyanas, 345. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XIX 



Ferri oxydulatum hydrocyanicum, 
345. 

oxydum fuscura, 376. 

oxydum hydratum, 364. 

oxydum rubrum, 376. 

percyanidum, 345. 

pernitras, 361. 

persesquirritratis liquor, 361. 

praeparata, 335. 

protocarbonas, 371. 

prussias, 345. 

pulvis, 335. 

et quiniae citras, 345. 

sesquicyanidum, 345. 

sesquioxidum hydratum. 364. 

sesquioxydum, 364, 376. 

subcarbonas, 376. 

tannas, 379. 

valerianas, 380. 
Ferrugo, 364. 
Ferrum ammoniaco-citricum, 342. 

arseniatum, 336. 

arsenicum oxydulatum, 336. 

borussicum, 345. 

bromatum, 338. 

carbonatum, 364, 376. 

carbonatum praecipitatum, 376. 

carbonicum oxydulatum, 376. 

carbonicum saccfc 

carburetum, 339. 

citricum, 341. 

citricum cum ammoniaco, 342. 

cyanogenatum, 345. 

cyanuretum, 345. 

hydriodatum, 349. 

hydrobromicum oxydatum, 338. 

hydrocyanicum, 345. 

hydroiodicum oxydulatum, 349. 

iodatum, 349. 

lacticum, 359. 

nitratum. 361. 

nitricum oxydatum, 361. 

oxydatum hydratum, 364. 

oxydulatum hydrocyanicum, 345. 

oxydum hydricum, 364. 

perbromatum, 338. 

supercarbu return, 339. 

tannicum, 379. 

valerianicum, 380. 

zooticum. 345. 
Fiel de Bceuf, 708. 
Filix mas, 381. 
Firing, 251. 
Flechtenbitter der Islandischen 

Flechte, 177. 
Fleischkohle, 173. 
Flores Benzoes, 17. 



Flores Benzoini, 17. 
Flowers of Benjamin, 17. 
Formylsuperchlorid, 169. 
Formylsuperiodid, 176. 
Fougere male, 381. 
Fucus amylaceus, 383, 

crispus, 210. 

Irlandicus, 210. 

lichenoides, 383. 
Fuligo, 385. 

fornacum, 385. 

ligui, 385. 

splendens, 385. 
Fuligokali, 389. 
Fumigatio muriatico-oxygenata, 

182. 
Fumigation de chlor, 182. 

de Guyton, 182. 

Guytonienne, 182. 

hygienique, 182. 
Fumigations, Guyton-Morveau, 182. 
Fungus of the larch, 138. 

laricis, 138. 
Galeopsis angustifolia, 390. 

dubia, 390. 

grandiflora, 390. 

ochroleuca, 390. 

prostrata, 390. 

segetum, 390. 

versicolor, 391. 

villosa, 391. 
Gall, ox, 708. 

swine, 708. 
Gallussaure, 20. 
Galvanic brush, 398. 

plates, 393. 

suppository, 399. 
Galvanisation localisee, 397. 
Galvanism, 392. 
Galvanopuncture, 303. 
Gebarpulver, 312. 
Gegenreizung, 245. 
Gentiana chirayita, 399. 
Gerbsaure, 38. 
Gerbestoff, 38. 
GerbestorTblei, 580. 
Gichtthran, 545. 
Gigartina lichenoides, 383. 
GJanzruss, 385. 
Glycerin, 400. 
Glycerina, 400. 

Glyceryle. hydrate of oxide of, 400. 
Glyceryloxyd, 400. 
Glyzenn, 400. 
Goharem, 512. 

Gold and soda, hydrochlorate of, 1 22. 
muriate of, 122. 



XX 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS, 



Gold and sodium, chloride of, 122. 
chlorid, 120. 

chlorid, saures, 120. 

chloride of, 120. 

cyanid, 125. 

cyanide of, 125. 

cyanuret of, 125. 

iodid, 126. 

iodide of, 126. 

iodur, 126. 

ioduret of, 126. 

krystalle, 120. 

metallic, 129. 

metalJisches, 129. 

muriate of, 120. 

natrium-chlorid, 122. 

natrum-chlorid, 122. 

natrum, salzaures, 122, 

nitro-muriate of, 127. 

oxide of, 127. 

oxyd, 127. 

oxyd, blausaures, 125. 

oxyd, hydrochlorsaures, 120. 

oxydirtes, 127. 

oxydiil, salzaures, 120. 

oxynatrium, salzsaures, 122. 

peroxide of, 127. 

praparate, 116. 

preparations of, 116. . 

pulver, 129. 

salpetersalzsaures, 127. 

salz, Figuier's, 122. 

salzsaures, 120. 

saure, 127. 

sodahaltiges, salzaures, 122. 

terchloride of, 120. 

tercyanide of, 125. 
Gondret's counter-irritants, 245. 
Gracilaria lichenoides, 383. 
Granatapfelbaum, 402. 
Granatbaum, 402. 
Granatillol, 561. 
Granatin, 403, 503. 
Granatum, 402. 

Granville's counter-irritants, 245. 
Graphites, 339. 
Green, winter, 179. 
Grenadier, 402. 
Grenadin, 403, 503. 
Guaco, 407. 
Guarana, 569. 
Guarana-samenteig, 569. 
Guncotton, ethereal solution of, 232. 
Gunjah, 166. 
Habbi, 139. 
Hachisch, 166. 
Haemospasia, 712. 



Haemostasis, 713. 
Hagenia Abyssinica, 139. 
Hahnensporn, 312. 
Haloidum oxygenatum, 581. 
Hanf, 164. 

Hanfnessel grossblumigte, 390, 
Harnstoff, 675. 

Harnstoff, salpetersaures, 677. 
Haschisch, 164. 
Haschischine, 166. 
Hazel, beaked, 254. 
Hemospasie, 712. 
Hemostasie, 713. 
Hemp, Indian, 164. 
Henricea pharmacearcha, 399. 
Herba sideritidis, 390. 
Herbe a pisser, 179. 
Herbe Saint Christophe, 212. 
Herbstblume, 223. 
Herbstzeitlose, 223. 
Hippocastanum, 410. 
Hohlzahns, grossbliithige, 390. 
Holzessig, 13. 
Holzessigsaure, 13. 
Holzsaure, 12. 

brenzliche oder brandige, 13. 
Honeybee. 703. 
Honigbiene, 703. 
Hopfenmehl, 718. 
Hopfenstaub, 718. 
Hornblei, 722. 
Hornseed, 3 12. 
Hornsilber, 94. 
Horse chestnut, 410. 
Huaco, 407. 
Huile de foi de poisson, 545. 

de cade, 721. 

de genevrier, 721. 

de morue, 545. 

de pignon d'Inde, 561. 

volatile de moutarde, 559. 
Hundsnessel, gelbe oder grossblii- 
thige, 390. 
Hura Braziliensis, 715. 
Hydrargyri bibromidum, 412. 

bicyanidum, 413. 

biiodatum, 421. 

biniodidum, 421. 

borussias, 413. 

bromidum, 412. 

cyanetum, 413. 

cyanidum, 413. 

cyanuretum, 413. 

deuto-bromidum, 412. 

deuto-ioduretum, 421. 

deutonitras, 427. 

dipernitras, 427. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XXI 



Hydrargyriet arsenici iodidum,429. 
et quinise proto-chloridum, 715. 
hydrocyanas, 413. 
iodidulatura, 418. 
iodidum, 418. 

rubrum, 421. 

nitras, 426. 

nitratum, 426. 

perbromidum, 412. 

periodidum, 420. 

pernitratis liquor, 428. 

praeparata, 412. 

protobromidum, 412. 

proto-iodidum, 418. 

proto-ioduretum, 418. 

protonitras, 426. 

prussias, 412. 

subiodidum, 418. 

supernitras, 427. 
Hydrargyrum biiodalum cum kalio 
iodato, 592. 

biniodidum, 421. 

borussicum, 413. 

bromatum, 412. 

cyanetum,413. 

cyanogenatum, 413. 

hydrocyanicum, 413. 

iodatum, 418. 

cum chlorido mercurii, 

491. 
flavum, 418. 
rubrum, 421. 

iodidum, 418. 

iodidulatum, 418. 

nitricum oxydatum, 427. 

nitricum oxydulatum, 426. 

perbromatum, 412. 

periodatum, 421. 

subiodatum, 418. 

zooticum, 413. 
Hydras ferricus, 364. 
Hydriodas ammonias, 490. 

kalicus, 595. 

lixiviae, 595. 
Hydriodate of ammonia, 490. 

of potassa, 595. 
Hydriodic acid, liquid, 486. 
Hydrobromsaures kali, 585. 
Hydrochloras morphicus, 527. 

chinicus, 612. 
Hydrocyanas kalicus, 588. 

zincicus, 694. 
Hydrocyanather, 60. 
Hydrocyanate of etherine, 60. 
Hydrocyanic ether, 60. 
Hydrocyansaure, 23. 



Hydroiodas kalicus, 595. 

lixivise, 595. 
Hydroiodsaures Eisenoxydul, 349. 
Hypochloris sodicus aqua solutus, 

643. 
Iberis amara, 716. 
Indicum, 432. 
Indicus color, 432. 
fndig, 432. 
Indigo, 432. 
Indigum, 432. 
Infusum picis liquidae, 89. 

picis empyreumaticEe liquids, 89. 
Injections of air, &c. into the Eusta- 
chian tube, 436. 
Iod, 443. 

Iodammonium, 490. 
Iodarsen, 106. 
Iodarsenik, 106. 
lodatherid, 176. 
Iodbaryum, 132. 
Iodblei, 578. 

Iodchlorquecksilber, 492. 
lode, 443. 
Iodeisen, 349. 
Iodetum hydrargyricum, 421. 

hydrargyrosum, 418. 

zinci, 698. 
lodgold, 126. 

Iodhydras kalicus seu potassa?, 595. 
Iodhydrargyrate of ioduret of potas- 
sium, 592. 
Iodhydrargyrite de chlorure mer- 

cureux, 491. 
Iodic acid, 491. 
Iodide of ammonium, 490. 

of arsenic, 106. 

of carbon, 176. 

of chloride of mercury, 491. 

of iron, 349. 

of potassium, 595. 

of quinia, 610. 

of silver, 98. 

of starch, 490. 

of sulphur, 673. 

of zinc, 698. 
Iodidum ammonii, 490. 

amyli, 490. 

argenti, 98. 

arsenici, 106. 

baryi, 132. 

carbonis, 176. 

hydrargyri chloridi, 491. 

hydrargyricum, 421. 

hydrargyrosum, 418. 

plumbi, 575. 

potassii, 595. 



XX11 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Iodidum quinise, 610. 

Iodine, 443. 

lodinum, 443. 

Iodinschwefel, 673. 

Iodium, 443. 

Iodkalium, 595. 

Iodkohlenstoff, 17(5. 

lodkohlenwasserstofT, 176. 

Iodoforma, 176. 

Iodohydrargyrate of potassium, 592. 

of ioduret of potassium, 592. 
Iodquecksilber doppelt, 421. 

gelbes, 418. 

in maximum, 42L 

in minimum 

rothes, 421. 
Iodsaure, 491. 
Todschwefel, 673. 
lodsilber, 98. 
Iodstarke, 490. 
Iodstarkmehl, 490. 
Iodum, 433. 
Iodure d ? amidon, 490. 

de carbon, 176. 

de fer, 349. 

plombique, 578. 

de potassium, 595. 

de quinine, 610. 

de soufre, 673. 

double de mercure et de mor- 
phine, 432. 
Ioduret of quinia, 610. 

of silver, 98. 

of sulphur, 673. 
Ioduretum ammonii, 490. 

arayli, 490. 

argenti, 98. 

arsenici, 106. 

barytii, 132. 

carbonii, 176. 

hydrargyrosum, 418. 

potassicum, 595. 

quiniae, 610. 
IodwasserstofTsaure Schwererde, 

132. 
IodwasserstofFsaures Eisenoxydul, 

349. 
Iron, ammonio-citrate of, 342. 

and alumina, sulphate of, 711. 

and magnesia, citrate of, 344. 

and quinia, citrate of, 345. 

arseniate of, 336. 

bromated or bromide of, 338. 

carbonate of, 371. 

carburet of, 339. 

citrate of, 341. 

citrate of magnetic oxide of, 342. 



Iron, cyanuret of, 345. 

hydriodate of, 349. 

hydrobromate of, 338. 

hydro-oxide of, 364. 

iodated, 349. 

iodide of, 349. 

ioduret of, 349. 

lactate of, 359. 

nitrate of, solution of, 361. 

oxide of, hydrated, 364. 

oxy hydrate of, 364. 

peroxide of, 376. 

peroxide of, hydrated, 364. 

pernitrate of, 361. 

persesquinitrate of, solution of, 
361. 

potassio-citrate of, 342. 

preparations of, 335. 

proto-carbonate of, 371. 

proto-iodide of, 349. 

proto-ioduret of, 349. 

protoxide of, hydriodate of, 349. 

protoxide of, lactate of, 359. 

prussiate of, 345. 

sesquioxide of, 376. 

sesquioxide of, hydrated, 364. 

sodio-citrate of, 342. 

subcarbonate of, 376. 

tritoxide of, hydrated, 364. 

valerianate of, 380. 
Irritamentum metallorum seu me- 

tallicum, 392. 
Johanniswurzel, 381. 
Juglans regia, 493. 
Kabliauthran, 545. 
KahincsB radix, 147. 
Kali blausaures, 588. 

borussicum, 588. 

bromwasserstoffsaures, 585. 

chloricum, 581. 

chlorinicum, 5S1. 

chlorsaures, 5S1. 

cyanwasserstoffsaures, 588. 

elainicum, 641. 

hydriodicum, 595. 

hydriodsaures, 595. 

hydrobromicum, 585. 

hydrobromsaures, 585. 

hydrocyanicum, 588. 

hydroiodat, 595. 

hydroiodinicurn, 595. 

hyperoxygenirt salzsaures, 581. 

iodvvasserstoffsaures, 595. 

iodatum hydrargyratum, 592. 

muriaticum hyperoxygenatum, 
581. 

olsaures, 641. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



xxm 



Kali oxychloricum, 581. 

oxydirt, salzsaures, 581. 

oxymuriaticum, 581. 

salpetersaures, 724. 
Kalii cyanuretum, 588. 

cyanetum, 588. 

cyanidurn, 588. 

iodidum, 595. 
Kaliseife, 641. 
Kalium bromatum, 585. 

bromid, 585. 

bromiir, 585. 

cyanid, 588. 

cyanogenatum, 588. 

cyaniir. 588. 

hydriodatum hydrargyratum, 
592. 

iodatum, 595. 

iodiir, 595. 
Kalk, chlorigsaure, 153. 

oxydirt salzsaures, 153. 
Kalkchlorid, 153. 
Kaminruss, 385. 
Kaniramin, 145. 
Katalpa, 137. 
Katzermaul, 390, 
Kinine, 603. 
Kinini citras, 607. 
Kininum, 603. 
Kinium, 603. 

Klapperschlangenwurzel, 212. 
Klaprothii sulphas, 705. 
Knorpeltang, krauses, 210. 
Kodein, 218. 
Kohle mineralische, 339. 

thierische, 173. 
Kohlenschwefel, fliissiger, 

668. 
KohlenstofTeisen, 339. 
Kohlenstofftrichlorid, 705. 
Kohlensulfurid, 668. 
Konigswallnuss, 493. 
Kosso, 139. 
Kousso, 139. 
Krahenaugen, 538. 
Krahenaugen bitter, 649. 

geistiges, extrakt der, 538. 
KrahenaugenstofF, 649. 
Krauser Tang, 210. 
Kreasot, 255. 
Kreasote, 255. 
Kreasoton, 255. 
Kreasotum, 255. 
Kreosote, 255. 
Krotonol, 561. 
Kubebenpfeffer, 281. 
Kubebin, 282. 



Labarraque's disinfecting liquid, 

163, 643. 
Lactas ferrosus, 359. 
Lactucarium, 496. 
Lathyris, 334. 
Lattichopium, 496. 
Lattigbitter, 496. 
Lattigmilchsaft, 496. 
Lead, black, 339. 

chloride of, 722. 

iodide of, 578. 

ioduret of, 578. 

nitrate of, 723. 

tannate of, 580. 
Leberthran, 545. 
Lemonade, magnesian, 501. 
Lemonjuice, 728. 
Leonurus Janata, 130. 
Leopard's bane, 103. 
Lerschenschwamm, 138. 
Letheon, 61. 
Lettuce opium, 496. 
Leucolein, 716. 
Leukoleinum, 716. 
Liebersche Brust oder Auszeh- 

rungskrauter, 390. 
Lichen carrageen, 210. 
Lime, chloride of, 153. 

chlorinated, 153. 

chlorite of, 153. 

chloruret of, 153. 

hypochlorite of, 153. 

oxymuriate of, 153. 
Limon, sue de, 728. 
Liqueur desinfectante de Labarra- 

que, 163, 643. 
Liquid, disinfecting, Labarraque's, 
163, 643. 

adhesive, Maynard ? s, 232. 
Liquor acidi muriatici oxygenati, 
189. 

alexiterius oxygenatus, 189. 

argenti muriatico ammoniata, 96. 

chlori, 189. 

disinfecting, of Labarraque, 163. 

ferri iodidi, 352. 

ferri nitratis, 361. 

ferri nitrici oxydati, 361. 

ferri persesquinitratis, 361. 

hydrargyri et arsenici iodidi, 430. 

hydrargyri pernitratis, 428. 

hydrargyri supernitratis, 428. 

hydriodatis arsenici et hydrargy- 
ri, 430. 

morphiee citratis, 529. 

natri chloreti, 643. 

opii, 526. 



XXIV 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Liquor opii sedativus, 526. 

sodoe chloridi, 643. 
chlorinatse, 643. 
Lithanthrakokali, 80. 
Lithia, carbonate of, 717. 
Lithiae carbonas, 717. 
Lithine, carbonate de, 717. 
Lithion kohlensaures, 717. 
Lithium, kohlensaures, 717. 
Lithon kohlensaures, 717. 
Lupulin, 718. 
Macrotrys racemosa, 212. 
Magnes, 498. 

Magnesia and iron, citrate of, 344. 
Magnesia, citrate of, 501. 

citronensaures, 501. 
Magnesia? citras, 501. 
Magnesian lemonade, 501. 
Magnesie. citrate de, 501. 
Magnet, 498. 
Magnetes, 498. 
Magnetic electricity, 296. 
Magnetism, animal, 398. 
Magnetstein, 496. 
Malambo, 505. 
Malogranatum, 402. 
Manganese, salts of, 720. 

sulphate of, 718. 
Manganesii sulphas, 718. 
Manganoxydul, schwefelsaures, 

718. 
Manganum sulphuricum oxydula- 

tum, 718. 
Mannastoff, 503. 
Mannazucker, 503. 
Mannite, 503.' 
Mannitum, 503. 
Mannleinwurmtiipfelfarrn, 381. 
Marigold, garden, 150. 

single, 150. 
Marronier, 410. 

d'Inde, 410. 
Matias. 505. 
Matico, 506. 
Matiere de Derosne, 535. 

vomitive, 309. 
Matter of Derosne. 535. 
Meadow saffron, 223. 
Melambo, 505. 
Melini sulphas, 705. 
Mercure, cvanure de, 413. 

deuto-iodure de, 421. 

deuto-nitrate de. 427. 

dipemitrate de, 427. 

hydrocyanate de. 413. 

nitrate acide de, 428. 

nitrate de, 426. 



Mercure, periodure de, 421. 

preparations de, 412. 

protoiodure de, 418. 

protonitrate de, 426. 

prussiate de, 413. 
Mercurii deuto-ioduretum, 421. 

protobromuretum, 412. 

protoioduretum, 418. 
Mercurius hydrocyanicus, 
413. 

nitrosus calide paratus, 427. 

nitrosus frigore paratus, 426. 
Mercury and arsenic, hydriodate of, 
429. 

iodide of, 429. 
" and morphia, iodide of, double, 
432. 

bicyanide of, 413. 

biniodide of, 421. 

bromide of, 412. 

cyanide of, 413. 

deutoiodide of, 42!. 

deutonitrate of, 428. 

dipemitrate of, 428. 

hydrocyanate of, 413. 

iodide of, 418. 

iodide of, red, 421. 

iodide of chloride of, 491. 

iodoarsenite of, 429. 

nitrate of, acid, 428. 

nitrate of suboxide of, 426. 

periodide of, 421. 

preparations of, 412. 

protoiodide of, 418. 

proto-ioduret of, 418. 

protonitrate of, 426. 

prussiate of, 413. 

subiodide of, 418. 

supemitrate of, 428. 

solution of, 428. 
Mere de Seisfle, 312. 
Mesitalkohol, 645. 
Mesitylene, bihydrate of, 645. 
Mesmerism, 398. 
Milchsaure, 36. 
Mixture, Scudamore's, 231. 
Mohnstoff, 516. 
Moleplant, 334. 
Monesia, 512. 
Monesin, 512. 
Moosbitter, 177. 
Moos, carragaheen, 210. 
Moos, Irlandisch, 210. 
Morphei acetas, 523. 
Morpheum. 516. 
Morphia, 516. 

acetate of, 523. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XXV 



Morphia and codeia, muriate of, 531. 

bimeconate of, 530. 

citrate of, 529. 

hydriodate of, 527. 

hydrochlorate of, 527. 

iodhydrate of, 527. 

iodide of iodhydrate of, 527. 

ioduret of, 529. 

muriate of, 527. 

salts of, 516. 

sulphate of, 528. 

tartrate of, 530. 
MorphisB acetas, 523. 

hydriodas, 527- 

hydrochloras, 527. 
Morphii murias, 527. 

sulphas, 528. 
Morphin, 516. 

essigsaures, 523. 

iodwasserstoffsaures, 527. 

salzsaures, 527. 

schwefelsaures, 528. 
Morphina, 516. 
Morphinae acetas, 523. 

bimeconas, 530. 

hydrochloras, 527. 

murias, 527. 

sulphas, 528. 

tartras, 530. 
Morphine, 516. 

acetate of, 523. 

and zinc, double iodide of, 666. 

bimeconate of, 530. 

citrate of, 529. 

et codeine, double muriate de,531. 

hydriodate de, 527. 

hydrochlorate de, 527. 

iodhydrate de, 527. 

muriate of, 527. 

sels de, 516. 

sulphate of, 528. 

tartrate of, 530. 
Morphinsalze, 516. 
Morphinum, 516. 
Morphium, 516. 

acetat, 523. 

aceticum, 523. 

essigsaures, 523. 

hydrochlorsaures, 527. 

muriaticum, 527. 

salzsaures, 527. 

schwefelsaures, 528. 

sulphat, 528. 

sulphuricum, 528. 
Mort aux chiens, 223. 
Moss, carageen, 210. 

Ceylon, 383. 



Moss, corrigeen, 210. 

edible, 383. 

Irish, 210. 

Jaffna, 383. 

marine, 383. 
Mousse d'Irlande, 210. 

perlee, 210. 
Moxa, 531. 
Moxiburium, 531. 
Moxibustion, 531. 
Mugwort, 108. 
Murias aurico-nitricum, 127. 

morphicus, 527. 

zincicus, 688. 
Muriate d'or, 120. 
Murid, 141. 
Muride, 141. 
Murigene, 182. 
Murin, 141. 
Murine, 141. 
Mustardseed oil, 559. 
Mutterkorn, 312. 
Nadelstich, 51. 
Naphtha, 645. 

phosphorata, 544. 

sulphurica, 61. 

vitriol, 61. 

wood, 645. 
Naphthalin, 720. 
Naphthaline, 720. 
Narcotina, 535. 

muriate of, 535. 
Narda celtica altera, 103. 
Narkotin, 535. 
Natrium-gold-chlorid, 122. 
Natriumplatinchlorid, 578. 
Natron phosphorsaures, 728. 
Natronwasser, oxydirt salzsaures, 

643. 
Nattum chloratum, 643. 

chloricum, 643. 

chlorsaures, 643. 

oxydirt oder hyperoxygenirt salz- 
saures, 643. 

oxymuriaticum, 643. 
Navelwort, 707. 
Nephrine, 675. 
Nephrodium filix mas, 381. 
Neurogamia, 398. 
Nierenfarrn, mannlicher } 381. 
Niesswurzstoff, 678. 
Nitras ferricus, 361. 

hydrargyricus, 427. 

hydrargyricus acido nitrico solu- 
tus, 428. 

hydrargyrosus, 426. 

plumbicus, 723. 



XXVI 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Nitre, 724. 

Nitro-muriatic mixture, 187. 
Nitrum satuminum, 723. 
Noix vomique, 538. 

extrait alcoolique de, 538. 
Nombril de Venus, 707. 
Noyer, 493. 
Nussbaum, 493. 
Nux vomica, 538. 

alcoholic extract of, 538. 
Ochsengalle, 708. 
Oelsiiss, 400. 
Ofenruss, 385. 
Oil of bitter almonds, 81. 

cod. 545. 

codliver, 545. 

croton, 561. 

of mustard seed, 559. 
Oleum aethereum riorum arnicae, 103. 

aethereum seminum sinapis, 559. 

cadinum, 721. 

crotonis, 561. 

euphorbias lathyridis, 334. 

jecoris aselli, 545. 

juniperi empyreumaticum, 721. 

morrhuas, 545. 

ricini officinale, 566. 

seminis crotonis, 561. 

sinapis. 559. 

tiglii, 561. 

vitrioli dulce, 61. 

volatile seminum sinapis, 559. 
Opiane, 585. 
Opiumalkaloid, 516. 

lettuce, 496. 
Opiumsalz, Derosne'sches, 535. 
Or, chlorure d' 120. 

cyanure d', 125. 

divise, 129. 

oxide de, 127. 

et de sodium chlorure d', 122. 
I et soude, hydrochlorate d ? , 122. 

et soude, muriate d', 122. 

metallique, 129. 

muriate d', 122. 

nitromuriate d', 127. 

oxide d', 129. 

preparations d', 116. 

protoiodure d', 126. 
Oxide d'argent, 99. 
Oxidum ferricum hydratum, 364. 
Oxydirtes silber, 99. 
Oxydirt-salzsaures natronwasser, 

643. 
Oxydum argenti, 99. 
Oxyhydrocarburetum exoleo pyrox- 
ilico paratum, 255. 



Panacea lapsorum, 103. 
Papaverinum, 218. 
Pariser blau. 345. 
Passerage, 716. 

Pasta seminum paulliniae, 569. 
Pate de guarana, 569. 
Paullinia, 569. 
Perlmoos Irlandisch, 210. 
PfefferstofT, 572. 
Pferdekastanie, 410. 
Pferdekeste, 410. 
Phloiorrhizina, 571. 
Phloridzin, 571. 
Pierre d'aimant, 498. 
Pigmentum indicurn, 432. 
Pills, Blaud's, 373. 

ferruginous, of Vallet, 372. 
Piper angustifolium, 506. 

caudatum, 281. 

cubeba, 281. 

elongatum, 506. 
Piperin, 281, 572. 
Piperina, 572. 
Pipsissewa, 179. 
Piscidia erythrina. 722. 
Platina, bichloride of, 577. 

muriatica, 577. 

muriatica natronata, 578. 

perchloride of, 577. 

preparations of, 575. 
Platinae chloridum, 577. 
Platinchlorid, 577. 
Platine, bichlorure de, 577. 

et sodium, chlorure double de, 578. 

perchlorure de, 577. 

preparations de, 575. 
Platini bichloridum, 577. 

perchloridum, 577. 

preeparata, 575. 
Platinoxyd, salzsaures, 577. 
Platinpraparate, 575. 
Platinum, 575. 

bichloratum, 577. 

bichloride of, 577. 

chloride of, 577. 

perchloride of, 577. 

and sodium, double chloride of, 

578. 
Plocaria Candida, 383. 
Plomb, chlorure de ; 722. 

iodure de, 578. 

nitrate de, 723. 

tannate de, 580. 
Plombagine, 339. 
Plumbago, 339. 
Plumbi chloridum, 722. 

hydriodas, 578. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XXV11 



Plumbi iodhydras, 578. 

iodidum, 578. 

ioduretura, 578. 

nitras ; 723. 

tannas, 580. 
Plumbum iodatum, 578. 

hydroiodicum, 578. 

nigrum, 339. 

nitricum, 723. 

scytodepsicum, 580. 

tannicum, 580. 
Poison nut, 538. 
Poivre a queue, 281. 
Polypodium fllix mas, 381. 
Polyporus officinalis, 138. 
Polystichum filix mas, 381. 
Pomegranate, 402. 
Potassa, arsenite of, 105. 

chlorate of, 581. 

hydrocyanate of, 588. 

hydriodate of, 595. 

ioduretted, 598. 

hydrobromate of, 585. 

hyperoxymuriate of, 581. 

nitrate of, 724. 

oxymuriate of, 581. 
Potassae bromhydras, 585. 

chloras, 581. 

cyanhydras, 588. 

euchloras, 581. 

hydriodas, 595. 

hydrobromas, 585. 

hydrocyanas, 588. 

murias hyperoxygenatum, 581. 

murias oxygenatum, 581. 

nitras, 724. 
Potasse, bromure de, 585. 

chlorate de, 581. 

hydriodate de, 595. 

iodure de, 595. 

nitrate de, 724. 
Potassii bromidum, 585. 

cyanidum, 588. 

cyanuretum, 588. 

hydrargyro-ioditfum, 592. 

iodidum, 595. 

iodohydrargyras, 592. 

ioduretum, 595. 

oxygeno-chloruretum, 581. 

proto-hydriodas, 595. 

protoxidi hydriodas, 595. 
Potassium, bromide of, 585. 

cyanide of, 588. 

cyanuret of, 588. 

dihydrargyro-biniodide of, 592. 

hydrargyro-iodide of, 592. 

iodide of, 595. 



Potassium, iodohydrargyrate of, 592. 

ioduret of iodohydrargyrate of,592. 

ioduret of, 595. 

protoxide of, chlorate of, 581. 
Potio picea, 89. 
Poudre de blanchement, 153. 

de Tennant, 153. 
Powder, bleaching, Tennant's, 153. 
Preta, raiz, 147. 
Principium adstringens, 33. 

scytodephicum, 38. 
Prussiate de potasse et de fer, 345. 
Pseudoangusturinum, 145. 
Ptarmica montana, 103. 
Pulvis ad fumigationes muriaticas, 

182. 
Punica granatum, 402. 
Purgirkorner-Euphorbie, 334. 
Pyrola umbellata, 179. 
Pyrola corymbosa, 179. 
Pyrole en ombelle, 179, 
Quecksilber, blausaures, 413. 

bromid. 412. 

bromiir, 412. 

cyanid, 413. 

deuto-bromur, 412. 

deuto-iodiir, 421. 

deuto-iodiir des, 421. 

iodid, 418, 421. 

iodid. gelbes, 418. 

iodidul, 418. 

iodiir, 418. 

oxyd, blausaures, 413. 

oxydul, salpetersaures, 426. 

praparate, 412. 

proto-iodiir des, 418. 

proto-bromure des, 412. 
Quecksilberiodidkalium, 592. 

salpetersaures, kaltbereitetes,426. 
heissbereitetes,427. 
Quillaia, 512. 
Quina, 603, see Quiniae. 

acetica, 605. 

citrica, 607. 
Quinia, 603, (for its salts see Qui- 
nine.) 
Quiniae acetas, 605. 

arsenias, 606. 

arsenis, 607. 

citras, 607. 

et cinchoniae tannas, 635. 

ferrocyanas, 608. 

hydriodas, 610. 

iodidum, 610. 

lactas, 611. 

murias, 612. 

nitras, 613. 



XXV111 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Quiniae phosphas, 613. 

sulphas, 614. 

impurus, 636. 

valerianas, 633. 
Quinin, 603. 
Quinina, see Quinine. 
Quinine, 603. 

acetate of, 605. 

amorphous, 637. 

arseniate of, 606. 

arsenite of, 607. 

brute, 604. 

citrate of, 607. 

disulphate of, 614. 

extract of, 636. 

ferrocyanuret of, 608. 

hydriodate of, 610. 

iodide of, 610. 

iodide of iodhydrate of, 611. 

lactate of, 611. 

muriate of, 612. 

nitrate of, 613. 

phosphate of, 613. 

sulphate of, 614. 

valerianate of, 633. 

and cinchonine, tannate of, 635. 

and iron, hydriodate of, 611. 
Quininum, 603. 
Quiniodine, 636. 
Quinium, 603. 

aiz crusadin 

preta, 147. 
Reissblei, 339. 
Resina chinae praeparata, 636. 
Rindsgalle, 703. 
Ringelblume, 150. 
Rochenleberthran, 546. 
Rosscastanien, 410. 
Rosskeste, 410. 
Russ, 385. 
Russkali, 389. 
Rye, corned, 312. 

spurred, 312. 
Sabadillina, 678. 
Saccharum mannae, 503. 
Safran batard, 212. 

de mars aperitif, 376. 

des pres, 223. 

wilder, 223. 
Saffron, meadow, 223. 
Saint Christophe, herbe, 212. 
Sal essentiale corticis Peruviani,603, 
Salicina, 637. 
Salicinum, 637. 
Salpetersaure, 701. 
Salt of Derosne, 531. 
Salzsaure, dephlogistisirte oder oxy- 
dirte, 189. 



Salzaure ubersaure, 189. 
Salzsaures silberammonium, 95. 
Sanicula Manlandica, 726. 
Sanicle, 726. 
Sanicle, Maryland, 726. 
Sapo domesticus mollis, 641. 

ex oleo et potassa confectus, 641. 

elainicus, 641. 

kalicus, 641. 

mollis, 641. 

niger, 641. 

viridis, 641. 
Satzmehliodur, 490. 
Sauerdornbitter, 136. 
Savon a base de potasse, 641. 

mou, 641. 

noir, 641. 
ScheePsches suss, 400. 
Schmierseife, 641. 

griine, 641. 
Schwanzpfeffer, 281. 
Schwarzkorn, 312. 
Schwefelather, 61. 
Schwefelalcohol, 668. 
Schwefeliodiir, 673. 
Schwefelkohlenstoff, 668. 
Schwererde, iodwasserstoffsaure, 

132. 
Schwindelkorner, 281. 
Scorodite, 336. 
Scudamore's mixture, 231. 
Secale clavatum, 312. 

cornutum, 312. 

luxurians, 312. 
Secalis cerealis, semina monstrosa, 
312. 

mater, 312. 
Seemoos, Irlandisch, 210. 

geperltes, 210. 
Seetang, 210. 
Seife, kali, 641. 

schwarz, 641. 
Seigle cornu ou corrompu, 212. 

a eperon, 312. 

ivre, 312. 

noir, 312. 

ergote, 312. 

faux, 312. 
Sel de Derosne, 531. 

de Gregory, 531. 

essentiel d'opium, 531. 
Senlol atherisches. 559. 
Serpentaria, cimicifuga, 212. 
Serpentaria? Braziliensis radix, 147. 
Sidhee, 166. 
Silberammonium, salzsaures, 95. 

chloriir, 94. 

iodiir, 98. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XXIX 



Silberammoniumoxyd, 99. 

oxyd, cyansaures, 97. 

oxydirtes, 99. 

praparate, 92. 

salraiak, 95. 

salzsaures, 94. 

zertheiltes, 101. 
Silver, ammonio-chloride of, 95. 

chloride of, 94. 

ckloruret of, 94. 

cyanide of, 97. 

cyanuret of, 97. 

iodide of, 98. 

ioduret of, 98. 

metallic, 101. 

muriate of, 94. 

and ammonia, chloride of, 95. 
chloruret of, 95. 

preparations of, 92. 
Sinapis oleum, 559. 
Sipeerine, 133. 
Snake root, black, 212, 726. 
Soap, soft, 641. 
Soda, arseniate of, 105. 

chlorinata, 643. 

chloruret of, 643. 

chlorite of, 643. 

hypochlorite of, 643. 

hyposulphite of, 727. 

phosphate of, 728. 
Sodae chloridum, 643. 

chloruretum. 643. 

hyposulphis, 727. 

oxymurias, 643. 

phosphas, 728. 
Sodii auri-terchloridum, 122. 

chloroplatinas, 578. 
Sodium, auro-terchloride of, 122. 

chloroplatinate of, 578. 

chlorure d'oxide de, 643. 
Soldier's weed, 506. 
Solutio alexiteria oxygenata, 189. 

chlorinii, 189. 

ferri nitratis, 361. 
Solution of chlorine, 189. 

Goindet's, 597. 

de Pearson, 105. 

Donovan's, 429. 

Fowler's, 105. 

Lugol's, 489, 598. 

of nitrate of iron, 361. 

of persesquinitrate of iron, 361. 
Soot, 385. 
Souci, 150. 

ordinaire, 150. 
Soude, chlorure de, 643. 

hyposulfite de, 727. 



Soude, phosphate de, 728. 

sulfite sulfure de, 727. 
Soufre carbure, 668. 

iodure, 673- 
Species pro vaporibus superoxydi 

muriatici, 182. 
Sphserococcus crispus, 210. 

lichenoides, 383. 
Spicanard, 729. 
Spiegelruss, 385. 
Spinnblume, 223. 
Spirit, pyro-acetic, 645. 
Spiritus pyro-aceticus, 645. 

salis marini dephlogisticatus, 182, 
Sponsa solis, 150. 
Springkraut, kleines, 334. 
Spur, the, 312. 
Spurge, caper, 334. 

garden, 334. 
Starch, iodide of, 490. 
Starkmehliodiir, 490. 
Steinkohlenkali, 82. 
Stephensia elongata, 506. 
Stinkstoff, 141. 
Stockflschleberthran, 545. 
Stockung des Blutes in der Gefas- 

sen, 713. 
Strychna, 649. 
Strychnia, 649. 

acetate of, 664. 

hydriodate of, 665. 

iodate of, 665. 

iodide of iodhydrate of, 666. 

nitrate of, 667. 

sulphate of, 668. 
Strychnia and zink, double iodide 

of, 666. 
Strychnin, 645. 

acetat, 664. 

essigsaures, 664. 

iodsaures, 665. 

iodwasserstoffsaures, 665. 

nitrat, 667. 

salpetersaures, 667. 

schwefelsaures, 668. 

sulphat, 668. 
Strychnine, see Strychnia, 
Strychninum, 645. 

aceticum, 664. 

iodicum, 665. ' 

nitricum, 667. 

sulphuricum, 668. 
Strychnium, 645. 
Subjee, 166. 
Succus limonis, 728. 
Suffitus chlorini, 182. 

oxymuriaticus, 182. 



XXX 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



Sugar of manna, 503. 
Suie, 3^5. 

Sulfure de carbon, 668. 
Sulphas cadmicus, 705. 

manganosus, 718. 

morphicus, 528. 

quinicus, 614. 
Sulphur, iodide of, 673. 
Sulphuret of carbon, 668. 
Sulphuretum carbonii, 668. 
Sulphuris carburetum, 668. 

iodidum, 673. 

iodu return, 673. 
Sumbuli radix, 729. 
Sumbul root, 729. 
Sumbulwurzel, 729. 
Superchloridum formylicum, 196. 
Suppository, galvanic, 399. 
Swertia chirayita, 399. 
Tabac de Montagne, 103. 

des Savoyards, 103. 

des Vosges, 103. 
Tang, krauser, 210. 
Tannas chinii seu cinchonicus seu 

quinicus, 635. 

plumbi, 580. 
Tannic acid, 38. 
Tannicum, 38. 
Tannin, 38. 
Tanninum, 38. 
Tar water, 89. 
Tellurismus, 398. 
Terra aluminis, 101. 

aluminosa pura, 101. 

argillacea pura, 101. 

bolaris, 101. 

sigillata, 101. 
The de seigle noirci des sages-fem- 

mes Americaines, 312. 
Theervvasser, 89. 
Thierkohle, 173. 
Thonerde, gereinigte, 101. 

reine, 101. 
Thonerdensalze, 74. 
Thridace, 496. 
Tithymalus latifolius, 334. 
Todtenblume, 150. 
Tue-chien, 223. 
Ulva crispa, 210. 
Urea, 675. 

nitrica, 677. 
Ureag nitras, 677. 
Uree, 675. 

nitrate de, 677. 
Uricum, 675. 
Ussacu, 715. 
Ustilago, 312. 



Vallet's ferruginous pills, 372. 
Vauquelin, 645. 
Veratria, 678. 

sulphate of, 687. 
Veratrin, 678. 
Veratrina, 678. 
Veratrium, 678. 
Verrucaria, 150. 
Vieillotte, 223. 
Vinaigre de bois, 13. 
Violine, 309. 
Volta ; sche E 
Voltaism, 392. 
Vomicina, 145. 
Vomic nut, 538. 

Wachholder-oel, brenzliches, 721. 
Wallnussbaum, 493. 
Walnut tree, 493. 
Walschennuss, 493. 
Wasser, Bineliisch.es, 82. 

Brocchierisches, 84. 

oxydirt, salzsaures, 189. 
Wasserstoffblausaure, 23. 
Water, Binelii, 82. 

of bitter almonds, 80. 

Brocchieri, 84. 

tar, 89. 
Weed, soldier's, 506. 
Weidenbitter, 637. 
WeidenstofF, 637. 
"Weisensafran, 223. 
Winter green, 179. 
Wintergrun, 179. 

holdenbluthigen, 179. 
Wismuth, valeriansaures, 704. 
Wohlverlei, 103. 

blumenol, 104. 
Wohlverleiol, 104. 
Wolfstrapp, wolliger, 130. 
Woodsoot, 385. 
Yerba del Soldada, 506. 
Zeitlose, 223. 

Zinc and morphia, double iodide of, 
698. 

and strychnia, double iodide of, 
666, 

butter of, 688. 

chloride of, 688. 

cyanuret of, 694. 

ferrocyanuret of, 695. 

ferrohydrocyanate of, 695. 

hydrochlorate of, 688. 

hydrocyanate of, 694. 

iodide of, 698. 

muriate of, 688. 

prussiate of, 694. 
Zinci butyrum, 688. 



ALPHABETICAL CONTENTS. 



XXXI 



Zinci chloridum, 688. 

chloruretum, 688. 

cyanhydras, 694. 

cyanidum, 694. 

cyanuretum, 694. 

ferrocyanuretum, 695. 

ferrohydrocyanas, 695. 

iodidum, 698. 

ioduretum, 698. 

valerianas, 699. 
Zincum borussicum, 694. 

chloratum, 688. 

cyanogenatum, 694. 

ferrohydrocyanicum, 695. 

hydrocyanicum, 694. 

iodatum, 698. 

muriaticum oxydatum, 688. 

salitum, 688. 



Zincum valerianicum, 698. 

zooticum, 699. 
Zink, baldriansaures, 699. 
Zinkbutter, 688. 
Zinkchlorid, 688. 
Zinkchloriir, 688. 
Zink, chlorwasserstoffsaures, 688. 
Zinkcyaniir, 695. 
Zinkeisenblausaures, 695. 
Zinkeisencyaniir ; 694. 
Zinkiodur, 698. 

Zinkoxyd, eisenoxydul, blausaures, 
695. 

salzsaures, 688. 

valeriansaures, 699. 
Zinkoxydul ; blausaures, 695. 
Zink, salzsaures, 688. 
Zoomagnetismus, 398. 



NEW REMEDIES. 



I. AC'IDUM ACE'TICUM EMPYREUMAT'ICUM. 

Synonymes. Acidum pyro-aceticum seu Ligni pyro-oleosum seu pyrolig- 

nosum seu pyroxylicum, Acetum ligneum seu pyrolignosum seu lignorum 

empyreumaticum, Pyroligneous, and Pyrolignic acid. 
French. Acide pyro-acetique, A. pyrolignique, A. pyroligneux, Vinaigre de 

bois. 
German. Bjrenzliche oder brand ige H ol zsau re ; Holzsaure; 

Holzessig; Holzessigsaure. 

Pyroligneous acid, although brought much into notice — revived 
as it were — in recent times, is by no means the product of those 
times exclusively. The cedria, with which the Egyptians em- 
balmed the bodies of the dead, it is presumed, was identical with 
it. Pliny recommends cedria, or the oil of tar, got from the 
cedar, in toothach, 1 and Galen unites with him. 3 The virtues of 
pyroligneous acid are often also referred to by Boerhaave. 3 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Pyroligneous acid is prepared in chemical laboratories by the 
dry distillation of wood, especially of hard wood, which is placed 
in an iron retort heated to redness. First of all, there passes 
over a light brown or greenish fluid, which contains some empy- 
reumatic oil; to this succeeds the pyroligneous acid, which is 
formed during distillation. If the distillation be continued, more 
empyreumatic oil passes over, and lastly tar. 

The chief constituent of pyroligneous acid is vinegar, which 
can be deprived of its empyreumatic constituents by rectification 
with fine porous animal charcoal. Besides vinegar, it contains 
empyreumatic oil (pyrelain ;) empyreumatic resin (jpyrretin,) a 
peculiar matter containing nitrogen, and similar to an extract (em- 
pyreumatic extract,) and spirit of tar (spiritus pyrolignicus.) 
Reichenbach discovered in it the new substance, creasote, 4 which 
seems to be the most important ingredient, — its medicinal efficacy 
appearing to be dependent upon that substance. 

Impure pyroligneous acid is of a brownish colour, and of an acid 
smoky smell and taste. This is the preparation which is gene- 

1 Hist. Nat. xxxiv. 11. 

4 De Simpl. Medic. Facult. lib. vii. See Cormack on Creasote, p. 59. Edinburgh, 
1836. »P ■ 8 

3 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel. u. s. w. S. 6, Stuttgart, 1837. 
* See the article Creasote. 

2 



14 ACIDUM ACETICUM EMPYREUMATICUM. 

rally used externally ; but, by chemical means, the acid may be 
purified so as to furnish the acidum aceticum empyreumaticum 
rectiftcatum. This differs from impure pyroligneous acid in con- 
taining less empyreumatic resin and extract, and creasote. The 
London College, again, prepare from it a stronger acid, — the 
acidum aceticum fortius, — which is extremely volatile and pun- 
gent, and is used as a revellent. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

From experiments instituted on animals, it would appear, that 
the administration of pyroligneous acid in large doses occasions 
vomiting of a considerable quantity of frothy fluid, having a strong 
odour of the acid; tremors of the limbs; convulsions; tetanus; pro- 
trusion of the eyes; insensibility; paralysis of the limbs; dyspnoea; 
croupy cough; hoarseness, &c. The death of the animal super- 
venes with symptoms of suffocation, and the fatal termination is 
often rapidly induced. Inspection after death exhibits manifest 
venous congestion in the brain, spinal marrow, lungs, liver, and 
spleen, and in the right side of the heart, — with, at times, in- 
flammation of the stomach. According to Berres, it occasions 
marked narcotic effects. In by no means considerable doses, he 
found it to cause violent pain in the stomach and bowels, nausea 
and vomiting, general weakness, heaviness, vertigo, convulsions, 
and even death, without exhibiting any decided effect upon the 
vascular system. In smaller doses, it is said to produce a sensa- 
tion of burning in the stomach, and after a time to quicken the 
pulse, and augment the cutaneous and renal depurations. Others 
— and the best observers, we think — deny it any narcotic pro- 
perties. 1 

As an antiseptic, its efficacy is undoubted, and this has been long 
known. Creasote is, doubtless, a main agent in producing this 
result; and wherever the administration of creasote is indicated, 
the use of pyroligneous acid may be proper. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
Possessed of the properties described above, pyroligneous acid 
was at once suggested in cases of gangrene and sphacelus, in 
which it was successfully used, as well as in cachectic conditions 
brought on by the misuse of mercury, and in herpetic, flabby, 
fungous, and sloughing ulcers, in porrigo, and in toothach pro- 
duced by caries — the acid being dropped upon cotton and applied 
to the hollow^ tooth. In most of these cases, it was generally ex- 
hibited both internally and externally. Numerous experiments 
have been made with it in various affections by different observers; 
but its use has been more especially extolled in cases of gangrene. 
in which it corrects fcetor, and promotes the separation of the dead 

1 Richter's Specielie Therapie, S. 25p. Berlin, 1 828. 



ACIDUM ACETICUM EMPYREQMATICUM. 15 

parts. 1 The physicians of the Berlin Charite experimented with 
it in cases of sloughing gangrenous sores, with such success, that 
they pronounced it an antiseptic of the highest order. 2 Besides the 
cases mentioned, it has been advised, mixed with white of egg, in 
excoriated nipples, 3 in cancerous and scrofulous affections, 
in cancrum oris, by Berres, Klaatsch, Heim and Romberg: in 
mercurial salivation by Schneider; in caries of the bones, and as 
a gargle in scarlet fever by Barth. It has, moreover, been re- 
commended by Buchanan 4 in deafness caused by deficient secre- 
tion of the cerumen of the ear, and in discharges of an offensive 
character from the meatus auditorius, as well as from other 
outlets ; in chronic inflammation of the tarsal edges of the 
eyelids; in scabies; mfavus by Berres and Wigan ; in toot bach by 
Berres. In gastromalacia it has been. recommended by Pitschaft 5 
and Teufel; 6 in phthisis by Harless, and in dropsy, diarrhoea, 
putrid nervous fevers, &c, by Ampach ; 7 and in scorbutus by 
Berres, 8 yet, as was before remarked, it is rarely employed in- 
ternally: indeed both externally and internally, it has been greatly 
supplanted by creasote. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The inequality in the strength of the preparation renders it diffi- 
cult to fix upon any precise dose. Of the impure pyroligneous acid, 
Sachs administered from five to thirty drops, three or four times 
a day, in simple or aromatic water. 

Externally, it is applied both in a pure and dilute state; in the 
former case to ulcers, by means of a pencil, several times in the 
day. It is generally diluted with simple water: but in cases of 
cancrum oris, sugared water has commonly formed the diluent. It 
is also applied at times in the way of cataplasm. As a ivash in 
porrigo, and as an injection, it may be diluted with six or eight 
parts of water; as a collyrium, the proportion may be one part 
of the acid to twelve of water, and it may be employed, of about 
the same strength, as a gargle. 

Heim has recommended the following application in cancrum 
oris. 

1 T. Y. Simons, in American Journal of the Medical Sciences, vol. v. 
3 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 9. 

3 Bursharat, in Gazette Medicale, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences. Feb. 
1833, p. 503. 

4 Illustrations of Acoustic Surgery, Lond. 1825. 

5 Med. Chirurg. Zeitung, iNo. 7, 1825. 

6 Annal. fur die gesammte Helkund. unter der Redact, d. Mitglied. der Badensch. 
S'anitatsk. 2ter Jahrg. 1825. 

7 Rust's Magazin, B.xvi. H. 2. S.353, and Richter,Op.cit. B.x. S. 257, Berlin. 1828. 

8 Aschenbreuner, Die neueren Arzneimittel und Arzneibereitungsformen u.s. w. S. 7. 
Erlargen, 1848. 



16 ACIDUM ACETICUM EMPYREUMATICUM. 

Mel acidi acetici empyreumatiei. 

Honey of pyroligneous acid. 
R. Acid. acet. empyreum. crud. f giss. 
Mellis rosas ^j. M. 

To be applied by means of a pencil. 

Buchanan advises the following form of injection in cases of 
purulent discharges from the meatus auditorius. 

Injectio acidi acetici empyreumatiei. 

Injection of pyroligneous acid. 

R. Acid, acetic, empyreum. f gij. 
Aquae destillatse f £vj. M. 
Fiat injectio bis die utenda. 

The following drops he recommends in cases where the ceru- 
men is deficient in quantity. 

Guttffi acidi acetici empyrcumatici. 

Drops of pyroligneous acid. 
R. Acidi acet. empyreum. crud. 
Olei. terebinth, rectif. 
Sp. aetheris sulphur, comp. aa. partes sequales. M. 

Two drops of this compound are to be dropped every night into 
the meatus auditorius. 

Cataplasma acidi acetici empyreumatiei. 

Cataplasm of pyroligneous acid. 
R. Furfur, ftss. 

Lin. pulv. j§j. M. bene et adde 

Acid, acetic, empyreum. crud. q. s. ut fiat cataplasma. 

To be applied to foul ulcers. 

Linimentum acidi acetici empyreumatiei. 

Liniment of pyroligneous acid. 

R. Acid. acet. empyreum. ^ss. 
Myroxyl. gij. 
Viteli. ovi q. s. ut flat linimentum. 

To be applied on lint three times a day to sloughs and ulcers. 

Collutorium acidi acetici empyreumatiei. 

Mouth-ivash of pyroligneous acid. 
R. Acid. acet. empyreum. rectif. f ^ss. 
Aquae cinnamomi f ?iv. 
Syrup, mori f ^ij. M. 

Phobus advises this as a wash for the mouth in cases of cancrum 
oris. It should be kept in a glass vessel covered with black paper 
to prevent decomposition. 



ACIDUM BENZOICUM. 17 



II. ACIDUM BENZOICUM. 

Synonymes. Acidum Benzoicum per sublimationem, Flores Benzoes seu 

Benzoini, Benzoic Acid, Flowers of Benjamin. 
French. Acide Benzoique. 
German. Benzoesaure. 

Benzoic acid exists in the various balsamic substances, as ben- 
zoin, storax, tolu balsam, &c. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

In pharmacy it is obtained from benzoin by sublimation. The 
following process is given in the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia 
of the United States (1842.) Take of benzoin, in coarse powder, 
a pound. Put the benzoin, previously thoroughly mixed with an 
equal weight of fine sand, into a suitable vessel, and, by means of 
a sand bath, with a gradually increasing heat, sublime until vapours 
cease to rise. Deprive the sublimed matter of oil, by pressure on 
bibulous paper, and again sublime. 

A superior method, according to Messrs. Ballard and Garrod,' 
is to boil the benzoin in powder with hydrate of lime, so as to 
form a benzoate of lime, which is dissolved in the water, while the 
resin remains combined with the lime in the form of an insoluble 
compound. Muriatic acid being added to the filtered liquid, the 
benzoic acid is set free, and crystallizes on cooling. 

Benzoic acid, obtained by the process of the Pharmacopoeia of 
the United States, is in white feathery crystals, of an agreeable 
odour, fusible, wholly volatilizable if cautiously heated, and sparingly 
soluble in cold water, more so in boiling water, which deposits it 
on cooling; very soluble in alcohol, and readily dissolved by solu- 
tion of potassa, from which it is precipitated by chlorohydric acid. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
In another work 2 the author has remarked': — "The therapeuti- 
cal action of benzoic acid is doubtless excitant, and it has been 
imagined by Dr. Pereira 3 and others, that its influence is princi- 
pally directed to the mucous surfaces, and especially to the aerian 
membrane. " The author has no reason for believing in this affi- 
nity, and such would appear to be the general feeling of the pro- 
fession, as it is now scarcely used except in one or two prepa- 
rations, in which it seems to be retained only from old prepossessions 
and associations. Of late years, however, it has been introduced 
for a special purpose, and on this account is noticed here. In a 
paper communicated by Mr. A. Ure to the Medico-chirurgical So- 
ciety, January 7th, 1841, 4 he stated, that when a certain portion 

1 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. p. 275, Loud. 1845. 

3 General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, 4th edit. 1, 236. Philad. 1850. 

3 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 2d Amer. edit. 1, 373. Phila. 1846. 

4 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, July 17, 1841. 



18 ACIDUM BENZOICUM. 

of benzoic acid or of a soluble benzoic salt is introduced into the 
stomach, the urine, in the course of a couple of hours, is found, 
upon adding a portion of muriatic acid, to yield a copious precipi- 
tate of beautiful rose pink acicular crystals of hippuric acid. In 
pursuing his investigations farther, he ascertained, that no trace 
whatever of uric acid or of any of its salts could be discovered in 
the urine in question. It had been wholly superseded by the hip- 
puric; and as the salts, which this acid forms with the ordinary 
bases occurring in the animal fluids, as soda, ammonia and potassa, 
are all of easy solubility, Mr. Ure inferred, that in benzoic acid 
we have an agent of great value in the uric acid diathesis : and 
he affirmed, that " the application of the above principle had proved 
of material benefit in the treatment of certain unhealthy conditions 
of the urine occurring in subjects of a calculous or gouty diathesis ; 
since it enabled the practitioner to obviate entirely the various de- 
positions resulting from excess of uric acid, the fruitful source of 
that most distressing malady, stone in the bladder ; as also to con- 
trol and prevent the formation of the so called tophaceous concre- 
tions or chalkstones, which occasion so much inconvenience, defor- 
mity and pain to individuals labouring under gout." 

The statement of Mr. Ure attracted the attention of chemists, 
whose observations did not however confirm the inference, that 
the hippuric acid was formed at the expense of the uric acid in the 
urine, 1 although they established, that the benzoic acid was con- 
verted into the hippuric. 3 Neither, therefore, in the uric acid 
diathesis, nor in cases of the formation of gouty or tophaceous de- 
posits, the chief constituent of which is generally urate of soda, 
can the administration of benzoic acid be of service, and its ineffi- 
ciency in these diseases is now admitted ; 3 but from its power of 
causing increased acidity of the urine, it has been considered to 
slightly stimulate the mucous membrane of the urinary organs, and 
has been found useful in catarrh of the bladder, and in cases where 
there exists a secretion of granular mucus mixed with phosphates.* 

The suggestions of Mr. Ure, in regard to the action of ben- 
zoic acid on the urates, induced Dr. Walker of Huddersfield, 5 to 
administer it in chronic dysuria incidental chiefly to persons in 
the decline of life, or in what he terms dysuria senilis, — an affec- 
tion, which is, of course, dependent upon various pathological con- 
ditions, — and he asserts, that he was disposed to augur favourably 
of its utility. " In some instances," he says, " we may account 
for the benefit resulting from its use by its chemical action on the 

1 Keller, in appendix to Liebiofs Animal Chemistry, p. 315, Cambridge, 1842. 

3 Garrod, Lond. Edinb. and Dubl. Phil. Mag. June 1842, Lond. Lancet, vol. 2, 1S44, 
p. 239, and Profs. Booth and Boye, Transactions of the Amer. Philos. Soc, vol. ix. pt. 2, 
p. 185. Phila. 1845. 

3 Ballard and Garrod, op. cit. p. 408. Lond. 1845. 

4 Ballard and Garrod, p. 409, and Mr. Ure, Provincial Med. and Sur. Journ. Feb. 11, 
1843, and Lond. Lancet, Nov. 16, 1844. 

4 Ibid. Feb. 26, 1842. 



ACIDUM BENZOICUM. 19 

urates, which if in excess may add to the acrimony of the urine, 
and thus prove a source of irritation to the mucous membrane of 
the bladder. But it is often of service where the gravel in the 
urine is inconsiderable, and where the irritation and pain w T ould 
seem to have arisen from some other cause." Dr. Walker, however, 
used it in association with copaiba; and his remarks induced Mr. 
Soden 1 to employ the combination in some urinary affections, ac- 
companied with vesical irritation and increased secretion from the 
mucous membrane. The most remarkable result appeared to Mr. 
Soden to be its decided efficacy in diminishing, and in some in- 
stances of completely suppressing, the muco-purulent deposition in 
the urine, which is so prominent a symptom in most cases of affection 
of the bladder. He properly remarks, however, that a doubt may 
be very fairly entertained, whether this effect be attributable to 
the benzoic acid or to the copaiba, or to their combination ; and in 
the doubt Mr. Ure deduces no positive inference in regard to the 
precise agency of the benzoic acid. 3 

It may be concluded, then, that benzoic acid has been introduced 
as a remedy in lithuria on erroneous chemical deductions : and 
hence that the favourable results recorded have been fallacious, or 
depending on other causes. 

Dr. Seymour 3 states, that he has frequently used the benzoate 
of ammonia in gout, in cases in which the small joints were red and 
swollen, or w 7 here fluid was deposited in the joint of the great toe : 
and also in cases where the urate of soda existed in the joints of 
the fingers ; and that it was decidedly useful. He thinks, that 
early depositions were arrested, and large depositions diminished, 
under its use. He esteems it a good diuretic, and especially 
adapted for those cases of dropsy, in which an irritable stomach 
renders the employment of ordinary diuretics impracticable. He 
has also seen the albumen in renal dropsy diminish under its use. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose of benzoic acid may be from five grains to half a 
drachm. 

Mistura Acidi Benzoici et Copaibse. 

Mixture of Benzoic acid and Copaiba. 

R. Acid. Benzoic, gj. 

Copaib. f gss. 

Vitel!. ovi q. s. 

Aq. Camphor, f §vij. M. 

Dose. Two table-spoonfuls three times a day. 

1 Ibid. July 29, 1842. a Ibid. Feb. 11, 1843. 

3 Thoughts on the Nature and Treatment of several severe Diseases of the Human 
Body, vol. i. p. 123, Lond. 1847. 



20 ACIDUM GALLICUM. 



ACIDUM GALLICUM. 

Synonymes. Gallic acid. 
French. Acicle Gallique. 
German. Gallussaure. 

Gallic acid is by no means so abundant as tannic acid. A so- 
lution of the latter in water, exposed to the air, gradually absorbs 
oxygen, and deposits crystals of gallic acid, formed by the de- 
struction of tannic acid. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

A strong extract of gall-nuts in cold water may be precipitated 
in the cold by sulphuric acid : the thick mass must be mixed with 
dilute sulphuric acid ; be expressed whilst still humid, and be in- 
troduced, in this state, into a mixture of sulphuric acid with two 
parts of water at the boiling temperature. The liquid is boiled 
for some minutes, and then allowed to cool. Crystals of gallic acid 
are deposited, which may be purified by crystallizing again from 
water ; — converting the new product — which is still coloured — 
by means of acetate of lead — into an insoluble gallate of lead, 
which is washed, then diffused through water, and decomposed by 
a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. The sulphuret of lead, 
thus formed, assists in carrying down the colouring matter. 1 

It may also be produced by adding sulphuric acid to a solution 
of tannic acid, which causes a precipitation of the tannic acid in 
combination with the sulphuric : the precipitate is dissolved in di- 
lute sulphuric acid by the aid of heat, and the solution is boiled 
for a few minutes; the tannic acid is all decomposed; and, on cool- 
ing, crystals of gallic acid, coloured, are obtained. 2 

Gallic acid is in thin silky needles. It requires one hundred 
parts of cold water, and three of hot water, to dissolve it. It is 
very soluble in alcohol, and slightly so in ether. The solution 
in water has an acid and astringent taste, and is gradually decom- 
posed by keeping. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Gallic acid has long been esteemed a valuable astringent ; yet 
doubts appear to have been entertained in regard to its being pos- 
sessed of such property; and until its use was revived of late it 
had fallen into disrepute. Sir Benjamin Brodie, according to Dr. 
A. T. Thomson, 3 gave a patient, who had a frightful hemorrhage 
from the prostate gland, and in whose case all other remedies had 

1 Graham's Elements of Chemistry, American edit., p. 637, Phila. 1843. 

5 Ballard and Garrod, Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, p. 415, London, 
lS4r,. 

3 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit., and Watson, in Lond. Med. Gaz. 
July 8, 1842, p. 547. or in his Lectures on the Principles and Practice of Physic. Amer. 
edit. p. 921, Phila. 1845. 



ACIDUM GALLICUM. 21 

failed, a dose of" Ruspini's styptic," and repeated the dose twice 
in the course of twelve hours. About half an hour after the first 
dose was taken, the bleeding ceased, and it never recurred. This 
styptic is said to consist of gallic acid, a small quantity of sulphate 
of zinc, and opium, dissolved in a mixture of alcohol and rose 
water ; but as the quantity of sulphate of zinc and of opium appears 
to be too small to influence the medicine, a simple solution of gallic 
acid in diluted alcohol, it has been conceived, may answer all the 
purposes of the expensive nostrum. Hence gallic acid has been 
used in cases in which the styptic has been found efficacious. 

In a paper read before the medico-chirurgical society of Edin- 
burgh, Professor Simpson 1 stated, that in the previous year he 
had employed gallic acid in menorrhagia with the most success- 
ful results. Some of the cases, which had yielded under its use, 
were of old standing, and of an aggravated description. He gave 
it during the interval, as well as during the discharge; and he was 
first induced to prescribe it from finding that a case of very obsti- 
nate menorrhagia got well under the use of Ruspini's styptic, after 
many other remedies had failed. Professor Simpson suggests, 
whether the anti-hemorrhagic properties of some of our common 
astringent drugs may not depend upon the gallic acid, as much as, 
or more than, upon the tannic acid which they contain, or upon 
the tannic acid becoming converted into gallic acid within the 
body. 

Dr. Stevenson 2 has published several cases to show the value of 
this acid in uterine hemorrhage and hematuria ; and Mr. James 
S. Hughes 3 has recorded a case of profuse hematuria, the result 
of injury on the lumbar region, which was treated successfully by 
it in the form of pill with extract of gentian — two grains and a 
half of the acid to each pill, — one of these being given at inter- 
vals of three hours ; and Homburger 4 administered it successfully 
in hematuria renalis; in bloody diarrhoea accompanying the mor- 
bus maculosus; and in the hcemoptysis of phthisis. Dr. Christi- 
son 5 has seen several cases of menorrhagia recover promptly un- 
der its use. He has likewise seen hematuria repeatedly yield to 
it, and in two instances of hcemoptysis the hemorrhage rapidly 
ceased after the third dose of six grains given every hour. Messrs. 
Ballard and Garrod 6 declare it to be one of the most powerful as- 
tringents that chemical art has derived from the vegetable king- 
dom ; and that a tolerably extensive experience by them of its use 

1 Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Med. Science, July, 1843, p. 661. 

2 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, July, 1843. 

3 Dublin Quarterly Journal of Med. Science, cited in Med. Examiner, July, 1847, 
p. 447. g 

4 Canstatt and Eisanmann's Jahresbericht iiber die Fortschritte in der Heilkunde 
im Jahre, 1848, S. 149. 

5 Dispensatory, American edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 967. Philad. 1848. 

6 Op. cit. p. 415. Lond. 1845. 



22 ACIDUM GALLICUM. 

enables them to declare it to be an invaluable remedy in most 
forms of passive hemorrhages and fluxes. The chief of the cases 
in which they have employed it, and where they have found it 
of the greatest service, are menorrhagia and leucorrhcea, as well 
as for checking the distressing night-sweats of phthisis. In the 
first two of these especially, no astringent that they had employed 
would bear a comparison with this, either for the rapidity with 
which the cure was effected, or the permanency of the result. 
Their eulogy, however, of its action in the night-sweats of phthisis 
is calculated to throw some doubts on the accuracy of their expe- 
rience in other cases. No medicine can be expected to exert much 
efficacy on them, any more than on the hectic, inasmuch as they 
are mere morbid expressions of the condition of the lungs and ge- 
neral system. Messrs. Ballard and Garrod state, that if the use 
of the acid be continued beyond two or three days, it manifests 
some constipating tendency, whilst Professor Simpson affirms that 
it has the advantage over most other anti-hemorrhagic medicines, 
that it has no constipating effect. The observations of Messrs. 
Ballard and Garrod are probably the most accurate. They affirm, 
also, that the excessive expectorations of chronic bronchitis and 
phthisis are much influenced by its administration. In leucorrhcea 
they have found it highly useful as an injection, and Mr. Sampson 1 
gave it with good effect in gonorrhoea in the quantity of a drachm 
in the twenty-four hours, taken in twelve grain closes ; and he 
places great confidence in its use in cases of albuminuria. Dr. 
Christison, 3 too, had his attention turned to its apparent power of 
arresting the excretion of albumen in the urine in Bright 9 s Dis- 
ease of the Kidney, and in a few instances it appeared to him to have 
that effect. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Gallic acid may be given in doses of from two grains to five or 
more, in the form of pill, repeated every tw 7 o or three hours. 

Pilnlre acidi gallic i. 

Pills of gallic acid. 

R. Acid, gallic, gr. ij. — v. 

Confect. rosae q. s. ut fiat pilula. 

In j ectio acidi gallici. 

Injection of gallic acid. 

R. Acid, gallic. >)j. ad JJj. 
Aquae Oij. M. 

1 London Lancet, Dec. 1st, 1849. 2 Qp. cit. 



ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 23 



IV. ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 

Syhonymes. Acidum Prussicum sen Borussicura seu Zooticum seu Zoo- 
tinicum, Hydrocyanic, Prussic, Cyanohydric or Cyanhydric Acid. 

French. Acide Hydrocyanique, Acide Prussique. 

German. Blausaure,\VasserstofTblausaure, Hydrocyansaure, 
Cyanwasserstoffsaure. 

'This acid can scarcely be looked upon as new ; yet it is only in 
recent times that its application to pathological conditions has been 
well appreciated. It was discovered by Scheele in 1780 ; but its 
preparation in a state of purity, and its exact chemical constitu- 
tion, were not understood until Gay-Lussac published the results 
of his investigations on the subject in the year 1815. 1 
METHOD OF PREPARING. 
The three chief modes for preparing hydrocyanic acid at one 
time received into the pharmacopoeias were those of Scheele, Gay- 
Lussac, and Yauquelin ; the first of which was adopted by the 
framers of the United States Pharmacopoeia of 1820, and by those 
of Belgium, Paris, and Ferrara; the second, by the pharmacopoeias 
of Paris and Ferrara; and the third by those of Belgium, Paris, 
and the United States. (Edition of 1830.) 

1. Scheele 's Method .— Take of Prussian blue, 128 parts; 
Red oxide of mercury, 64 parts ; Distilled water, 105 parts. Boil 
for a quarter of an hour, constantly shaking ; strain, filter, and 
wash the residuum with Boiling water, 128 parts. Mix the 
two liquids together ; introduce them into a flask, and add For- 
phyrized iron filings, 96 parts ; Sulphuric acid (66°,) 24 parts : 
diluted with Distilled ivater, 24 parts. Shake the mixture, and 
keep the flask for an hour in cold water ; pour the decanted liquor 
into a tubulated retort placed in a sand bath, to the neck of which 
is attached an adapter that passes into a tubulated receiver, whence 
a curved tube issues that passes into a flask filled with water ; lute 
the apparatus ; cover the receiver with wet rags ; raise the heat 
until the liquid boils, and until there have passed into the receiver 
192 parts. Add to this liquid, 8 parts of Carbonate of lime. 
Distil again, and draw off 128 parts, which must be kept iu a bot- 
tle covered with black paper. 

The process of Scheele always affords an acid mixed with a va- 
riable quantity of water. 

2. Gay-Lussac 's Method.— Take Cyanuret of mercury, 
at pleasure. Introduce it into a tubulated retort, the neck of 
which is furnished with a wide tube of glass filled with broken 
marble and chloride of calcium, which tube communicates, through 
a smaller one, with a bell glass surrounded by a freezing mixture. 

1 Annates de Chimie, torn, lxvii. p. 128, and torn, xcv. p. 136. 



24 ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 

Pour on muriatic acid sufficient to rise above the cyanuret to 
the height of a finger; heat gradually and moderately, and receive 
the condensed product into the bell glass. 

The acid obtained in this way is anhydrous, and of the specific 
gravity .700. 

t Vanquelin's Method. — Take of Cyanuret of mercury, 
1 part; Distilled water, 8 parts. Pass a current ofsulphohydric 
acid gas into the solution, until the gas is in excess ; pour into 
the liquid pulverized subcarbonate of lead in sufficient quantity 
to remove the excess of sulphohydric acid ; shake the mixture 
constantly, and when it has no longer the smell of putrid eggs, and 
ceases to blacken paper impregnated with acetate of lead, filter 
and preserve it carefully. 

The product of this operation has been considered to approxi- 
mate the average density of the acid of Scheele. 1 

The variable density of the acid prepared after Scheele's me- 
thod has prevented it from being generally used in medicine. The 
acid of Gay-Lussac is most commonly employed ; but as its de- 
gree of concentration renders it dangerous, it is diluted with dis- 
tilled water. Robiquet has proposed to bring its density to .900, 
by adding two parts of water to it. Thus reduced, it resembles 
the acid of Scheele, with the advantage, that there is a constant 
and known ratio between the pure or anhydrous acid and the 
quantity of water united with it. Magendie adds to it six times 
its bulk, or eight and a half times its weight, of distilled water, 
and calls the mixture Acide prussique medicinal, 2 Medicinal 
jjrussic or Medicinal hydrocyanic acid. Others have advised 
the employment of a mixture of three parts of water, and one part 
of acid, under the name of Acide hydrocyanique au quart or 
"Hydrocyanic acid of quarter strength." 3 

Dr. Bache asserts, that he had the process (Proust's or Vau- 
quelin's) of the United States' Pharmacopoeia (1830) repeated, 
when he found the acid obtained to have the specific gravity .998. 

In the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States, 
(1842,) the following form was introduced. It is essentially that 
of the London Pharmacopoeia. Take of Ferrocyanuret of Po- 
tassium, gij.; Sulphuric acid, giss,; Distilled water, a sufficient 
quantity. Mix the acid with four fluidounces of distilled water, 
and pour the mixture, when cool, into a glass retort. To this 
add the ferrocyanuret of potassium, previously dissolved in ten 

1 See Notes on Hydrocyanic acid, by R. E. Griffith, in Philad. Journ. of Pharmacy, 
iv. 17. Philad. 1833; also, Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica, 2d edit. i. 429. Lond. 
1842. The Dispensatory of the United States of America, by Wood and Bache, 6th 
edit. p. 786, Philad. 1845, and Mr. David Stewart, Maryland Medical and Surgical Jour- 
nal, April, 1840, p. 264. 

2 Formulaire pour la preparation etc. de plusieurs nouveaux medicamens. 
3 Pharmacopee Universelle, par Jourdan, i. 31. Paris, 1828. 



ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 25 

fluidounces of distilled water. Pour eight fluidounces of distilled 
water into a cooled receiver, and having attached this to the re- 
tort, distil, by means of a sand bath, with a moderate heat, six 
fluidounces. Lastly, add to the product five fluidounces of dis- 
tilled water, or as much as may be sufficient to render the hydro- 
cyanic acid of such a strength, that 12.7 grains of nitrate of sil- 
ver, dissolved in distilled water, may be accurately saturated by 
100 grains of the acid. 

When hydrocyanic acid is wanted for immediate use, the follow- 
ing formula is recommended. — Take of Cyanuret of silver, fifty 
grains and a half; Muriatic acid, forty-one grains; Distilled wa- 
ter, a fluidounce. Mix the muriatic acid with the distilled water, 
add the cyanuret of silver, and shake the whole in a well-stopped 
vial. When the insoluble matter has subsided, pour off the clear 
liquor and keep it for use. 

The characters that hydrocyanic acid should possess, according 
to the forms last given, are as follows : — It is colourless, of a pe- 
culiar odour, and wholly volatilizable by heat. One hundred grains 
of it produce, with solution of nitrate of silver, a white precipitate, 
which, when washed and dried, weighs ten grains, and is readily 
dissolved by boiling nitric acid. The acid of the Pharmacopoeia 
of the United States contains two per cent, of pure anhydrous acid. 1 

No matter how prepared, hydrocyanic acid should be kept in 
well-stopped bottles from which the light is excluded. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

Hydrocyanic acid is usually classed amongst the narcotic poi- 
sons, 2 yet there is reason for believing, that its ordinary effects are 
purely sedative. Whilst the agents belonging to the class of nar- 
cotics produce, first of all, excitation in the organic actions, fol- 
lowed, sooner or later, when the agent is in sufficient dose, by signs 
of sedation, this acid would seem to occasion the latter results only. 

It is the most powerful of our poisons, at times producing, in 
an adequate dose, the fatal result so suddenly, that the animal ex- 
perimented upon can scarcely be removed from the lap of the ex- 
perimenter before all signs of life are extinct. This rapidity of 
action has seemed to be unfavourable to the idea, that it acts 
through the mass of blood, and to favour the view of those who 
believe, that the impression is made immediately on the nerves of 
the part with which it is placed in contact, or on the nerves that 
are distributed to the lining membrane of the blood-vessels, as sug- 
gested by Messrs. Addison and Morgan. 3 The same objection, 
however, applies to the explanation of these gentlemen as to that 

1 Pharmacopoeia of the United States, p. 59. Philadelphia, 1342. 

9 Christison, Treatise on Poisons, 1st Amer. from 4th Edin. ed. p. 582. Phila. 1845. 

8 An Essay on the Operation of Poisonous Agents upon the Living Body. London. 



26 ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 

which ascribes the effects to the poison being taken into the blood — 
that the fatal result is often too sudden for us to presume, that it 
has entered the blood-vessels ; unless we esteem it an agent pos- 
sessed of powerfully penetrating properties. 

A female, who was deceived by the odour of a solution of hy- 
drocyanic acid in alcohol, drank a small vialful, and died in two 
minutes as if struck with apoplexy. A strong healthy man, 
thirty-six years of age, being detected in thieving, swallowed a 
small vialful of the acid, staggered a few steps, and fell dead. Four 
or five minutes afterwards, the physician who was called found him 
lifeless, without the slightest trace of pulse or respiration. In a 
few minutes, convulsive expirations were observed, but no indica- 
tions of returning life : the face was sunken and livid ; the hands 
and feet deadly cold ; the forehead and face cold and dry ; and the 
eyes half open and glassy. 1 

M. Damason 2 relates the case of a druggist, who had some hy- 
drocyanic acid in a vial with a ground stopper, and, as it had been 
prepared almost three months, thinking that it was decomposed, 
he opened the vial, and applied it to his nose to ascertain whether 
the acid retained any smell ; he instantly fell down, and remained 
for half an hour without giving the slightest signs of life ; but finally 
recovered after an illness of several days. 

Many experiments have been made on animals with this acid. 
A drop, introduced into the bill or anus of a sparrow, induced 
death in from one to two minutes, preceded by convulsions. Even 
holding the bill over a vial filled with the acid proved fatal. A 
duck was destroyed by fourteen drops. Twenty drops introduced 
into the stomach of a rabbit killed it in three minutes. When a 
few drops were injected into the jugular vein, death supervened 
still sooner. A small dog, to which two drops had been given, 
experienced shortness of breath, staggered, fell, passed its urine re- 
peatedly, vomited twice, and afterwards seemed quite well. The 
same animal took, five hours later, eight drops, and fell into a te- 
tanic, comatose condition, but recovered in half an hour. More 
severe but not fatal effects resulted from sixteen drops. Thirty to 
forty drops administered to dogs and cats produced violent con- 
vulsions and death, in from six to fifteen minutes. 

The experiments of Emmert and Coullon seem to have shown 
that the action of hydrocyanic acid is more violent when it is in- 
jected into the jugular vein, or inhaled in a concentrated form; 
less so when injected into the rectum. In the case of a horse, into 
whose jugular it was injected, death occurred in twenty-one mi- 
nutes. When placed in contact with the dura mater, or with 

1 Hufeland. Journal der Practisch. Heilkund. Band. xl. St. 1. S. So— 02. and Osann, 
in Art. Blausaure, in Encyc. YVorterb. der YIedicinischen "VYissenschaft. Band. t. S. 
528, Berlin, I 

1 Journal de Chiraie Medicale. Juin, 1531. 



ACIDUM HYDRO CYANICUM. 27 

nerves, no striking phenomena were perceptible. This fact was 
confirmed by Viborg. 1 On the other hand, when received into a 
wound in its concentrated state, it acts most violently. Scharring, 
w T ho broke a class containing the acid, and received some of it into 
the wound produced thereby, died in an hour after the accident. 

It is not easy to deduce comparative results from the discordant 
statements of different experimenters, inasmuch as we are ignorant 
of the precise strength of the acid employed. A French physician 
made some experiments on the uncertainty of the strength of the 
medicinal acid ; and found, that he could swallow a whole ounce 
of one sample, and a drachm of a stronger sample, without sus- 
taining any injury: but on trying some, which had been recently 
prepared by Vauquelin, he was immediately taken ill, and nar- 
rowly escaped with life. 3 Dr. Pereira 3 caused the instantaneous 
death of a rabbit by applying its nose to a receiver filled with the 
vapour of the pure acid: the animal died without a struggle. A 
drop of the pure acid of Gay-Lussac, placed in the throat of the 
most vigorous dog, caused it to fall dead after two or three hur- 
ried respirations. 4 

We have already alluded to the effect of the acid when dropped 
upon the conjunctiva — a mucous surface, and therefore possessed 
of highly absorbing powers; but it cannot even be placed w T ith im- 
punity in contact with surfaces, which, owing to their being co- 
vered with cuticle, do not readily absorb. Orfila 5 states, that a 
professor of Vienna having prepared a pure and concentrated acid, 
spread a certain quantity of it on his naked arm, and died a short 
time afterwards. Dr. Christison, 6 however, says this was proba- 
bly a mistake. On repeating some of the experiments, he found y 
that a single drop, weighing scarcely a third of a grain, dropped 
into the mouth of a rabbit, killed it in eighty-three seconds, 
and began to act in sixty-three ; that three drops, weighing 
four-fifths of a grain, in like manner, killed a strong cat in thirty 
seconds, and began to act in ten ; that another was affected by the 
same dose in five, and died in forty seconds; that four drops, 
weighing a grain and a fifth, did not affect a rabbit for twenty se- 
conds, but killed it in ten seconds more ; and that twenty-five 
grains, corresponding with an ounce and a half of medicinal acid, 
began to act on a rabbit, as soon as it was poured into its mouth, 
and killed it outright in ten seconds at farthest. Three drops, 
projected into the eye, acted on a cat in twenty seconds, and killed 
it in twenty more; and the same quantity, dropped on a fresh 

1 Osann, loc. cit. S. 580. 

2 Revue Medicale, xvii. 265, and Christison on Poisons, 1st American Edit. p. 582. 
Fhila. 1845. 

8 Elements of Mat. Med. &c, 2d edit. i. 437, Lond. 1842, 

* Magendie. in Annales de Chimie et de Physique, vi. 347, and Formulaire, &c. 

5 Toxicologic 6 Op. cit. p. 592. 



28 ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 

wound in the loins, acted in forty-five, and proved fatal in one 
hundred and five, seconds. 1 

As before remarked, from the rapidity with which the toxical 
effects are observed after hydrocyanic acid has been taken, it has 
seemed to be almost impossible for the poison to have entered the 
blood-vessels, and have passed with the current of the circulation 
to the great vital organ on which its deleterious agency is exerted. 
The well devised and carefully conducted experiments of Professor 
Blake, 3 of St. Louis, show, however, that in the case of this poison, 
as of every other, the velocity of the circulatory current is so great, 
as to enable us to understand that the deadly influence may be 
exerted in all cases by the reception of the poison into the blood. 
He found, that sufficient time always elapses between the applica- 
tion of the poison and the first evidences of its action to admit of 
such contact. In an experiment on a rabbit with hydrocyanic 
acid, 3 the animal, immediately after the contact of the acid with 
the lining membrane of the mouth, jumped from the table, and 
when on the floor was perfectly able to stand on its feet. At two 
seconds and a half after the application of the poison it fell on its 
side, and in five seconds was dead. " This," says Dr. Blake, " is 
but one of many experiments which have been performed on cats 
and rabbits, and in no instance have I observed instantaneous 
death, or even the instantaneous action of the poison." 4 

If given in rather too strong a dose, or — if in proper doses — at 
too short intervals, it produces headach, and vertigo, which go off, 
however, in a few minutes. When inhaled, even if diluted with 
atmospheric air, it causes vomiting, prostration, pains in the back 
part of the head, and great diminution of the arterial pulsations. 
In a more concentrated state, the effects are more rapidly fatal 
than in any other form of administration. M. Robert found, that 
when a bird, a rabbit, a cat, and two dogs, were made to breathe 
air saturated with its vapour, the first and second died in one se- 
cond ; the cat in two seconds, one dog in five, the other in ten se- 
conds. 5 

With regard to the parts of the economy that are primarily 
acted upon by the hydrocyanic acid after it has entered the blood, 
most observers have designated the nervous system. 6 In no other 
way, it has been conceived, is it as easy to account for the extreme 

1 See, also, Geoghegan, in Dublin Medical Journal, for 1835, and Pereira, Op. cit 
p. 24-2. 

2 Edinb. Med. and Surgical Journal, April, 1839, p. 339, and St. Louis Med. and 
Surg. Journal. Nov. and Dec., 1848. 

3 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, July, 1849, p. 106. 

* See the Author's General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, 4th edit., 8vo., Phila. 
1840. 

5 Annales de Chimie, xcii. 59. 

6 Lonsdale, Edinb. Medical and Surgical Journal, January, 1839. and Lond. Lancet, 
June 15th, 1839, p. 440. 



ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 29 

rapidity of its action in fatal cases. When mixed with the blood, 
however, out of the body, it altogether changes the character of 
tkat fluid, and opposes its coagulation; 1 and a recent writer, M. 
Coze, 2 of Strasburg, is of opinion, that it affects more especially 
the circulatory apparatus; death resulting from the suspension of 
the movements of the heart, and the constriction of the ultimate 
arterial divisions, whence follow repletion of the larger arterial 
trunks and stasis of the blood— the convulsions being owing to a 
defective supply of blood to the spinal marrow. Some of the Ger- 
man writers 3 have endeavoured to indicate three grades of its ac- 
tion on the economy. First. In moderate doses, long continued, 
it occasions a marked diminution in the action of the nervous and 
vascular systems; vertigo; disposition to syncope; epistaxis as a 
consequence of thinness of the blood; and a disposition to putrid 
diseases.* Secondly. In larger doses, the sedative effect of the 
acid on the spinal marrow, and the abdominal ganglia, is indicated 
by feelings of weakness, numbness, tremors, and other involuntary 
motions of the extremities; involuntary discharge of the urine and 
faeces; augmentation of the cutaneous and urinary depurations; 
palpitations; anxiety at the prsecordia ; weak pulse; and, accord- 
ing to some, headach, especially in the back part of the head; ex- 
coriation of the tongue and inner parts of the cheeks, 5 and saliva- 
tion. This last symptom is given by Dr. Christison 6 on the au- 
thority of Drs. Macleod and Granville. 7 It has been suspected, 
however, that salivation, in these cases, was brought about by the 
use of an impure acid, containing probably a small quantity of the 
corrosive chloride of mercury, particularly if the acid had been pre- 
pared — according to the process of the Dublin College — with bi- 
cyanuret of mercury, muriatic acid and water. Mercury is, indeed, 
asserted to have been actually discovered in the acid by Sylvester's 
test. Thirdly. In still larger doses, it induces violent affections of 
the spinal marrow, convulsions, trismus, opisthotonos, emprosthoto- 
nos, fainting, &c. 

From the results of all his observations, Osann 8 infers, that hy- 
drocyanic acid acts dynamically on the nervous system, by di- 
minishing, depressing, and annihilating its life; and, through the 
nervous system, affecting the organs of vegetation or nutrition, and 
of hsematosis; — that it incontestably has a specific relation to the 
spinal marrow, the ganglions of the abdomen, and the dependent 

1 Magendie, Lectures on the Blood. Lect. xvii. in Lancet, for Jan. 26, 1839, p. 636. 
and Blake, Op. cit. 

2 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p. 20. Paris. 1850. 

8 Richter, Specielle Therapie, Band. x. S. 280. Berlin, 1828; and Osann, loc. ck. 
S. 527. 4 Encyc. Worterb. B. ii. S. 315. Berlin, 1828. 

* Born, in Rust's Magazin, B. xiii. S. 282. 6 Op. citaf. 

' Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. xlvi. 359 and 363. 3 Loc. citat. S. 526. 



30 AC1DUM HYDROCYANICUM. 

organs; and hence it is, that, in comparison with other narcotic 
agents, it is less stupefying, whilst it influences more deeply the 
phenomena of vegetative or organic life. He properly remark^ 
however, that the inferences of Jorg, 1 from his experiments, are 
apparently opposed to this view. Jorg considered its effects upon 
the brain to be excitant, and that it occasioned turgescence of that 
organ. 

There would seem to be no distinct evidence of hydrocyanic acid 
being a cumulative poison, although this has been at times sus- 
pected. Its operation must be diligently watched at first, until 
the proper dose is ascertained. This, says Dr. Christison, 2 is the 
only secret for using it with safety and confidence. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

From the effects produced by the hydrocyanic acid on the 
healthy body, we may infer the cases of disease in which it may 
be indicated. It is decidedly sedative, allaying nervous irritability 
and vascular action, and therefore adapted for all cases in which 
these are inordinately excited. Yet its power, as a medicinal 
agent, is not as great as was at one time presumed, and as is still 
presumed, by many. In some countries, too. it has found more 
favour than in others. In Italy, France and England, it has been 
more extensively used than in Germany ; yet in many of the Phar- 
macopoeias of the last country it has been admitted into the list of 
officinal agents. The great objections that have been urged against 
it are — its danger, even in a small dose, if not carefully adminis- 
tered; the difficulty of having it always of the same strength; the 
impossibility of administering it undiluted, and the danger of giving 
too strong a dose in consequence of its rising to the surface of 
water. More than once the difference in the strength of the acid 
prepared by different methods would seem to have occasioned un- 
fortunate results. Orfila, 3 mentions the case of a sick person, who 
had used it for a length of time in increasing doses, with advan- 
tage; when, being compelled to send her prescription to another 
apothecary, the acid he employed was so strong as to produce 
death, w T ith all the symptoms of poisoning by hydrocyanic acid. 
For these and other reasons, Riecke, L. W. Sachs, and Osann 
greatly prefer the Aqua laurocerasi and the Aqua amygdalarum 
amararam, which, although in other respects not less objection- 
able, are less dangerous. 4 Sir George Lefevre 5 affirms that 
cherry-laurel water is a more effective preparation than hydro- 

1 Materialien zu einer kunftigen Heilmittellehre, B. i. S. 53, 117. 
J On Poisons, edit. cit. p. 588. 
3 Toxicologic 

* Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. von V. A. Riecke, S. 5. Stuttgart, 1837; Osann, 
loc chat, and Enoyclopad. Worterb. ii. 315. 

5 An Apology for the Nerves, &c. p. 291. Lond. 1S44. 



ACIDUM HVDROCYANICUM. 31 

cyanic acid. In many nervous affections, as palpitation, hysteria, 
&c, he generally prescribes the following draught: 

R. Aq. lauro-cerasi wj/ xx. 

flor. aurant. f §i. 

Syrup tolut. f^j. M. 

The draught to be taken pro re nata. 

Possessed of the powerful sedative agency which has been de- 
scribed, it is not to be wondered at, that hydrocyanic acid should 
have been given in a multitude of cases; and, as constantly hap- 
pens, that unsuccessful trials, suggested by the merest empiricism, 
should have been made with it. 

It is rarely employed \w fevers, — intermittent, remittent, or con- 
tinued. By many, it has been esteemed beneficial in hectic; but 
here its agency must be doubtful. 1 

In inflammations, especially when accompanied with marked 
erethism of the nervous system, it has been greatly extolled, and, 
next to blood-letting, has been regarded by many as one of our 
most valuable antiphlogistics. The followers of the contra-stimu- 
lant school esteem it as one of their most efficacious contra-stimu- 
lants. In the acute inflammations of internal organs, it has been 
highly recommended by the Italian physicians, Borda and Brera ; 
in thoracic inflammation, after blood-letting, in conjunction with 
tartrate of antimony and potassa, and similar sedative agents; and 
by others in enteritis, metritis, and nephritis, and in active he- 
morrhages. In chronic inflammations it has been advised by 
Granville, Magendie, Heller, Elwert, Behr, Roch, &c., and espe- 
cially in chronic catarrh, bronchitis, and hoopi7ig cough. In 
the last affection it is conceived by Dr. A. T. Thomson 2 to be 
" the sheet anchor of the practitioner;" and by Dr. Roe 3 to pos- 
sess a " specific" (?) power. In warm weather, he thinks, it will 
cure almost any case of simple hooping cough in a short time ; in 
all seasons it will abridge its duration, and in almost every instance, 
where it does not cure, it will, at least, materially relieve the se- 
verity of the cough. 

In pulmonary consumption it has been recommended by Gran- 
ville, Magendie, S. G. Morton, 4 Fantonetti, 5 and others, parti- 
cularly where there is any inflammatory or spasmodic complication ; 
but others as Neumann, Weitsch, Sir James Clark, Andral, 6 For- 
get, 7 and, we may add, ourselves, have given it in these very cases 
without any success. By some, indeed, it has been affirmed, that 

1 See the author's General Therapeutics and Mat. Med., 4th edit. ii. 183, Phila. 1850. 
3 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therapeutics, i. 435. Lond. 1 832. 

3 A Treatise on the Nature and Treatment of Hooping Cough, &c, p. 10. Lond. 1838. 

4 Illustrations of Pulmonary Consumption, p. 131. Philad. 1834. 
8 Gazette des Hopitaux, 19 Fev., 1839. 

6 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mars, 1840. 

1 L'Experience, 14 Nov., 1839; and Amer. Med. Intel., Sept. I, 1840, p. 170. 



32 



ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 



its administration in phthisis is to be adopted with caution, as in 
many cases, instead of allaying, it appears to increase, the cough 
and fever, diminish the expectoration, and occasion a sense of suf- 
focation. 1 It has been, moreover, asserted, that its depressing and 
destructive agency has acted injuriously on the organism of the 
consumptive. 3 

In chronic nervous diseases, especially when of a spasmodic 
character — as in spasmodic affections of the heart — even when 
organic, hydrocyanic acid has been advised as a soothing agent, 
as well as in spasmodic asthma; in the sense of suffocation 
that accompanies hydrothorax and other affections; and in spas- 
modic dysphagia. Its efficacy, too, has been marked, according 
to Dr. Elliotson, 3 in various neuropathic disorders of the sto- 
?nach, especially in those in which pain at the epigastrium was 
the leading symptom, — in every form, indeed, of gastrodynia; 
and in painful affections of the bowels, of a similar character 
— enteralgia — it has been found useful by Dr. Pereira. 4 

In enlargement of the heart it was found by Heller to dimi- 
nish the force and frequency of the pulsations, and in this way to 
afford essential relief. In an old person, labouring under anasarca 
accompanied by great pain in the breast, Dr. Rees observed, 
after the administration of Vauquelin's acid, great diuresis, with 
the removal of the dropsy and its concomitant symptoms. 5 

In the asthma pulverulent urn of the Germans, (Staubasth- 
ma,) that is, in the variety to which millers, bakers, grinders and 
others are liable, Creutswicher is said to have found it highly 
serviceable. 6 Its efficacy has not been so marked in epilepsy, 
chorea, and kindred affections; yet it has been strongly recom- 
mended in tetanus. Trevezant ordered it in a case of trauv/atic 
tetanus, after opium had been given in vain, in the dose of from 
two to twelve drops with favourable results. 7 On the other hand, 
Klein gave it in a similar case, with no other apparent effect than 
that of rendering death more easy. 8 It has likewise been advised 
in spasmodic pains of the uterus. Yet, although it would seem 
to be soothing and antispasmodic in many cases of erethism, Grin- 
del and Osann 9 consider it by no means adapted for the radical 
cure of spasmodic diseases. 

In violent neuralgia, especially in an impressible condition of 

1 Schneider, Med. prakt. Adversarien am Krankenbette, Erste Liefer. S. C2, referred 
to by Osann. 

a Siebergundi, in Hufeland's Journal der pract. Heilkund. B. liii.. St. 6, S. 15. 

' On the Efficacy of Hydrocyanic or Frussic Acid in Affections of the Stomach, &c. 
Lond 1820. 

4 Op. citat., p. 443. 

s Osann. Op. cit.. and Harle?s, Uhein-Westphal. Jahrbuch. Bd. x. St 1, S. 82. 

• Kust's Masazin, Bd. xxii. S. 33n. 

• Frnriep's Notizen, Bd. xiv. No. 15, S.324. 

8 Heidelberger Klinische Annalen, Bd. ii. S. 112. 

9 Loc. citat., S. 535. 



ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 33 

the vascular system in nervous cephalalgia, hemicrania, tic 
douloureux, and in gouty rheumatic sciatica, it has been ex- 
tolled. Dr. E. S. Bonnet, 1 of Charleston, treated successfully 
some cases of facial neuralgia of great severity, by applying it 
externally in the form of the distilled water of prunus lauro-cera- 
sus. It is proper, however, to remark, that in two of the three 
cases described, belladonna was employed in combination. The 
mode of applying it was by lotion, composed of four ounces of the 
laurel water, one ounce of sulphuric ether, alone, or with half a 
drachm or a drachm of extract of belladonna. With this lotion 
the affected parts, previously covered with carded cotton or cotton 
wadding, were kept constantly wet. It has likewise been recom- 
mended by Dr. Elliotson 2 in the cure of vomiting not dependent 
upon inflammation. 

These are the chief cases in which its internal use has been 
prescribed. It has been employed externally in the following. 
As a soothing agent in severe pain; — for example, in toothach 
from caries; one to two drops, according to Ehvert, being put into 
the hollow tooth. Krimer applied it in a dilute state to painful 
wounds; and it has been injected with advantage into fi sluice. 

In neuralgia, the application of a cataplasm of belladonna and 
hydrocyanic acid has been advised by some. 

In cutaneous affections, of an itching, painful or inflammatory 
nature, it has been used with much success. In five cases of ob- 
stinate herpes, Schneider used a solution of the acid in alcohol: in 
similar cases Dr. A. T. Thomson, besides „the use of a purgative 
of calomel and colocynth, applied compresses to the parts wetted 
with the dilute acid. In two cases of impetigo, the local applica- 
tion completely allayed the distressing and intolerable itching and 
tingling, after other external applications, and the internal use of 
anodynes, had been of no avail. The discharge was diminished 
and rendered milder: alterative doses of mercury, combined with 
sarsaparilla, formed the internal treatment. 3 Dr. Thomson found 
the lotion useful, in combination with small doses of corrosive chlo- 
ride of mercury, in acne rosacea, and in several other cutaneous 
affections. In herpes, Magendie advises a lotion of hydrocyanic 
acid and lettuce water in the proportions mentioned hereafter. 

The acid has likewise been used, in the form of glyster, in scir- 
rhus of the pylorus, in the strength of six drops of Vauquelin's 
acid to eight ounces of water; 4 and uterine pain from scirrhus, 
injections of the acid, combined with infusion of belladonna, have 
been employed with advantage. 

1 North American Archives of Medical and Surgical Science, April, 1835. 
3 Lond. Med. Gazette. 1831, and Amer. Journ. of Med. Sciences, May, 1831, p. 242. 
3 London Medical and Physical Journal, Feb. 1822; and the author's edit, of Magen- 
die's Formulary, p. 112. Lond. 1824. Philad. 1825. 
* Bernd, in Rust's Magazin. Bd. xiii., S. 273. 



04 ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 

In ophthalmia, especially of the scrofulous kind, with engorge- 
ment of the conjunctiva, it has been advised by Elwert 1 — two 
drops of the acid being mixed with a drachm of water, and a little 
dropped frequently into the eye ; and it has been given in the ac- 
tive inflammatory stage of blennorrhcea. 2 

Its vapour has been advised in amaurosis, and in opacity of the 
cornea; 3 but it does not seem to be entitled to much credit in 
those affections. 

Lastly, when a portion of tcenia has protruded from the rectum, 
it has been advised by Cagnola, Golnecke,and others, that hydro- 
cyanic acid should be applied to it with the view of destroying 
it. 4 

Such are the principal affections in which the hydrocyanic acid 
has been used. The author has often employed it internally in 
many of the cases recommended, especially in painful affections 
accompanied by great nervous impressibility, and in consumption, 
but he has not had sufficient reason to place it high in rank amongst 
medicinal agents. 5 He has certainly had no evidence, that it 
can cure consumption when not beyond its first stage, as remarked 
by Magendie. 6 If the practitioner will bear in mind the effects 
which the acid is capable of inducing upon healthy man, when the 
dose is carried to the requisite extent, he will have no difficulty in 
deciding upon the cases in which its agency may be appropriate. 
If not a true sedative, it is the nearest approach to one in the 
catalogue of the materia medica ; and therefore its employment is 
clearly indicated in all.diseases in which there is much erethism, — 
administered alone or along with other appropriate agents. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

After the remarks that have been made on the varying strength 
of the hydrocyanic acid, according to the particular form by which 
it may have been prepared, it is hardly necessary to say, that the 
physician must be acquainted with the character of the acid he 
prescribes. The ordinary dose of that of the Pharmacopoeia 
of the United States is a drop, given three times a day in a little 
sugared water: it must be borne in mind, however, that the spe- 
cific gravity of the acid is less than that of water, and hence the 
necessity of dropping the quantity of acid at the time of using it, 
rather than forming a mixture with a larger quantity of the acid, 
which will certainly rise to the surface, if the mixture be put to 

1 Rust's Magazin, B. xiii., S. 182. 
1 Ibid. B. xiii., S. 228. 

3 Paterson in Lond. iMed. Oaz. May 15, 1844, p. 808. 

4 Osann. Op. cit. and Gerson and Julius, Magaz. d. ausliindischen Litteratur der 
gesammt. Heilkund. B. ii. 177. Also, Hufetand und Osann's Journal der prakt. Heil- 
kund. 13d. lviii , St. 6. S. 122, and Richter, Op. cit, S. HIS. 

1 See, also, Becquerel, Gazette Medicale de Paris, 13 Jan., 1840. 
s The author's edit, of his Formulary, p. 108. 



ACIDUM HVDROCYANICUM. 35 

one side : and unless the vial is shaken, a much larger dose may- 
be administered than was intended. It must also be recollected, 
that the acid loses its strength by keeping. Magendie remarks, 1 
that when left to itself in a close vessel, it sometimes becomes de- 
composed in less than an hour, and that it rarely preserves its in- 
tegrity for more than a fortnight. 

The substances that are incompatible with it in the same pre- 
scription, are most metallic oxides, particularly those of mercury 
and antimony, nitrate of silver, salts of iron, sulphurets, mineral 
acids and chlorine. 

The proper plan is to begin with a small dose and to augment 
it carefully until some effect is induced, but if any of the signs — 
mentioned above as indicating the supervention of the sedative 
effects of the acid — should supervene, it ought to be discontinued. 
Magendie, it has been seen, uses the hydrocyanic acid of Gay- 
Lussac, diluted with 8.5 times its weight of water; and this mix- 
ture he denominates medicinal prussic acid. 

The following are forms in which the acid may be administered. 

Mistura acidi hydro eyanici. 

Mixture of hydrocyanic acid. 

(Melange pectoral.) 

R. Acidi hydrocyanici medicinalis f gj. 

Aquae destillatas Oj. 

Sacchari albi Jiss. M. 

A dessert-spoonful of this is directed to be taken every morn- 
ing and evening at bed time — the dose being gradually increased 
to six or eight spoonfuls in the 24 hours. Magendie. 

R. Acidi hydrocyanici (Scheele's) ttLxij. 
Vin. antimon. f gj. 
Tinct. opii camphoratae f giiss. 
Aquae camphorae f ^vijss. Fiat mistura. 

Dose. — In hooping cough, a table-spoonful every four hours for 
a delicate boy four years old, to be given in some warm drink. The 
child to remain in a warm room, and to live upon light pudding 
and broth. Roe. 

R. Acidi hydrocyanici (Scheele's,) Ttl xx. 
Vin. antimon. f giss. 

ipecacuanhae f giss. 

Aquae f gxiij. Fiat mistura. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful every two hours for a healthy-looking 
female child, five years of age. Roe. 

Syrupus acidi hydrocyanici. 

Syrup of hydrocyanic acid. 
R. Syrupi purificat. Oj. 

Acidi hydrocyanici medicinalis f 3j. M. 

1 Op.citat. p. 104. 



36 ACIDUM LACTIS. 

This syrup may be added to common pectoral mixtures, and 
used as other syrups are, Magendie. 

Lotio acidi hydrocyanici. 

Lotion of hydrocyanic acid. 

R. Acidi hydrocyanici f ^ss. 
Alcohol, f 3j. 
Aquae destillat. f ^xss. 

This was the lotion employed by Professor Thomson in cases 
of impetigo. 

The following was used by Schneider in herpes. 

R. Acidi hydrocyanici f ^iss. 
Alcohol, f£vi. M. 

And in the same cases Magendie employed the subjoined for- 
mula. 

R. Acidi hydrocyanici f.^ij. 
Aqua? lactucae Oij. M. 

The distilled water of the garden lettuce probably contains no- 
thing to recommend it over common distilled water. 

Dr. Joy 1 advises the following lotion in acne and impetigo 
to correct itching; and in ulcerated cancer to diminish pain. 

R. Acid, hydrocyan. dil. f 3i— 31V. 
Decoct, malvse Oj. M. 

The bottle should be shaken before each application. 

All these formulae are objectionable for the reasons before as- 
signed; and it is consequently better to drop the acid at the time 
of using it, taking care that it has not lost its properties. 



V. ACIDUM LACTIS. 

Synonymes. Acidum Lacteum seu Lactis seu Lacticum, Lactic Acid ; Acid 
of milk. 

French. Acide Lactique. 
German. Milchsaure. 

This acid has been recommended as a therapeutical agent by 
Magendie. 3 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Lactic acid maybe obtained either from milk or from the ju ice 

of the red beet. In the latter case, the juice is put in a situation 

the temperature of which is between 77° and 86° Fah. After the 

lapse of a few days, a commotion is observed in the mass, which 

1 Tweedie's Libr. of Med., v. 288, Lond 1840, or Araer. edit 

2 Forraulaire pour la preparation et l'emploi de plusieurs nouveaux medicamens, &c, 
Edit. Oerne. Paris, 1836. 



ACIDUM LACTIS. 37 

is known under the name " viscous fermentation," {fermentation 
visqueuse,) and hydrogen and carburetted hydrogen are evolved 
in considerable quantity. When the mass has become fluid again, 
and the fermentation has ended, which generally requires about 
two months, it is evaporated to the consistence of syrup, the 
whole then becomes traversed by a multitude of mannitic crys- 
tals, which — when washed with a small quantity of water, and 
dried — are entirely pure. The mass, moreover, contains a saccha- 
rine matter, which affords all the signs of the sugar of the grape. 
The product of the evaporation is next treated with alcohol; this 
dissolves the lactic acid, and precipitates several substances that 
have not yet been examined. The alcoholic extract is then dis- 
solved in water, which occasions a fresh precipitation. The li- 
quid is now saturated with carbonate of zinc, and by this means 
a fresh precipitation is effected, more copious than the preceding. 
By concentration, the lactate of zinc snoots into crystals, which 
are collected and heated in water, to which animal charcoal, 
previously washed in muriatic acid, has been added : the fluid is 
then filtered, and the lactate of zinc is deposited in perfectly white 
crystals : these are washed in boiling alcohol, in which they are 
insoluble; afterwards they are treated with baryta, and then with 
sulphuric acid, which separates the lactic acid. This is finally 
concentrated in vacuo. 1 

Mitscherlich 2 gives the following process for preparing it pure. 
Lactate of lead, formed in the usual way, is decomposed by sul- 
phate of zinc; the sulphate of lead is separated, and the lactate 
of zinc crystallized by evaporation; this is at first yellow, but by 
repeated crystallizations it is obtained of a pure white. This so- 
lution of the lactate is decomposed by pure baryta; the oxide of 
zinc separated, and the lactate of baryta, which is in solution, is 
decomposed by sulphuric acid, and the fluid evaporated; this 
yields a clear, colourless, syrupy, not volatile acid, which is de- 
composed, and leaves a residue of charcoal when heated at a suffi- 
ciently high temperature. 

Milk, which has been suffered to ferment for a long while, and 
is treated in the same way, affords lactic acid. Corriol has like- 
wise detected it in an aqueous infusion of the nux vomica. 

When concentrated in vacuo until it parts with no more water, 
lactic acid is a colourless liquor, of syrupy consistence; its specific 
gravity being about 1.215. It is inodorous, but of a very sour 
taste, similar to that of the strongest vegetable acids. When ex- 
posed to the air, it attracts moisture. Water and alcohol dissolve 
it in all proportions. One of its most striking properties, which 

1 Gay-Lussac and Pelouze, Annates de Chimie et de Physique, Avril, 1833. (Tom. 
KL 410.) 

2 Report to British Association, 2d meeting, and Phila. Journal of Pharmacy, vi. 83. 
Philadelphia, 1834-5. 



38 ACIDUM LACTIS. 

is of especial interest to the physician, is, that it quickly dissolves 
phosphate of lime, especially that which is contained in bones. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

As lactic acid was conceived to play a part amongst the juices 
which effect the solution of the food in the stomach, Magendie 
thought it might be given with advantage in cases of dyspepsia 
produced by simple debility of the digestive apparatus ; and his 
experiments afforded him very encouraging results. 

In consequence of the facility with which lactic acid dissolves 
phosphate of lime, it has been suggested, whether it might not 
be administered with advantage in cases of white gravel, or, in 
other words, of phosphalic depositions from the urine. Magen- 
die has not yet been able to institute experiments on this matter. 
At the time when the edition of his Formulary, to which we have 
referred, was published, he had commenced some clinical experi- 
ments with lactate of potassa, and lactate of soda, but without any 
results worthy of being communicated to the profession. He re- 
commends these salts, however, to the attention of physicians. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Magendie gives lactic acid either in the form of lemonade or of 
lozenges. 

Potus acidi lactis. 
Lemonade of lactic acid. 

R. Acid. lact. liquid, f 3j. ad giv. 
Aquae Oij. 
Syrupifgij. M. 

Pastil li acidi lactis. 

Lozenges of lactic acid. 
R. Acid. lact. pur. gij. 
Sacch. pulv. ^j. 
Gum. tragac. q. s. 
01. aether, vamgl. gtt. iv. M. 

Make into lozenges weighing half a dram each. Let them 
be kept in a well closed vessel. Of these, from two to six may be 
taken in the 24 hours without any evil consequences. 



VI. AC'TDUM TAN'NICUM. 

Synonymes. Acidum Quercitannicum, Tanninum Puram, Tannicum, Prin- 

cipium Adstringens seu Scytodephicum, Tannin, Tannic acid. 
French. Acide Tannique. 
German. Tannin, Gerberstoff, Gerbsaure. 

This article, in its pure state, has been subjected to experiment 
of late years only. 



ACIDUM TANNICUM. 39 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to Buchner, 1 tannic acid should be prepared for me- 
dical use in the following manner. From eight to twelve parts of 
hot water must be poured on one part of powdered galls, and the 
mixture be allowed to digest for an hour, frequently agitating it. 
It must then be filtered, and the residue be again treated in the 
same manner with a little hot water. The different infusions, 
which generally pass through the filter turbid, must be mixed to- 
gether, and a little dilute sulphuric acid be added by drops, con- 
stantly shaking the mixture so long as any precipitate of tannic 
acid follows. The acid is deposited very soon in this way, in a 
collected yellowish white, gelatiniform mass, which by the influ- 
ence of air gradually assumes a brown colour. 

After the fluid is poured off, the residue is washed twice with 
cold water acidulated with sulphuric acid : carbonate of bary- 
ta, or carbonate of potassa, is then added to it in small portions, 
carefully shaking the mixture, until there is no farther efferves- 
cence, and until a portion of the mass dissolved in water and test- 
ed by chloride of barium affords no more evidence of the presence 
of sulphuric acid. The yet moist mass is then put into a retort 
with alcohol of about ninety per cent., which is added repeatedly 
in small portions; the alcohol is made to boil, to dissolve the tan- 
nic acid, and separate it from the sulphate of baryta or sulphate of 
lime; the alcoholic solution is then poured off clear, and by a gen- 
tle heat evaporated to dryness. 

The following form for its preparation is given in the last edi- 
tion of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States (1842.) Take of 
Galls, in powder; Sulphuric ether, each a sufficient quantity. 
Put into a glass adapter, loosely closed at its lower end with card- 
ed cotton, sufficient powdered galls to fill about one half of it ; and 
press the powder slightly. Then fit the adapter accurately to the 
mouth of a receiving vessel ; fill it with the sulphuric ether, and 
close the upper orifice so as to prevent the escape of the ether by 
evaporation. The liquid which passes separates into two unequal 
portions, of which the lower is much smaller in quantity and 
much denser than the upper. 

When the ether ceases to pass, pour fresh portions upon the 
galls, until the lower stratum of liquid in the receiver no longer 
increases. Then separate this from the upper, put it into a cap- 
sule, and evaporate with a moderate heat to dryness. Lastly, rub 
what remains into powder. The upper portion of liquid will 
yield by distillation a quantity of ether, which, when washed with 
water, may be employed in a subsequent operation. 

1 Repertorium, B. xxxiv. H. 3; also, A. W. Buchner, Neueste Entdeckung. fiber die 
Gerbs'aure, u.s. w. Frankf. 1833, and Dierbach, in Heidelberger Klinische Annalen, 
B. x. H. 3, S. 339, Heidelb. 1834. 

For the process of M . Duval, see Annal.de Chimie et de Physique, and Amer. 
Journal of Pharm. July. 1841, p. 171. 



40 ACIDUM TANNICUM. 

Tannic acid, thus preparer!, is of a yellowish-white colour; of a 
strongly astringent taste ; very soluble in water, and less so in al- 
cohol and in ether. It reddens litmus paper. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Tannic acid is a strong astringent, 2 which has hitherto been 
mainly used in uterine hemorrhage, and especially by the Italian 
physicians. Porta 3 was, perhaps, the first who tried it. He 
found it very efficacious in cases not dependent upon any or- 
ganic mischief in the uterus. It exhibits its powers, according to 
him, even in small doses — as of two grains, and is well borne by 
the stomach. Ferrario 4 likewise administered it with advantage 
in the same affection, but he does not consider it adapted for cases 
in which either partial or general plethora, or local excitement of 
the uterus, or any organic disease, exists: it is indicated only 
where mere atony is present. He gives it in the form of powder 
or pill, in two grain doses, six times a day. The effect is gene- 
rally good: the hemorrhage diminishes and soon ceases, and, at 
the same time, the strength augments, and recovery succeeds with- 
out any disturbance of the functions. Giadorow 5 details two cases 
of diabetes cured by it, when given in combination with opium, as 
in the prescription at the end of this article. The first patient 
was cured in ten, the second in twelve days. M. Dumars 6 ex- 
tols it in the same disease, administered by the mouth as well as 
by the rectum. 

According to Ricci, 7 tannic acid has frequently been employed 
in Italy both in internal and external hemorrhages. G. A. 
Richter, 8 however, affirms, that he has given it in habitual me- 
trorrhagia without any advantage whatever. Within the last 
few years, M. Cavarra 9 has instituted many experiments on animals, 
as well as on himself, from which he concludes, that when tannic 
acid is placed in contact with certain parts of the living economy, 
it exerts upon them the same chemico-vital action which it does on 
an inert organic tissue, or, in other words, it tans them as it tans lea- 
ther. " These parts," he says, " are the mucous membranes of the 
urethra, vagina, intestines, and lungs. The action of tannic acid 
appears to be, to cause such a condensation or contraction in them, 
that the glands with which they are studded no longer afford pas- 
sage for the mucus which they secrete." 

1 Pharm. of the United States, p. 63, Fhilad. 1842. 

3 See. on the action of this agent, Mitscherlich, Medicinische Zeitunff, No. 43, 1838, 
and Bullet General de Therap. 30 Mars, 1837. 

1 Delpech, Memorial des Hopitaux du Midi, Sic. Fevrier, 1829, p. 51. 

* Annali universali di Medicina, Geniiajo, 1^29. 

* Annali universali di Medicina, and Gazette Medical, Sep. 15, 1832. 

8 Cited in the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Nov 18, 1842. 

1 Bulletin des Sciences Medicales, Sept. 1H28. 

8 Arzneimittellehre, Supplement, s. GO ; also, Cavalier, in Archiv. Generates, xix. 5^9. 

* Bulletin del'Aeademie Royale de Medecine, Janvier, 1837; also, American Medical 
Intelligencer, Oct. 16, 1837, p. 258. 



ACIDUM TANNICUM. 41 

M. Cavarra asserts, that he has proved these positions by nu- 
merous experiments and demonstrations. When tannic acid is taken 
internally, its immediate effect is constipation, by arresting the 
secretion from the mucous membrane. When it has reached the 
stomach, it is absorbed, and carried into the current of the cir- 
culation. There exists between this organ and the vagina, the 
urethra, and the lungs, no communication except through the cir- 
culatory system, and, consequently, the tannic acid — it is fair to 
presume — must be absorbed to cure leiicorrhoea,gonorrhcea,&x\<\ 
the most obstinate chronic catarrhs . M. Cavarra concludes, that 
of all the effects of tannic acid, two of the most surprising are, the 
cures operated by it in cases of obstinate nervous coughs, and the 
excellent action it exerts in phthisis. Farther experiments are, 
however, demanded before this last point can be admitted. From 
our knowledge of the properties of tannic acid, it is not easy to 
see how it — or any astringent — can be of much service in the 
latter malady. Mixed with powdered sugar, in the proportion of 
from two to ten parts of the acid to ten parts of sugar, it has been 
blown, with advantage, by M. P. de Mignot, 1 into the fauces to 
facilitate the expulsion of false membranes. 

Dr. S. S. Allison, 2 who has for six years constantly prescribed 
tannic acid internally with much success in various diseases, speaks 
highly of it in chronic bronchial catarrh, chronic diarrhoea, leu- 
corrhoea, menorrhagia, the hemorrhagic diathesis, and albuminu- 
ria. As a local application, he extols it in sponginess and hemor- 
rhage of the gams, relaxation of the throat, prolapsus ani, he- 
morrhoidal tumours, gonorrhcea ; and as an external application 
to the skin where astringents are indicated. He has found it like- 
wise of service in dyspepsia ; and as a nervine in several cases of 
nervous debility, languor and excitability. In these last cases, he 
generally combines it with camphor, hops, or hyoscyamus. 

M. Subregondi 3 strongly recommends it in hooping-cough, 
when the period of excitement has passed away. His practice is 
to give from a quarter to half a grain every two hours along w T ith 
some soothing agent, as the extractum conii, and Durr 4 speaks 
highly of a combination of it with benzoin in the latter stages of 
the same malady. He prepares powders, each containing from 
two to five centigrammes, — gr. J to £ — with 50 centigrammes — 
gr. 8 of sugar ; one to be given every two hours. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1848, p. 138. 

4 London Journal of Medicine, Jan. 1850. cited in Ranking's Half yearly Abstract, 
&€., Amer. edit., xi. 77. Phila. 1850; and in Amer. Jour, of the Med. Sciences, Oct 
1850. p. 507. 

* Cited in Northern Journal of Medicine, Dec. 1844, and in Braithwaite's Retrospect, 
Amer. edit. viii. 54. New York, 1845. 

* Cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, April 3, 1850. 



42 ACIDUM TANNICUM. 

M. Amedee Latour 1 has highly extolled it for its efficacy in 
hcemoptysis. In one case, it completely succeeded when other re- 
medies had failed; and in three cases of hemorrhage to a slighter 
degree, it was wholly successful. M. Charvet* has also recom- 
mended it in the sweats of phthisis. He gives it in the dose of 
from half a grain to a grain and a half, alone or associated with 
opium, and generally at bed-time. 

Hiiter affirms, that tannic acid, prepared from dried galls, in the 
form of ointment, or diluted with distilled water, is very serviceable 
in most cases of Egyptian ophthalmia. It has likewise been ad- 
vised in hemorrhoids and fissures of the anus? 

In the hyperemesis induced by ipecacuanha or emetia, it may 
be administered as an antidote. 

M. Druitt 4 thinks, that in any case in which a vegetable astrin- 
gent is indicated, tannic acid should have the preference. A simple 
solution in distilled water, he says, is much more easily and quickly 
prepared, as well as much more elegant, than the ordinary decoc- 
tions or injections' of oak bark, catechu, &c. It can be made, 
moreover, of uniform strength, and free from foreign inert matter, 
and is not liable to decompose quickly. In sore nipples, he found 
it to be invaluable. He employs it in solution — five grains to the 
fluidounce of distilled water — on lint covered with oiled silk. He 
has also found it of great service in toot hack. The gum around 
the tooth is first scarified with a fine lancet, and then a little cot- 
ton wool, imbued with a solution of a scruple of tannic acid, and 
five grains of mastich in tw r o fluidrachms of ether, must be put 
into the cavity; and, "if the ache is to be cured at all, this plan 
will put an end to it in nine cases out of ten." 

In a case of open, almost incurable, cancerous ulceration, in 
which it was applied by Dr. Michaelsen, 5 to arrest the bleeding, it 
excited a wonderful effect on the ulcer and the carcinoma itself. 

According to the experiments of Magendie, 6 tannic acid is one 
of the substances that oppose the coagulation of the blood. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
It may be given in the form of pill, or draught, or as a lave- 
ment. In the dose of from a quarter of a grain to two grains, it 
does not produce any unpleasant constipation, but its effects must 
be observed with care. 7 

1 Journal de Medecine et de Chirurg. Pratiq. Nov. 1S39. See, also, Bouchardat, 
Annuaire, &c, pour 1849, p. 203, 

" Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mai, 1840. 

3 Didav, in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1S47, p. 170. Paris, 1847, 

4 Provincial Med. Journ. Oct. 9, 1844. 

* Med. Chir. Zeitung, xviii. 24. cited in Schmidt's Jahrbucher, u. s. w. No. G, S. 287. 
Jahrgang 1849. 

6 Lond. Lancet. Jan. 20, 1829, p. 636. 

7 Cavarra,in Bulletin General de Therapeutique, 30 Mars, 1837. 



ACIDUM TANNICUM. 43 

V i n u m aromatic u m cum acido tannico. 

Aromatic wine ivith tannic acid. 

R. Vini aromat. f 5 viij. 
Acid, tannic, ^ij. M. 

R. Vini aromat. f 3 viij. 
Acid, tannic. £ij. 
Ext. opii purif. gss. M. 

Used as local dressings to chancres. Ricord. 

The vinum aromaticum of the French Codex, used by Ricord, 
is composed of four ounces of aromatic herbs, (rosemary, rue, 
sage, hyssop, lavender, absinthium, origanum, thyme, laurel leaves, 
red rose leaves, chamomile, melilotum, and elder,) digested in two 
pints of red wine for eight days. 

Injectio acidi tannici. 

Injection of tannic acid. 

R. Acid, tannic. £)iv. 
Infunde per minut. x. in 
Aquse bullientis Oj. 

To be injected slowly into the rectum in cases of uterine he- 
morrhage. Dumars, 



c 



R. Vin. rubr. f gvj. 

Acid, tannic, gr. xviij. M. 

Used in chronic blennorrhcea, or what is called an old gleet. 1 

Ricord. 

In the case of the female, the quantity of tannic acid may be 
doubled, or still farther increased. 

Pilulse acidi tannici. 

Pills of tannic acid. 

R. Acid, tannic, pulv. gr. vj. 
Acac. pulv. gr. xij. 
Sacchar. pulv. gr. lxxij. 
Syrup, q. s. ut fiat massa in pilulas pond. gr. iv. sing, dividend. 

Dose. — One to four, morning and evening, where an astringent 
is needed. . . Cavarra, 

Pilular acidi tannici composite. 
Compound pills of tannic acid. 

(Pilules de tannin composees.) 
R. Acidi tannic. gv. xvss. } (1 gramme.) 
Morphia acetat. 

Antimon. et potassse tartrat. aa gr. iss. 
Confect. q. s. ut fiant pilulse xx. 

x La Lancette Francaise, No. 33, Paris, 1838, and Parker, Modern Treatment of Sy- 
philitic Diseases, American Med. Library edit. p. 44. Philad. 1840. 



44 ACIDUM TANNICUM. 

Dose. — One or two in the day in hemorrhage, diarrhoea, &c. 

Jourdain. 
Pilulae acidi tannici cum opio. 
Pills of tannic acid with opium. 

(Pilules narcotiques astringentes.) 
R. Acid, tannic. £ss. 
Extract, opii gi. J. 
Confect. rosse q. s. M. et divide in pilulas xx. 

One every hour in uterine hemorrhage. Dumars. 

Pulveres acidi tannici et opii. 
Powders of tannic acid and opium. 
R. Acid tannic. J}ij. 

Opii pulv. gr. ss. Misce et divide in pulveres tres. 

Dose. — One, morning, noon, and night ; gradually increasing 
the quantity of tannic acid to four scruples daily. Giadorow. 

Syrnpus acidi tannici. 

Syrup of tannic acid. 
R. Acid, tannic, p. v. 

Syrup, p. 500. — Mix and filter. 

Bouchardat. 1 
Ungnentnm acidi tannici. 
Ointment of tannic acid. 

R. Acidi tannici gr. xvss. 
Adipis ^ss. M. 

This is the Pommade contre les ger cures de Vanus, of M. 
Diday, applied, in fissure of the anus, on the extremity of the 
little finger. Diday. 

Dentif ricium acidi tannici compositum. 

Compound dentifrice of tannic acid. 

R. Acid, tannic, ^ss. 
Sacchar. lact. lb. iiss. 
Carmin. giiss. 
Essent. Menth. 

Anis. aa gtt. xx, 

Flor. aurant. gtt. x. M. 

To prevent accumulation of tartar, and give tone to the gums. 

Mialhe* 
Pomatum acidi tannici- 
Pomatum of tannic acid. 

(Liparole de tannin.') 

R. Adipis suill. gxij. 

Acid, tannic, gij. 

Aquae pur. f ^ij. 

1 Annuaire de Thferapeutique pour 1848, p. 138, Paris, 1848. 
* L'Abeille Medicale, Mai, 1848, p. 116. 



ACONITIA. 45 

Dissolve the tannic acid in the water, by triturating in a glass 
mortar; add the fat and mix. 1 B&ral. 

Lotio acidi tannici. 
Lotion of tannic acid. 

Hydrolotif de tannin, pour Vurathre. 

R. Aquae destillat. f ^viij. 

Acid, tannic, gr. xxxij. Solve. 

Employed in obstinate blennorrhea. Beral. 



VII. ACONITIA. 

Synontmes. Aconitina, Aconita ? Aconitium, Xconitinumj Aconitine. 
German. Akonitin, Aconitin. 

This active principle, which was discovered by Peschier,* and 
by Brandes, has been recommended by Dr. Turnbull, 3 whose eulo- 
gies on the medical virtues of the natural order Ranunculaceae are 
evidently, however, overstrained. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Turnbull gives two processes ; the former being the more easy 
of manipulation; the latter yielding a purer result, and on the 
whole being preferable. A quantity of the fresh root of Jlconitum 
napellus being very carefully and cautiously dried, and reduced 
to powder, — one part of it by weight, and two parts by measure 
of strong alcohol, are to be digested together at a gentle heat for 
seven days, and the tincture, whilst warm, is to be filtered. It 
must then be reduced to the consistence of an extract, by careful 
evaporation, at a low and well regulated temperature; the object 
of this being to prevent the destruction or expulsion of the active 
principle, which would very probably ensue, if the temperature 
employed were higher than barely sufficient to carry off the alco- 
hol. To the extract, thus prepared, liquid ammonia is to be 
added, drop by drop, and mixed well with it, to precipitate the al- 
kaloid: in this part of the process care must be taken that too 
much be not added, as in some instances the product appears to 
have been decomposed by inattention to this circumstance. It is 
not easy to give a precise rule as to the quantity ; but enough will 
have been added, if the extract exhales the odour of ammonia when 

1 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Janvier, 1838. 

9 Trommsdorff's Journal der Pharmacie, v. 84. 

* On the medical properties of the natural order Ranunculaceae, and more particularly 
on the uses of sabadilla seeds, delphinium staphysagria and aconitum napellus, and their 
alcaloids, veratria, sabadilline, delphinia and aconitine. Chap. iii. Lond. 1 835. 



46 ACONITIA. 

stirred. The mass now consists of impure aeonitia, mixed with a 
quantity of extractive, and other matters soluble in water, and it 
may be taken up either by boiling alcohol or by sulphuric ether; 
or the soluble matter may be removed by repeated washings with 
small quantities of cold water, which will leave the aconilia. This 
latter process, Turnbull says, is the one he has generally employed, 
and it is performed by pouring a little water on the extract, and 
mixing them carefully together; then allowing the undissolved 
part to subside, pouring off the fluid, and repeating the operation 
as long as any soluble matter is taken up: a quantity of light 
brown or gray powder is left, which may be purified by subse- 
quent solution in alcohol. This powder contains the active pro- 
perties of the aconite, in a high degree of concentration. 

The second process consists in dissolving the alcoholic extract, 
prepared as above, without the addition of the ammonia, in as 
much cold water as will take it up, carefully decanting the solu- 
tion from the insoluble part, and filtering it. To the filtered solu- 
tion liquid ammonia is to be added, drop by drop, as long as 
any precipitation is occasioned. When the precipitate has sub- 
sided, the supernatant fluid must be carefully poured, or drawn off 
by means of a syphon; and after the precipitate has been deprived 
of as much of the fluid as possible, it should be purified by a suffi- 
cient number of washings with small quantities of cold water, or. 
what is better, it may be dissolved in as much alcohol as will take 
it up, and the solution be thrown into cold water: the precipitate 
thus formed is to be earefully dried. The product obtained by 
this process is white. 

The London College, in their Pharmacopoeia of 1836, give the 
following form : — Take of aconite root, dried and bruised, two 
pounds; rectified spirit, three gallons; diluted sulphuric acid, 
solution of ammonia and purified animal charcoal, of each a 
sufficient quantity. Boil the aconite with a gallon of the spirit for 
an hour, in a retort with a receiver fitted to it. Pour off the 
liquor, and again boil the residue with another gallon of the spirit, 
and with the spirit recently distilled, and pour off the liquor also. 
Let the same be done a third time. Then press the aconite, and 
having mixed all the liquors and filtered them, distil the spirit. 
Evaporate the remainder to the proper consistence of an extract. 
Dissolve this in water and filter. Evaporate the solution with a 
gentle heat, so that it may thicken like syrup. To this add 
diluted sulphuric acid, mixed with distilled water sufficient to dis- 
solve the aeonitia. Next drop in solution of ammonia, and dissolve 
the aeonitia which is thrown down in dilute sulphuric acid, mixed 
as before with water; then mix in the animal charcoal, occasion- 
ally shaking for a quarter of an hour. Lastly, filter; and having 
again dropped in solution of ammonia so as to precipitate the 
aeonitia, wash and dry it. This process, however, according to 



ACONITIA. 47 

Messrs. Ballard and Garrod, 1 mostly fails in procuring the alka- 
loid. 

Aconitia occurs in the form of an amorphous powder, having an 
intensely acrid and bitter taste. It is not volatile, and should leave 
no ash when heated to destruction. When well prepared, accord- 
ing to Geiger, it is a firm, colourless, and translucent mass; of a 
shining appearance, friable and inodorous : the taste is disagreeably 
bitter, leaving behind it an acrid sensation in the throat, but not 
corrosive or burning. It does not dissolve readily in water : at 
the ordinary temperature requiring one hundred and fifty parts 
thereof, but only fifty parts of boiling water. It is soluble in al- 
cohol and in ether. Tincture of iodine occasions in the solution 
a reddish-brown precipitate ; tincture of galls a white one. It 
forms, with the acids, for the most part, salts that are not crystal- 
lizable, which readily dissolve both in water and alcohol. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The effects of aconitia appear to be essentially analogous to 
those of delphinia. A grain of the first of the two preparations 
described by Turnbull was dissolved in a dram of alcohol; 
twenty drops of the solution put into the mouth of a guinea-pig 
occasioned death in a few minutes. Other experiments, too, have 
been performed, all of which demonstrate the extreme activity of 
the substance. If a grain or two of aconitia or veratria or delphi- 
nia be mixed with a little lard, or dissolved in a dram of alcohol, 
and a small quantity be rubbed on the skin, a sensation of heat 
and tingling is experienced after the friction has been persevered 
in for a minute or two. There is a slight difference, however, in 
the effects produced, and the resemblance is greatest between 
those of delphinia and aconitia. 

When a small quantity of aconitia, says Dr. Turnbull, either 
made into an ointment, or dissolved in alcohol, is rubbed for a mi- 
nute or two upon the skin, a sensation of heat and prickling is ex- 
perienced; to this succeeds a feeling of numbness and constriction 
in the part, as if a heavy weight were laid upon it, or as if the 
skin were drawn together by the powerful and involuntary con- 
traction of the muscles beneath. This effect lasts from two or 
three to twelve or more hours, according to the quantity rubbed 
in. So small a portion as the one hundredth part of a grain has 
produced a sensation that has continued a whole day. A minute 
portion of it mixed with lard, and applied to the eye, occasions 
contraction of the pupil according to Dr. Pereira, whilst Geiger 
and Hesse affirm that the aconitia which they obtained produced 
dilatation of the pupil. Dr. Pereira states, that the aconitia pre- 
pared by Mr. Morson of London is so powerful, that one-fiftieth 

1 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. p. 164. Lond. 1845. 



48 ACONITIA. 

of a grain has endangered the life of an individual. It is, he con- 
siders, the most virulent poison known, not excepting hydrocyanic 
acid. 1 

Whilst employing aconite itself in his clinical practice, Dr. 
Lombard, 2 of Geneva, tried its effects on animals, and chiefly in 
reference to its action on the heart. The experiments were made 
on frogs, whose hearts beat with great regularity, and for a consi- 
derable time after the animal has been mutilated. The medicine 
was introduced into the stomach or applied locally to the heart, 
which was laid bare after the animal had been stupified by blows 
on the head. He found, that aconite employed internally rendered 
the pulsations less frequent, but not irregular, and consequently 
that it exerted a decidedly sedative effect on the heart; whence he 
infers, that it is a proper remedy in active diseases of that organ, 
and indeed in inflammatory affections in general, in which he ex- 
hibited it with success. In cases of poisoning by it, the contrac- 
tions of the heart have been found diminished and almost suspend- 
ed. 3 The homoeopathists regard it as an energetic antiphlogistic. 

Dr. Eades 4 concludes, from his own observations, that the most 
remarkable symptoms exhibited by animals from the use of aco- 
nite or its alkaloid, are — weakness; staggering; gradually in- 
creasing insensibility of the surface; slowly increasing weakness of 
the voluntary muscles, ending, perhaps, in paralysis; great lan- 
guor of the pulse ; more or less blindness, and convulsive twitch- 
inp-s before death. 

The ablest investigation yet undertaken into the actions of aco- 
nite, according to Dr. Christison, 5 is contained in the inaugural dis- 
sertation of Dr. Fleming 6 since published, and with a copy of 
which the author was favoured by Dr. Fleming. He found that 
the most remarkable symptoms are weakness and staggering, gra- 
dually increasing paralysis of the voluntary muscles, slowly in- 
creasing insensibility of the surface, and more or less blindness. 
He farther observed, that the pupil becomes much contracted; the 
irritability of the voluntary muscles is impaired ; the veins are con- 
gested after death, the blood unaltered, and the heart capable of 
contracting for some time after respiration has ceased. From its 
action on the cerebro-spinal and muscular systems, he deduces the 
following practical inferences. First, it is sedative, anodyne and 
antispasmodic. Secondly, it is an advisable antiphlogistic in apo- 
plexy, phrenitis, or any disease in which the circulation of the brain 
is excited. Thirdly, it is contra-indicated in head-ach arising 

1 Elements of Mat. Med. &c, 2d edit. ii. 1811. Lond. 1842. 
3 Gazette Medicale de Paris, Oct. 10, 1835. 

3 Orfila, Toxicologic, it 221, 

4 Dublin Journal of Med. Science, March, 1845, p. 55. 

5 Treatise on Poisons. Amer. edit. p. (>65. Phila. 1S4-5. 

8 An Inquiry into the Physiology and Medicinal Properties of the Aconitum Napellus, 
&c. Lond. 1845. 



ACONITIA. 49 

from anaemia or chlorosis, and wherever there is a torpid or para- 
lytic condition of the muscular system, and, Fourthly, Its proper- 
ties suggest its employment in convulsive or spasmodic diseases. 

From its action on the circulation he infers, First, that it is a 
powerful antiphlogistic. Secondly, it is calculated to be of great 
value in all cases where there is inordinate activity of the circula- 
tion. Thirdly, it is contra-indicated when there is obvious me- 
chanical impediment to the passage of the blood, particularly 
through the heart or lungs: it is requisite, therefore, in every case 
before commencing its use, to ascertain that no such obstruction 
exists; and fourthly, it is contra-indicated whenever there is irri- 
tability of the circulation, with great diminution of power, such as 
occurs after severe hemorrhage. 

Its results on the respiratory system led him to the inference, 
First, that it will probably be found a highly advantageous anti- 
phlogistic in pneumonia, pleuritis, &c. Secondly, it seems calcu- 
lated to be serviceable in spasmodic asthma. Thirdly, it is con- 
tra-indicated in difficulty of breathing, arising from any other cause 
than inflammation or spasm; and fourthly, in cases of advanced 
bronchitis, with excess of secretion, it would prove highly injuri- 
ous by diminishing still farther the power of expectoration. 

Dr. Fleming has not met with any convincing evidence that it 
is a cumulative remedy; although in two cases he was induced to 
suspect it. The individuals were affected with general tremors, 
severe pain in the head and eye-balls, constant lachrymation, in- 
tense photophobia, heat of skin, quick pulse, and great restlessness. 
In many other instances, however, where the administration of the 
remedy was continued for weeks, and even months, no such effects 
were observed. 

The diseases in which Dr. Turnbull chiefly employed aconitia 
externally, were of the neuralgic kind ; but he used it as well in 
gouty and rheumatic cases; and its success, he remarks, fully an- 
swered his anticipations. He employs it either in the form of so- 
lution in alcohol, in the proportion of one or more grains to the 
drachm, — or of ointment, made according to the following for- 
mula: 

R. Aconitias gr. ij. 

Alcohol, gtt. vj. Tere optime et adde. 
Adipis 3J. ut fiat unguentum. 

The alcohol is added to prevent the aconitia from forming a 
thick compound with part of the lard, so as to render it difficult 
to make a proper ointment. In one case of tic douloureux, of ex- 
treme severity, as much as eight grains was prescribed in the oint- 
ment with the most marked benefit. The best mode of applying 
it is simply to rub a small portion of it over the whole seat of the 
affection, until the pain is either for the time removed, or until the 
full effect, described above, is induced on the cutaneous nerves ; 



50 ACONITIA. 

and the friction should be repeated three or four times, or more 
frequently, during the day, according to the effect on the disease; 
the proportion of the aconitia being increased at every second or 
third rubbing. 

Dr. Turnbull found, in the case of aconitia — as well as in that 
of veratria and delphinia — that unless the friction occasioned a 
full development of the peculiar impressions caused by it when 
rubbed on the skin, no benefit whatever was to be looked for from 
its employment; and he observes, that if there be the slightest 
abrasion of the skin, an application of such activity should not be 
resorted to ; and that it should be carefully kept from coming in 
contact with any of the mucous membranes. 

Aconite and its alkaloid have been used internally and exter- 
nally in neuralgia, with marked advantage by Jahn, Tealier, 
Hufeland, Wildberg, Fleming 1 and others; but Drs. Copland, A. 
T. Thomson and others have prescribed it in several cases with- 
out success. By many, the external application of the remedy is 
considered to be more likely to be beneficial ; whilst others give a 
preference to its internal use. Mr. F. C. Skey 3 details two cases 
which were cured by it. It was rubbed down into an ointment 
with lard, in the proportion of one grain of the former to one dram 
of the latter, and applied in a small quantity by the forefinger over 
the track of the painful nerve, and was gently rubbed or rather 
smeared over the surface for half a minute or longer, once or twice 
a day, according to the degree of pain. 

The observations of Turnbull and Skey have been confirmed by 
Drs. Roots, Sigmond, Fleming and others. 3 In neuralgia of the 
heart, Dr. Copland 4 found it highly serviceable. 

Aconitia is not much used. The extravagance of its price, 
which is said to have been in England 3s. 6d. or upwards of three 
quarters of a dollar per grain, 5 would necessarily limit its use, had 
it proved to be more advantageous than it has. It woulo 1 appear, 
that all its powers are possessed by the tincture of aconite or by 
the alcoholic extract. 

Dr. Turnbull likewise advises the external application of an am- 
moniated extract of aconite, which is made by evaporating 
very carefully, and at a low temperature, the tincture of the dried 
root of the plant, prepared as directed in the process for obtaining 
aconitia, to the consistence of an extract. To every dram of this, 
eight or ten drops of liquor ammonise should be added, and after 
the mixture has stood a short time in a very gentle heat, to drive 

» Op. cit. p. 56. 2 London Med. Gaz. Nov. 5, 1836. 

3 Dr Cowan, Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. May, 1643; cited in Braithwaite's 
Retrospect, Amer. edit. vjii. 26. New York, 1844. 

4 Dictionary of Practical Medicine, vi. 8H3. 

5 Pereira, Elements of Mat Med and Therap. 2d Amer. edit, p, 757. Phila. 1846. 



ACONITIA. 51 

off the excess of ammonia, it may be used in the form of an oint- 
ment, according to the following prescription : 

Unguentum extracti aconiti ammoniati, 

Ointment of ammoniated extract of aconite. 

R. Ext. aconit. ammon. gj. 

Adipis giij. Misce ut fiat unguentum. 

When this ointment is rubbed upon the skin, it occasions sen- 
sations in the part similar to those produced by the aconitia oint- 
ment : they are, however, rather more pungent. 

In less severe cases, Dr. Turnbull advises the simple saturated 
tincture of the dried root, with or without the addition of 
a little ammonia. The external use of this tincture of aconite has 
been recommended in neuralgia and chronic rheumatism by 
Dr. Pereira, 1 and Mr. Jos. Curtis; 2 and in hemicrania 3 by Dr. 
Fleming. 

The alcoholic extract of aconite — Extractum aconiti alco- 
holicum — which is officinal in the last edition of the Pharmaco- 
poeia of the United States, 1842 — has likewise been advised by 
Drs. Lombard of Geneva, 4 Busse, J. B. Watkins, 5 and others, in 
articular rheumatism. Dr. Lombard gives it in doses of half a 
grain every two hours, and gradually augments the dose to six or 
nine grains in the same period. A case of poisoning by five grains 
of this extract— from which, however, the patient recovered — has 
been published by M. E. L. Pereyra, of Bordeaux. 6 

The applications of the different preparations of aconite to the- 
rapeutics have been given elsewhere. 7 



VIII. ACUPUNCTU'RA. 

Synonymes. Acupuncture, Acupuncturation. 
German. Die Akupunktur; der Nadelstich. 

Although acupuncturation is really an ancient therapeutical 
agent, attention to it has been so much revived of late years, and 
its use has been so largely extended, that it may be looked upon 
as constituting one of the novelties of therapeutics. It consists in 
the introduction of needles into different parts of the body with a 
view of removing or mitigating disease ; and appears to have been 
entirely unknown to the Grecian, Roman, and Arabian physicians. 8 

1 Elements of Materia Medica, 2d edit. ii. 1808. Lond. 1842. 

2 Lond. Lancet, June 26, 1841. 3 Op. cit. p. 60. 

4 Gazette Medicale, Juin 28, 1834. See, also, Sigmond, in Lancet for August 5, 
1837. * Philad. Med. Examiner, No. 33. 

6 La Lancetfe Francaise, No. 37, Mars 26, 1839. 

n General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, i. 374. 4 th edit. Philad. 1850. 
8 V. A. Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 12, Stuttgart, 1837. 



52 ACUPUNCTURA. 

From the most ancient times, however, it has been in use with the 
Chinese and Japanese, by whom it was regarded as one of the 
most important of remedial agencies. By these people it was sys- 
tematically taught on appropriate phantoms or mannekins, called 
Tsoe-Bosi, and the practice of the operation was permitted to 
those only who were able to pass a rigid examination thereon. In 
Europe, it was first known about 170 years ago, from the writings of 
a Dutch surgeon, Ten-Rhyne, who wrote in 1683 j 1 and attention 
was subsequently drawn to it by Kampfer; 3 but after this it was 
almost forgotten, until Berlioz, in 1816, drew attention to its em- 
ployment. His example was soon followed by Beclard, 3 Breton- 
neau, 4 Haime, 5 Demours, 6 Sarlandie, 7 Pelletan, Segalas, Dantu, 
Velpeau, Meyranx, 8 Dance, in France ; by Churchill, Scott, El- 
liotson, 9 and others in England ; by Friedrich, 10 Bernstein 11 L.W. 
Sachs, Heyfelder, Michaelis, 12 Grafe, 13 and others, in Germany ; 
by Carraro, 14 Bergamaschi,' 3 Bellini, and others, in Italy; and by 
Ewing, 16 E. J. Coxe, 17 F. Bache, 18 and others, in this country. M. 
Jules Cloquet had much to do in reviving its employment in his 
own country and elsewhere, by bis treatise on the subject pub- 
lished at Paris, in 1826, where it was for a long period a fashion- 
able article in the hospitals ; so much so, it is affirmed, that attempts 
were even made to heal a fractured bone by it without the appli- 
cation of any appropriate apparatus ; and, at one time, it is said, 
the patients in one hospital actually revolted against the piqueurs 
medecins! I9 . 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

In the operation of acupuncture, needles are employed, which 
are very fine, well polished and sharp pointed. They are usually 
from two to four inches long, the length being adapted to the depth 
it may be desired to make them penetrate. If steel needles are 

I Mantissa schematica de Acupunctura ad dissert, de Arthritide. London, 1683. 

' Amcenitat exotic, politico-physico medic, p. 583. Lemgov. 1712 ; and History of 
Japan, vol. ii., Appendix, sect. 4, p. 34. 
3 Mem. de la Societe Medic. d'Emulation, viii. 575. 

* Journal Universel des Sciences Med. xiii. 35. Paris, 1817. 

* Journal Gener. de Medec. torn, xiii., and Journal Univers. des Sciences Medic, 
torn. xiii. 1819. 6 Ibid. torn. xv. 

* Mem. sur l'Electropuncture. Paris, 1825. 

* Archives Generates de Med. torn. vii. Paris, 1825. 

9 Med. Chir. Trans, xiii. 467. Lond. 1827; and art. Acupunture, in Cyclop. Pract. 
Med. Amer.edit. Philad. 1845. 

10 Translation of Churchill's work in German, p. 40. 

II Hufeland's Journal, lxvii. Berlin, 1828. 

,a Grafe und Walther's Journal. B. v. St. 3, S. 552. 

13 E. Grafe, in art. Acupunctur, in Encyc. Worterb.der medicinisch. W issenschaft. B. 
i. S. 312. Berlin, 1828. l4 Annali Universali d'Omodei, 1825. 

11 Ibid. 1826. > 6 N. Amer. Med. and Surg. Journal, ii. 77. Phila. 1826, 
11 Ibid. ii. 276. Phila. 1826. 

" Ibid. i. 31 1. Phila. 1826; and art. Acupuncture, in Cyclop, of Pract. Med. i. 200, 
Phila. 1833. l9 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 13. 



ACUPUNCTURA. 53 

selected, they are heated to redness, and allowed to cool slowly, in 
order that they may be less brittle. At the blunt extremity of the 
needle a head of lead, or sealing wax is attached — to prevent it 
from being forced entirely into the body. This is the simplest 
method of acupuncturation, and it is as effectual as any other. 
By various acupuncturists, needle-holders or handles of ivory have 
been devised, to some of which the needle is permanently attached. 
Perhaps the porte-aiguille or ' needle-holder ' recommended by 
Dr. F. Bache, 1 is as good as any that has been invented. The 
needle, with its poi^te-aiguille, consists of a handle with a steel 
socket to receive the end of the needle, which may be fixed se- 
curely, after having been inserted, by the pressure of a small la- 
teral screw. By this construction, the operator can at pleasure 
fix in the handle a needle of the length he may desire, and after 
inserting it he is enabled to detach the handle by relaxing the 
screw. After all, however, needles prepared in the simple manner 
mentioned above are adequate to every useful purpose. 

Besides common steel needles, those of gold, silver and plati- 
num have been used, but it does not appear that one metal is pre- 
ferable to another. 

To introduce the needles, the skin is stretched, and the needle 
inserted by a movement of rotation performed in opposite direc- 
tions, aided by gentle pressure. As a general rule, the seat of pain 
will indicate the place where the needle should be introduced ; but 
where the feelings of the patient do not point out the spot, it must 
be suggested by our knowledge of anatomy and physiology. From 
the experiments of Beclard, Bretonneau, Segalas, Dantu, Velpeau, 
and others, it would appear, that perforation of arteries, nerves, 
and even of important viscera with very fine needles, has not been 
followed by any injurious results; yet, at times, accidents have 
been produced thereby ; and, therefore, it may be laid down as a 
rule, that the greater nerves and arteries of a certain size, should 
be avoided. Prudence would likewise suggest, that important vis- 
cera, as the heart, stomach, intestines, &c, should not be pene- 
trated. 

The number of needles to be used varies according to the ex- 
tent of the parts affected. In the opinion of many experienced 
physicians, we ought not to be afraid of the number, but rather in- 
sert too many than too few, and not at too great a distance from 
each other. The length of time, during which they should be suf- 
fered to continue in the part, differs : no fixed rule can be laid 
down. Some suffer them to remain for an hour and a half, or 
two hours : at times, a period of five minutes is sufficient. In 
other cases, they have been kept in for two or three days. It ap- 
pears to be by no means settled what medicinal influence is exerted 
by their longer or shorter continuance in the parts. 

1 Cyclop, p. 202. 



54 ACUPUNCTURA. 

EFFECTS ON THF ECONOMY. 

Allusion has already been made to the impunity with which, in 
the generality of cases, acupuncturation may be practised even on 
important organs. 

As respects the nerves, Cloquet has seldom or never seen the 
puncture of them give rise to so much pain as to render it neces- 
sary to withdraw the needles: the pain was generally trifling and 
speedily passed away. He inserted needles into the brain and 
spinal marrow, and into the crural nerve of a cat, without any evi- 
dence of severe suffering or of change of function. Similar ex- 
periments were made by E. Grafe with the same results. 1 Nor 
was inconvenience found by Delaunay, Btclard and Cloquet to be 
sustained on puncturing the arteries and veins. A few drops of 
blood perhaps issued, but the flow was readily stopped by pressure 
with the finger. The slight ecchymosis which at times super- 
vened, disappeared rapidly of itself. In Grafe's experiments, he 
never found much bleeding ensue, although he properly esteemed 
it advisable to keep clear of the nerves and blood-vessels, in order 
to avoid any unnecessary pain or mischief. 

As regards the fasciae and periosteum, Grafe found, that the in- 
sertion of needles into them was always very painful, and he re- 
commends, therefore, that the operation should be performed with 
care on those parts. Should, however, the needles be introduced, 
and much pain be experienced, it rapidly ceases, when they are 
withdrawn. 

Lastly — MM. Haime,Bretonneau, Velpeau, and Meyranx insti- 
tuted several experiments on dogs by passing needles into the 
brain, heart, lungs, stomach, &c, and little or no inconvenience, 
as remarked above, was experienced, provided the needles were 
extremely fine. Cloquet passed his needles so deeply into the 
chest of an animal as to leave no doubt, that they had penetrated 
the lungs, and he subsequently pierced the liver, stomach, and tes- 
ticles without the supervention of any unpleasant result, and Bel- 
lini 2 affirms, that he has repeatedly passed them into the stomach, 
liver and intestines without injury. 

The pain occasioned by acupuncturation is generally easily 
tolerated ; but at times it is so violent, that the patients cry out; 
the violence, however, usually passes away either when the needle 
is drawn out or forced in deeper. It would seem, that the opera- 
tion is, as a general rule, most successful when it occasions the 
least pain. Cloquet asserts, that a kind of electric shock is some- 
times experienced in the surrounding parts at the moment of the 
introduction of the needle; in other cases, a tremulous motion is 
observable in the fibres of the muscles penetrated. Almost always, 

1 Art. Acupunctur. in Encyc. Worterb. u. s. w. S. 317. Berlin, 1828. 

9 Cited in Brit. & Foreign Medico-Chirurg. Review, for July, 1848, p. 232. 



ACUPUNCTURA. 55 

some time after the entrance of the needles, a more or less regular 
aureola or halo of a red colour, and without tumefaction, is per- 
ceptible around them, which soon disappears after they are with- 
drawn; but when they are suffered to remain long in the part it 
may persist for hours. 

When the operation is productive of benefit, relief is speedily 
experienced. 

The extraction of the steel needles is ordinarily accompanied by 
more pain than their insertion, especially if they have penetrated 
deeply, and been retained in the flesh for a long time. The diffi- 
culty is owing to their having become oxidized, and consequently 
rough on the surface. In withdrawing them, it is advisable to 
give them a movement of rotation, and at the same time to press 
upon the skin surrounding them with the thumb and index 
finger. 

In the hospitals of St. Louis, La Pitie, and the Hotel Dieu of Paris, 
acupuncturation was practised some thousands of times, and in 
every case, according to Guersent, without the occurrence of any 
thing unpleasant. Pelletan, however, affirms, that he saw it on 
four occasions followed by slight faintness at the hospital St. 
Louis, but none of the cases assumed the characters of full syn- 
cope. Gaultier de Claubry has frequently seen faintness, febrile 
movements, spasm, and insupportable pain produced by it, and 
Heyfelder saw it followed by convulsions and fainting.- Beclard 
has related a case where the needle penetrated to the bone, and 
occasioned intense pain. The patient remained a long time faint, 
and afterwards violent delirium ensued, which gradually ceased 
in the course of the day, and was followed by great debility. 
Subsequently, an abscess formed in the part on which the opera- 
tion was practised. 

As to the modus operandi of acupuncturation, we cannot con- 
ceive its effects to be any thing more than a new T nervous im- 
pression produced by the needle on the parts which it penetrates. 
The needles having been found oxidized, especially at the point, it 
has been supposed by some, that the oxidation is connected with 
the remedial agency, and it has been even affirmed, that in some 
diseases they oxidize more readilv than in others. 1 It is a suffi- 
cient reply to this view, that beneficial results are obtained from 
the use of needles made of metals that do not become oxidized, 
and that the steel needles oxidize in the sound, as well as in the 
diseased body, and even in parts that have been removed from 
the body, and placed in warm water; for in the cold dead body, 
it is affirmed, the phenomenon is not observed. Cloquet and Pel- 
letan think, from their experiments, that the effects of acupunctu- 
ration are a consequence of the development of the nervous fluid 

1 Grafe.loc.cit. S. 319. 



56 ACUPUNCTURA. 

— which they liken to the galvanic — around the needles; a view 
which is denied by Pouillet and B^clard, but adopted in a modi- 
fied form by Dr. Bache, 1 who throws out the conjecture "that in 
many cases of local pain this accumulation of the nervous (elec- 
trical) fluid depends upon the altered state of the various fasciae 
or condensed sheets of tissue, giving them the power, to a certain 
extent, of insulating the parts which they serve to embrace." 

The explanation is ingenious, but we do not think it necessary, if 
adequate, to explain the phenomena. We have no doubt, that the 
effects are owing to a concentration of the nervous power towards 
the part transfixed by the needle, so that a derivation of the ner- 
vous influx is induced towards the seat of pain, or towards the nerves 
particularly concerned in the production of the pain; but farther 
than this we know not. 

There is one phenomenon which is dependent on the oxidation of 
the needle. When the free extremity of an inserted needle is con- 
nected with the ground by means of a conducting substance, or is 
put in connexion with a soft part of the patient's body, it becomes 
the seat of a galvanic current, which is exhibited by the multiplier 
of Schweiger. That this phenomenon is dependent upon the oxi- 
dation of the metal, is proved by the circumstance that it does not 
take place when an unoxidizable metal is employed. 2 

Acupuncturation has been used by Berlioz in gouty and rheu- 
matic cases ; by Haime in rheumatic, spasmodic, and convulsive 
affections, and by Demours in amaurosis and ophthalmia, the 
needles being inserted into the temples ; Finch advised it in 
anasarca, practised on the feet; he also discharged, in this way, 
the fluid of ascites. 4 Pipelet 5 employed it advantageously in a 
violent convulsive affection. The needles did not remove or mark- 
edly diminish the symptoms, but they postponed their recurrence. 
Michaelis 6 cured a case of rheumatism by it, but he did not find 
it so serviceable in oedema of the feet, as the fluid would not flow 
readily through the minute apertures. Friedrich proposed, in 
cases of asphyxia, when every other remedy had been employed un- 
successfully, that the cavities of the heart should be penetrated by 
a needle to excite its contraction, and this plan was subsequently 
advised by Carraro, 7 who found, from his experiments on cats, 
that they could in this way be resuscitated after drowning, when 
every manifestation of vitality had ceased. His experiments, how- 
ever, w T hen repeated by Dr. E. J. Coxe, 8 of Philadelphia, were not 
found to succeed. J. Cloquet obtained the happiest results from 
acupuncturation in neuralgia, rheumatism, muscular contractions, 

' Op. citat. p. 305. a Riecke, S. 1 6. 

3 Op. citat. Paris, 1816. 4 Lond. Med. Repos.Mar. 1823. 

8 Journal Complem. du Diet, des Sciences Medic, t. xvi. Paris, 1823. 
6 Griife und Walther's Journal, B. v. St. 3. 

1 Annal. univ. di Medicin, 1825. See, also, Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., May 
15, 1841. 8 North Amer. Med. and Surg. Journ. ii. <J92. 



ACUPUNCTURA. 57 

spasms, pleurodyne, cephalalgia, ophthalmia, toothach, epilepsy, 
gout, gastrodynia, contusions, lumbago, periodical amaurosis, 
diplopia, paralysis, &c. A case of neuralgia, after amputation, 
has been reported as cured by it. 1 The patient was attacked by 
agonizing pains, not only in the stump, but also in the opposite 
thigh, accompanied by convulsions and fainting. In this state, 
two needles were planted in the course of the sciatic nerve. These 
produced no effect, but as soon as the third was introduced, the 
patient exclaimed, "The doctor has struck the toe of my foot." 
The needle was then pressed still deeper, so as to pass through the 
nerve, and the pain immediately ceased. After the needles had 
remained in half an hour, they were removed, and the patient en- 
joyed a sound sleep and awoke free from pain. About twenty days 
afterwards, the pain recurred; the needles were again applied, and 
relief as instantaneously followed. 

Several cases of neuralgia, removed by it, have been published 
by Prof. Riberi, of Turin. 2 

A case has been recently published by Dr. Seller, 3 in which? it 
was employed with beneficial results in protracted lockjaw, con- 
nected with attacks of suppurating sore throat, and accompanied 
with hysterical and also inflammatory symptoms. The needles 
were usually inserted to the depth of half an inch, and sometimes 
an inch: most commonly, one was placed on each side of the mesial 
line, between the chin and hyoid bone ; whilst sometimes two or 
three were introduced, one above another, as near as possible along 
the mesial line in the same region, and were kept in about a 
minute. 

It is in rheumatic affections that its success has been , most 
marked. Dr. Elliotson 4 cured 30 out of 42 cases by it in St. 
Thomas's hospital. In sciatica its efficacy has been evident. 5 

By Velpeau it has been proposed to cure aneurism by acupunc- 
turation. In performing some experiments on animals, he found 
that arteries punctured by the needle became the seat of a coagu- 
lum, and were ultimately obliterated. In 1830, he read a paper 
before the Academie des Sciences, of Paris, proposing the opera- 
tion in the cases in question. 6 He found, in his experiments, that 
whenever the needle remained three days in the flesh, the trans- 
fixed artery was completely obliterated. 

M. Bonnet, Chirurgien-en-chef to the Hotel Dieu at Lyons, 7 

1 Bulletin© delle Scienze Medich. Ottobre, 1838, cited in Brit, and For. Med. Review, 
Jan. 1840, p. 252. 2 Medico Ohirurg. Rev. April, 1841, p. 501. 

8 Northern Journal of Medicine, April, 1845, cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, Amer. 
edit.xi. 189. iNew York, 1845. 

4 Art. Acupuncture, Cyclop. Pract. Med. Amer. edit, by the author, Philad. 1845. 

5 Renton, in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ. for 1830, xxxiv. 100; and Graves, in 
Lond. Med. (iaz. July, 1831, and Lend. Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1833. 

6 Lond. Med. Gaz. cited in Amer. Journal of Med. Sciences, Aug. 1831 , p. 510. 

1 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, cited in Dunglison's American Medical Intelli- 
gencer, for Dec. 1, 1837, p. 317, 



58 ACUPUNCTURA. 

treated eleven cases of varicose veins by introducing pins through 
their cavities, and allowing them to remain there some time. Nine 
of these cases were cured. The same treatment was applied to 
herniary sacs. He passed three or four pins through the herniary 
envelopes close to the inguinal ring; and in order that they might 
exert a certain degree of compression, as well as of irritation, on 
the sac, he twisted the points and heads upwards so as to give them 
a circular direction. The inflammation and pain usually com- 
menced on the third or fourth day after the operation, and the pins 
were removed a few days afterwards. M. Bonnet had treated four 
cases of inguinal hernia by acupuncturation. In two, the hernia 
was small, and three weeks sufficed for the cure: the third was 
more troublesome. Caution is of course requisite not to injure the 
spermatic cord. 

In a subsequent communication, M. Bonnet inculcates the neces- 
sity of causing the obliteration of the veins in several places se- 
parated from each other by short spaces. 1 

Acupuncturation has been revived a in the treatment of hydrocele 
by Mr. Lewis, Mr. King, 3 and others. It consists in carrying a 
common sewing needle — of the size used for sewing a button to a 
shirt — through the skin, the dartos and cremaster, into the bag 
containing the fluid, so that a drop of the fluid follows the instru- 
ment as it is withdrawn. It is executed in nearly the same man- 
ner as the ordinary method of tapping with a trocar, except that 
the needle, which should be oiled, cannot be plunged in so easily as 
that instrument. Mr. King suggests that the needle should be 
fixed in a handle, by which means it can be made to enter with 
comparative facility. After the operation, a compress, moistened 
with a discutient lotion, may be kept on the scrotum, and the pa- 
tient may w r alk about or remain at rest, as may best suit him. The 
phenomena which present themselves in a few hours are as fol- 
lows: — the swelling begins to be less circumscribed, and to lose its 
tenseness, and the areolar tissue of the scrotum becomes gradually 
more and more infiltrated with the fluid, which before distended 
the tunica vaginalis, and which, in the space of from twenty-four 
to forty-eight hours, will, according to Mr. King, have entirely 
changed place. In five or six days, the infiltration disappears, and 
the patient is cured. Mr. Lewis first introduced the method as 
a palliative, but he has seen cases w'here a radical cure was ef- 
fected by it. 4 He considers the principle of puncturing with a fine 
pointed needle not only applicable to promote the absorption of the 
fluid in hydrocele, but in every case of encysted dropsy. 5 

1 Archives Generates de Medecine, Mai, 1839. See, also, Dodd, in Medical Gaz.> 
Dec. 20, 1830. 

a Travers in Lond. Med. Gazette, Feb. 1837, p. 737. Lewis, Ibid. Feb. 1837, p. 
788. Mr. Robert Keate, Ibid. p. 789. 3 British Annals of Medicine, No. 1 , p. 13. 

4 Davidson, in Edinb. Med. and Sur?. Jonrn. for Jan. 1838. 

* Lancet, May 7, 1836, and Jan. 14, 1837. See a case of Ovarian Dropsy, in which 



ACUPUNCTURA. 59 

Reference has already been made to the use of acupuncturation 
in anasarca. The author has used it advantageously to drain off 
the fluid from the areolar membrane. In such cases larger needles 
are needed; some prefer them to be of the size of an ordinary 
glover's needle, and of a triangular shape; a puncture of this kind 
being less likely to close. 1 

In the mass of cases, it need scarcely be said, this course can act 
merely in a palliative manner, — the cause of the dropsical accu- 
mulation persisting. Still, as Dr. Graves has remarked, under fa- 
vourable circumstances, and in a good constitution, the simple 
operation of evacuating the fluid by punctures made through the 
skin, has been, of itself, sufficient to effect a cure. In a lady, 
under his care, general anasarca came on after fever, and resisted 
every form of treatment he could devise. Wheh he had made 
many fruitless attempts to produce absorption by means of internal 
remedies, another practitioner was called in, who practised acu- 
puncturation of the lower extremities, and succeeded completely. 

Mr. Vowell 2 has published a case in which acupuncturation was 
successfully employed for the removal of a ganglion. A young 
lady under his care had been affected with a ganglion of consi- 
derable size on the extensor tendons of the foot, which produced 
not only disfiguration, but some uneasiness. Mr. Vowell applied 
blisters, and afterwards iodine ointment and pressure, for above a 
month, without benefit. He then inserted the tambour porte- 
aiguille of his patient. Pressure was applied, and within a week 
the tumour had completely disappeared. 

M. Wiesel, 3 has narrated a qise of fracture of the two bones of 
the forearm, in which, reunion of the bones not having taken place 
at the end of nine weeks, he had recourse to acupuncture with full 
success. He introduced between the two moveable fragments of 
the ulna two needles, sufficiently long to traverse the false arti- 
culation from side to side, and kept them in that position for 
the six following days, after which he withdrew them, because 
they had excited by their presence considerable swelling of the part 
and severe pain. Fifteen days afterwards, he traversed in the same 
manner the false articulation of the radius, with two other needles, 
which, at the end of a few days, caused sharp pain and slight sup- 
puration. He then applied a simple bandage to the limbs, and in 
the space of six weeks complete consolidation had taken place. 

When acupuncturation is conjoined with electricity or galvanism, 
it constitutes electro-puncture, and galvano-puncture. 

it was employed by Robert D. Thompson, in Lancet, May 25, 1839, p. 344; and one 
of Ascites, by Mr. Campbell, Lond. Med. Gaz. Nov. 1838. 

1 Graves, Lond. Med. Gaz. Oct. 1838. See, also, King, Ibid Oct. 7, 1837, and 
Nov. 25, 1837. a 2 Lancet, Aug. 25, 1838, p. 770. 

3 Gazette des Hopitaux, Dec. 1843, cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, Amer. edit. ix. 
186. New York, 1844. 



60 2ETHER HYDROCYANICUS. 



IX. .ETHER HYDROCYANICUS. 

Synonymes. iEther Prussicus, Hydrocyanic, or Prussic Ether, Hydrocya- 

nate of Etherine, Cyanuret of Ethyle. 
French. Ether Hydrocyanique. 
German. Cyan at her, Cyanwasserstoffather. Hydrocyanather. 

This preparation was discovered some years ago by Pelouze,' 
and, according to Magendie, 2 it resembles in its effects hydro- 
cyanic acid, without being so violent a poison, and, consequently, 
he esteems it w T orthy of regard as an addition to the materia 
medica. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Equal parts of sulpho-vinate of baryta and cyanuret of 'potas- 
sium are mixed intimately together; put into a glass retort, to 
which a tubulated receiver is adapted, and exposed to a moderate 
temperature. By distillation, a colourless, or slightly yellowish 
fluid is obtained, which separates into two distinct strata. The 
lighter consists chiefly of hydrocyanic ether, which is not pure, 
however, but mixed with water, alcohol, sulphuric ether, and hy- 
drocyanic acid. In order to purify it, it must be strongly shaken, 
and, with four or five times its bulk of water, must be exposed 
for some time to a temperature of 60° or 70° centigrade; it must 
be again agitated with a little water, decanted, suffered to remain 
in contact with chlorinated lime for twenty-four hours, and then 
distilled. The ether thus obtained is pure. It is a colourless 
fluid, of a penetrating, disagreeable garlicky odour. Specific 
gravity 0.78. It boils at 82° centigrade; is very slightly soluble 
in water, but soluble in every proportion in alcohol and sulphuric 
ether. In its pure state, it does not disturb a solution of nitrate 
of silver. It inflames very readily, and burns with a blue light. 
Potassa decomposes it with difficulty, and only when highly con- 
centrated. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Six drops of this ether placed in the throat of a dog, occasioned, 
in a short time, deep respiratory efforts: the animal fell on its side, 
and convulsions succeeded, with considerable motion of the paws. 
This condition continued for four minutes, after which the effects 
gradually disappeared, and in the course of half an hour ceased. 
Six drops injected into the jugular vein rapidly caused death, with 
symptoms similar to those induced by hydrocyanic acid. Accord- 
ing to Magendie, these experiments were frequently repeated by 
him w T ith different modifications after which he ventured upon its 
administration in disease. He added six drops of the ether to a 

1 Journal de Fharmacie, xx. 309. Paris, 1833. 3 Formulaire: — deiniere edition. 



-3ETHER SULPHURICUS. 61 

mucilaginous linctus, and prescribed it to a patient labouring under 
hooping-cough, who, in the course of a few days, derived signal 
benefit from it, and without complaining of its penetrating, dis- 
agreeable odour. The same good effects happened to several 
patients to whom he gave it in the Hotel Dieu. But although the 
results were favourable in cases in which the hydrocyanic acid was 
indicated, he found it often necessary to discontinue it, on account 
of the invincible nausea which its smell induced. Magendie ad- 
vises it in those diseases in which mixture of hydrocyanic acid 
have been found of service. 



iETHER SULPHURICUS. 

Synonymes. iEther Vitriolicus, Naphtha Sulfurica, Oleum Vitrioli dulce, 

Vitriol Naphtha, Sulphuric Ether, Letheon. 
French. Ether Sulfurique. 
German. Schwefe lather. 

It is only within the last few years, that a class of agents has 
been introduced into the Materia Medica, which have received the 
name of Jin aesthetics, a term used by Dr. Pereira 1 synonymously 
with narcotics, anodynes and paregorics, as " agents w^hich dimi- 
nish sensibility or relieve pain;" but he adds, that the term is com- 
monly applied to agents which diminish common sensibility, or 
sensibility to pain. As remarked elsewhere, 2 however, it is most 
generally employed to designate such agents, when received into 
the lungs in the form of vapours or gases; and the vapours most 
used are those of ether and chloroform. 

It has been long known, that the vapour of ether would cause 
exhilaration and intoxication when breathed from a bladder, a 
practice which, as the author has been informed, was a popular 
diversion thirty or forty years ago in Philadelphia. As long ago 
as the year 1805, it was used to relieve the distress in the last 
stage of pulmonary inflammation in the case of a gentleman in 
Boston: in like cases it has been frequently prescribed since, and 
it was so prescribed in the year 1812, to a member of Dr. J. C. 
Warren's family, who experienced great relief from it. The mode 
of applying it was by moistening a handkerchief and placing it near 
the face of the patient. It was not, however, until October, 1846, 
that it was brought forward prominently as an anaesthetic in sur- 
gical operations. Dr. W. F. G. Morton, a dentist of Boston, about 
the middle of that month, informed Dr. Warren, that he had pos- 
session of a means for accomplishing the object; — that he had made 
trials of its efficacy in the extraction of teeth, and was desirous 

1 The Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 3d edit, i. 203. Lond. 1849. 

2 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med., 4th edit., i. 344. Philad., 1850. 

5 



62 2ETHER SULPHCJRICUS. 

that Dr. Warren should test its power in surgical operations. 1 
Accordingly, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, its merits 
were tested by Drs. Warren and Hay ward, and the results being 
satisfactory, the trials were soon repeated there and elsewhere, in 
this country and abroad; and very speedily "etherization " — as it 
was termed — came to be regarded as one of the most important 
gifts presented by science to humanity. Although, however, it 
was first promulgated at the period above described, it is affirmed 
by Dr. C. W. Long, 2 of Jefferson, Jackson co., Georgia, that as 
early as the 30th of March, 1842, he removed a tumour from a 
patient who inhaled the vapour of ether from a towel, without any 
pain being experienced. 3 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The officinal sulphuric ether of the pharmacopoeias is usually em- 
ployed for inhalation. The specific gravity of that of the Pharma- 
copoeias of the United States and London is .750; of the Dublin, 
.765 ; and of the Edinburgh, .735, or under. The last is the best 
for the purpose. The article employed by Dr. C. T. Jackson was 
prepared as follows. The strongest and purest rectified sulphuric 
ether, which can usually be obtained from the druggists, is agi- 
tated with water for the purpose of removing all acid. It is then 
freed from the water it may have taken up by chloride of calcium. 
The specific gravity of the product is about ,725. 4 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

The effects of all anaesthetics are essentially alike; and since 
their recent introduction numerous experiments have been made with 
them by distinguished physiologists and surgeons, — as by a commit- 
tee of the Surgical Society of Ireland, 5 by Flourens, 6 Longet, 7 
Amussat, 8 Holmes Coote and Thomas Taylor, 9 Ville, 10 Gruby, 11 
Thomas Wakley, 12 Gerardin and Verrier, 13 Snow, 14 Chambert, 15 
Buchanan, 16 Black, 17 Schuh, Jorg, Von Bibra, Harless 18 and others, 

1 Etherization, with Surgical Remarks, by John C. Warren. M. D., p. 4, Bost. 1849. 
See, on the orio-in of the inhalation of ether as a means of preventing pain in surgical 
operations, the Report of the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts General Hospital, 
Boston. 1848. a Southern Medical and Surgical Journal, Dec. IS49. 

3 On the history of ether inhalation, see Dr. Ranking, in Half-Yearly Abstract, Amer. 
edit. v. 328, Philad. 1647, and Report of the Committee on Surgery in Transactions 
f the Amer. Med. Association, i. 179. Philad. 1848. 

« Warren, Op. cit. p. 93. 5 Dublin Medical Press, Feb. 10, 1847. 

6 Lancet, April 17, 1847. 1 Archives Generates de Medecine, Mars, 1847. 

» Comptes Rendus, 22 Fevr. 1847. s Lancet, June 19, 1847. 

i° Ibid. Julv 10, 1847. » Lond. Med. Gazette, Dec 24, 1847. 

12 Lancet, Jan. 1, 1848. 13 Comptes Rendus, 27 Dec, 1847. 

" Lond. Med. Gazette. Jan. 1848. 

15 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1848, p. 36. 

■6 Lond. Med. Gaz. April, 1847. " Provincial Med. and Surg. Joum. May 5, 1847. 

i" Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahresbericht, u. s.w.,im Jahre, 184T, iv. 159,Erlangen, 
1848. 



^THER SULPHURICUS. 63 

and the results have been carefully noted. 1 All of them, when re- 
ceived into the lungs, readily enter the pulmonary blood vessels, and 
proceed to the great nervous centres, to exert on these their appro- 
priate agency. As a general rule, perhaps, the intellectual and mo- 
ral manifestations first exhibit their influence through the excitant 
action of the anaesthetic on the great cerebral and cerebellar gang- 
lia, so that a kind of intoxication supervenes, with imperfect power 
of regulating the movements. The sensory ganglia become subse- 
quently or simultaneously affected, and sensation and motion are 
suspended; and ultimately, if the quantity inhaled be sufficient, the 
medulla oblongata has its action suspended or destroyed ; respira- 
tion ceases, and death is the consequence. Yet great irregularity oc- 
curs in the supervention of these phenomena, as in the hysteroid 
condition induced by the animal magnetizer. At times, the in- 
tellect appears to be but little affected, whilst ordinary sensation 
is obtunded; and, at others, morbid sensation or pain is blunted, 
whilst ordinary feeling persists. The supervention of anesthetiza- 
tion is known by closure of the eyelids, if they have been pre- 
viously open; failure to respond to questions, and muscular relaxa- 
tion. Whilst the patient is under the influence, the pulse and the 
respiration must be carefully attended to. If they fail, or if the 
pupil, after having been contracted, becomes dilated, the inhala- 
tion must be immediately discontinued, and the face be sponged 
with cold water, ammonia be applied as an excitant to the nostrils 
and throat, and frictions to the extremities; and M. Ricord 3 recom- 
mends, in cases of threatened death from chloroform, the immediate 
inflation of the lungs, by applying the mouth to the patient's lips. 

It would appear from -the experiments of Mr. Nunneley, M.- 
Jules Roux 3 and others, that the local application of anaesthetics, 
as of narcotics in general, deadens the sensibility and power of 
motion of a part, whilst the nervous centres, and the nerves distri- 
buted to other parts of the body, may be unaffected. Mr. Nun- 
neley instituted an extensive series of experiments on animals, and 
found, that by immersing a limb in a small quantity of the fluid, 
or by applying the vapour topically for a limited period, it might 
be rendered perfectly incapable of motion and feeling, and be fixed 
in any desired position. 

It was but natural to suppose, that the indiscriminate employ- 
ment of so potent an agent, should, in some cases, give rise to un- 
pleasant, and even fatal results. Yet when we reflect on the im- 
mense number of persons who have been subjected to the inhala- 
tion of ether, the surprise is, that so few examples of injurious 
consequences should have been recorded. 

1 See H. J. Bigelow, Anaesthetics, their mode of exhibition, and physiological effects, 
in Transactions of the Amer. Med. Association, ii. 197, Philad. 1848. 
* Rankings Half-Yearly Abstract, xi. 191. Amer. edit Philad. 1850. 
8 Gazette des Hopitaux, 7 Nov. 1848. 



64 iETHER SULPHURICUS. 

The most remarkable ill effects noticed by Dr. Warren, 1 were 
of two kinds; first, those caused by the exclusion of oxygen; and 
secondly, those from excessive etherization of the nervous centres, 
— the principal morbid effect from the latter cause being general 
convulsions — at times, so violent as to threaten life; but generally 
by suspending the inhalation, and employing the free affusion of 
cold water, the convulsions ceased. Cases in which distressing 
nervous and other phenomena supervened are related by Dr. War- 
ren, Mr. South, Professor Syme, 2 Professor Murphy, 3 Mr. Law- 
rence of Montrose, 4 Mr. Copeman, 5 Dr. Bennett, Mr. Eastman, 7 
Dr. H. J. Bigelow, 8 Dr. N. R. Smith, 9 and others. Accidents 
have, however, been ascribed to it on no foundation. Thus, Dr. 
Pickford 10 states, that a medical friend in Dublin informed him, 
that of thirty fatal cases following operations in which ether had 
been employed in the various hospitals of that city, eight were 
found to be the subjects of recent tubercles of the lungs, — the un- 
doubted product, it was believed, of inhalation, — a statement 
which Mr. Macdonnell 11 denounces as altogether groundless. 

Professor Syme, Dr. Roberts 1 - and others, witnessed inconve- 
nient effects from the inhalation of ether, and the editor of the 
Monthly Journal of the Medical Sciences observed great excite- 
ment, cough, with expectoration of pus, haemoptysis, and convul- 
sions. In some cases, erotic feelings, and even nymphomania oc- 
curred in females: in others, hysterical symptoms, or those of de- 
pression, or intense headach, which continued several days; and 
similar phenomena have presented themselves to the author. Fa- 
tal cases, too, have occurred, which have been ascribed to the in- 
halation, by M. Jobert, M. Roux, Mr. Nunn,Dr. Maclagan, Mr. 
Robbs, M. Blandin, 13 M. Piedagnel, 14 Dr. Paul F. Eve, 15 Dr. J. W. 
B. M'Clellan, 16 and others. Fatal cases are, however, much 
more rare than they were some time ago ; and this is probably owing 

to more care being; taken in its administration, and in the discrimi- 

"... 
nation of cases for which it is adapted. 

It is proper to remark, that from tables published by Professors 
Simpson and Malgaigne, showing the mortality of surgical opera- 
tions in the British and French hospitals, where anaesthetics had 

I Op. cit. p. 24. - Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Aug. 1847. 
3 Lancet, Nov. 27, 1847. "Monthly Journal, June, 1847. 

5 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Feb. 10, 1847. 6 Monthly Jour., June, 1847. 
" Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal, June. 1847. 

8 Transactions of the American Medical x\ssociation, i. 209, Philad. 1848. 

9 Ibid. ii. 214, Philad. 1849. 10 Edinb. Med. & Surg. Journ. July, 1847. 

II Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., July 14, 1847. 
i a Monthly Journal of Medical Science, April, 1847. 

■ 3 Gazette des Hopitaux, 23 Nov. 1847. See, also, the details of a case at the Hotel 
Dieu, of Paris, in Journ. des Connois Medico -Chirurg., cited in Ranking's Half-Yearly 
Abstract, Amer. edit. vii. 191. Philad. 1848. 

i 4 Cited in the Amer. Jour, of the Med. Sciences, April, 1848, p. 558. 

15 Southern Med. and Surg. Journ. June, 1849. 

i 6 Transactions of the Amer. Med. Association, i. 192, Philad. 1848. 



.ETHER SULPHURICUS. 65 

been used, and where they had not, it would appear that the mor- 
tality was decidedly greater where they were not employed; and 
hence it has been inferred, that where the employment of chloro- 
form has sacrificed one life, it may have preserved a hundred. 1 

During the inhalation of ether, the blood has been observed to 
lose its florid colour by Mr. Pring, 2 M. i\.mussat, Dr. Ranking, 3 
and numerous others. M. Lassaigne, 4 however, states that such 
was not the result of his observations. 

The morbid appearances presented by animals killed by the in- 
halation of ether have been similar to those observed in asphyxia; 
fluidity of the blood ; accumulation of that fluid on the right side 
of the heart and large veins, with engorgement of the internal 
viscera. In a fatal case, seen in the Royal Infirmary of Edin- 
burgh, there were found double pneumonia, bronchitis, and secon- 
dary purulent deposits in the joints. In a case recorded by Mr. 
Nunn, cerebral congestion, engorgement of the lungs posteriorly, 
and uniform fluidity of the blood, were found. In another case there 
was no great congestion ; but the blood was fluid throughout. The 
observations of MM. Amussat and Lassaigne showed, that in every 
case it loses its power of coagulation, although, with the exception 
of the presence of a minute quantity of ether, its chemical charac- 
ters are unchanged. 5 

From a careful comparison of the effects produced on the eco- 
nomy by different anaesthetics, Dr. Hayward fi decidedly prefers 
sulphuric ether to either chloric ether or chloroform, — its great 
advantages being, in his opinion, "its entire safety, the ease with 
w T hich it is administered, and the slight inconveniences which fol- 
low its administration." 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

It was in severe surgical operations that anaesthetics were first 
employed in the way of inhalation ; and until the discovery of chlo- 
roform, sulphuric ether was used almost solely, and generally with 
the most gratifying results. As soon as the intelligence reached 
Europe it was at once laid hold of by the most distinguished sur- 
geons, by Messrs. Liston, Key, Ferguson, Lawrence, Skey, 7 and 
others, in England; by MM. Malgaigne, Velpeau, Roux, Robert, 
Paul Guersant, Leroy d'Etoilles, and others, 8 in France; and by 
Blumhardt, Dieffenbach, Schuh, Heyfelder, and others, in Ger- 
many. 

1 Report of the Committee on Surgery. Dr. N. R. Smith, Chairman, in Transact, of 
the A men Med. Association, ii. 215. Philad. 1849. - Lancet, May 1, 1847. 

3 Half- Yearly Abstract, Amer. edit. v. 335. Philad. 1847. 

4 Cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., May 5, 1847. 
s Monthly Journal of Medical Science, April, 1847. 

6 Remarks on the Comparative Value of the Different Anaesthetic Agents. Boston, 1850- 
1 Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, April, 1847, p. 50C. 
8 Bouchardat, Annuaire, 1848; p. 35. 



bb .ETHER SULPHURICUS. 

Not long after its introduction in this country, nineteen cases of 
surgical operations performed on patients rendered insensible by it 
were recorded by Dr. J. Mason Warren, 1 of Boston; and since 
then the testimony in its favour has been so overwhelming and 
numerous, that it is impracticable even to enumerate the different 
authorities. Mr. Wells, of the English navy, soon reported the 
favourable results of one hundred and six cases. 3 Fractures and 
dislocations were happily arranged under its influence, by Dr. 
Warren, Dr. Parkman, 5 Mr. Dehane, 4 J. Caunt, 5 and others. Mr. 
Lawrence (i reported that it had been used in St. Bartholomew's 
Hospital in all descriptions of operative procedures between two 
and three thousand times without a single unpleasant result. Dr. 
Snow, 7 too, appears to have been most fortunate in his cases; for 
with the exception of headache on one or two occasions, the only 
unpleasant effects he had witnessed were sickness and vomiting, 
and these only occasionally. Mr. Humphrey, 8 in several hundred 
cases in which ether or chloroform had been inhaled, saw serious 
neuropathic phenomena in only four or five cases; and beyond these 
never witnessed more than headache, sickness, and giddiness, last- 
ing for a few hours; and these symptoms supervened but occasion- 
ally; whilst in one hundred and six cases Mr. Wells 9 saw no 
serious ill effects in any. 

There is scarcely a painful operation practised by the surgeon, 
oculist, or dentist, in which ether inhalation has not been employed. 
Among the earlier recorded cases were an amputation of the thigh 
by Dr. J. M. Warren ; extirpation of a tumour of the mamma by 
Dr. J. C. Warren; an operation for necrosis of the tibia by Dr. 
Townshend ; reduction of strangulated hernia by Dr. J. M. War- 
ren, 11 and Dr. Hosack; 11 sounding for stone, and lithotrify, by Dr. 
J. C. Warren ; stricture of the urethra, ivith fistulous openings, 
by Mr. Liston ; lithotomy, by Mr. Tatum ; an operation for fistulous 
sinuses by the side of the rectum, by Mr. Keate; 13 the removal of 
tumours in various parts, by Mr. Syme ; 13 extirpation of the mam- 
ma, by Dr. Jas. Bryan ; u amputation of the thigh, by Dr. Mutter ; 15 
extirpation of the eye, by Mr. Lawrence and M. Velpeau; 18 and 
it has been inhaled in all cases of removal of tumours and plastic 
operations on the eyelids; but in operations, such as strabismus, 

1 Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, March 24, 1847. 

2 Lond. Med. Gazette, Sept., 1847. 3 Warren, Op. cit, pp. 44 and 46. 

4 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Sept., 1847. * Lond. Med/Gaz., June 4, 1847. 

6 Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences. April, 1848, p. 551. 

1 On the Inhalation of the Vapour of Ether in Surgical Operations, &.c. Lond., 1847. 

8 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., Aug. 9, 1848. s Lond. Med. Gaz., Sept., 1847. 

10 J. 0. Warren, Etherization, with Surgical Remarks, p. 53. Boston, 1848. 

" Boston Med. and Surg. Journ., Aug. 11, 1847. 

12 Snow. Op cit, and Ranking's Half-yearly Ahstract, Am.Ed., vi.97, Philad., 1848. 

13 Monthly Journal of Medical Sciences, Aug. 18, 1847. 

M Med. Exam.. June, 1 847, p. 332. ,s Ibid., Jan., 1 848, p. 14. ,6 Ranking, vii. 248. 



JSTHER SULPHURICUS. 67 

which require, at times, the exercise of volition, anaesthetics are 
not indicated ; and in those for cataract, artificial pupil, &c, Mr. 
Wilde' considers the amount of pain does not demand their use. 

The following list, drawn up by Klencke, 2 will give a view of 
many of the operations in which it is recorded to have been used 
in the year 1847: 

1. Extirpations: — Of encysted tumours, by Schuh, Strode 1 
and Hornig. 

Of cancer and similar tumours, by Schuh, Pitha, Heyfelder, 
Opitz, Haller, Hayward, Pereshaw, Clement, Velpeau, Malgaigne, 
Landouzy, Ricord, Roux, Sedillot. Of cancer of the lip, by Pitha, 
Heyfelder, Maison-neuve. Of ranula, Heyfelder. 

Of condylomata, by Thomson, Fergusson, Bruns, Mikschik, 
Flor, Schubert and Kraus, and Von Brunner. 

Of telangiectasis, by Schuh and Pitha. 

Of nasal polypus, Schulz. 

Of glands. — Mammary gland, by Liston, Leblanc, Brookes, 
Bouchacourt, Goyrand. Parotid gland, Heyfelder. Tonsils, 
Roux. 

2. Herniotomy. — Key, Partridge, Schuh, Pitha, Von RifFel, 
Heyfelder. Radical operation (after Gerdy), Kraus, of Prague. 

3. Lithotomy.— -Morgan, Guersant, Balassa, Lithotrity, Leroy 
d'Etiolles. 

4. Strictures. — Fergusson. Operations for fistulce, Pitha, 
Heyfelder. 

5. Urethrotomy. — Petrequin. 

6. Phimosis. — Fergusson, Thomson, Schuh, Sigmund, Opitz, 
Reisinger, Balassa, Von RifTel. 

7. Castration. — Sigmund and Bonnet. 

8. Hydrocele. — Ricord, Jobert, Opitz, Schuh, and Balassa. 

9. Harelip. — Heyfelder, Pitha. 

10. Ligature of the Crural Artery, by Von RifTel. 

11. Amputations. — Of the thigh, Hayward, Lansdown, Cole- 
man, Liston, Malgaigne, Jobert, Th. Bell, Chiari, Raymonet, 
Duncan, Schuh, Pitha. 

Of the leg. Hawkins, Leblanc, Sedillot, Haller, Pitha, Dum- 
reicher, Opitz, Reisinger. 

Of the arm. Velpeau, Schuh, Sigmund. 

Of the forearm. Liston. 

Of the hand. Velpeau, Goyot, and Duval. 

Of the finger. Petrequin, Kraus, Martin, Heyfelder, Pitha, 
Sigmund. 

Of the teeth. Fairbrother, Tracy. 

12. Exarticulations. — Of the foot-joint, Pitha. Of the 
teeth, Pitha, Sigmund, Opitz. Of the finger, Guersant, Voille- 

1 Dublin Quart. Journ. of Med. Science, May, 1848. 

3 Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahresbericht, u. s. w., im Jahre, 1847, iv. 163. 



68 AETHER SULPHURICUS. 

mier, Macmurdo, Von RifFel, Liston, Cooper, Velpeau, Maison- 
neuve, Pitha, Opitz, Kraus of Prague, Sigmund, Kahler. 

13. Resections. — Removal of sequestra, Miller, Pitha, Sig- 
mund, Dumreicher, Sedillot. Of the shoulder, Nelaton. Head 
of the humerus, Pitha, Heyfelder. Of the ulna, Pitha. Of the 
head of the osfemoris, Sigmund. Of the tibia, Sedillot. Of the 
ankle-bone, Pitha. Of the lower jaw, Wattmann, Pitha, Tracy. 

14. Cartilaginous Concretions in the Joints. — Sigmund. 
15- Myotomy and Tenotomy. — Dumreicher, Schuh, Sigmund, 

Pitha, Behrend, Heyfelder. 

16. Rhinoplasty. — DiefFenbach. Stomatoplasty, Liston. 

17. Operations on the Eye. — Blepharoplasty, Sedillot, Brett. 
Extirpation of a tumour, Bigelow, Jiingken, Hammer. Cyst in 
the Orbit, Monod. Strabotomy, Brett, Malgaigne, Lorinser, 
Heyfelder, Hammer. 

Cataract, Brett, Cotton. Extirpation of the bulb, Lawrence. 
Staphyloma, Arlt. Arlt also operated for Trichiasis, Blepharo- 
phimosis, and Fistula lachrymalis. 

Of the bloodless operations — unblutige Operationen — the 
following were performed under the narcosis induced by ether: 

1. Reduction of incarcerated hernia, by Pitha, Opitz, and 
Hornig. 

2. Reduction of Luxations, by Velpeau and Dumreicher. 

3. Introduction of the Catheter and Bougies, Fergusson. 

The list of patients who inhaled ether or chloroform for surgical 
operations in the Massachusetts General Hospital to April 1st, 
1848, as reported by Dr. H. J. Bigelow, 1 numbered 154; and in- 
cluded 9 amputations of the thigh, 11 of the leg, 4 of the arm, 
and 12 of the breast. Thirty-seven cases are reported by Dr. 
Watson, 2 as having been treated in the First and Second Surgical 
Divisions of the New York Hospital ; 13 cases at the Clinic of the 
University of Pennsylvania are reported by Dr. H. H. Smith; 3 and 
45 at the Clinic of the Jefferson Medical College by Dr. Mutter. 4 
In 32 of these ether was employed ; in the remainder chloro- 
form. 

When the practice had been followed less than a year, Mr. 
Lawrence reported, that the trials with ether in a single London 
hospital amounted to between two and three thousand cases. One 
dentist in that city, up to the middle of July, 1848, had adminis- 
tered anaesthetics more than three thousand times. 

The physician has recourse to etherization in all cases which 
require the employment of other powerful narcotics and antispas- 
modics. It was found especially valuable in all the 

JVeuroses, by Kalinsky. 5 

1 Transactions of the American Medical Association, i., 215. Philad., 1848. 

2 Ibid., p. 218. 3 Ibid., p. 220. 4 Ibid., p. 221. 
5 Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahresbericht, u. s. w., iv. 1G7. Erlang, 1849. 



JETHER SULPHURICUS. 69 

Tetanus. — It has been employed successfully for the relief 
of tetanic spasm; but, as properly remarked by Dr. Warren, 1 
whilst it may mitigate the distress of the muscular contractions, it 
cannot be expected to overcome the morbid condition of the spinal 
membranes, or the medulla they envelop, which he — in the absence 
of adequate evidence and of probability — considers to be inflamma- 
tory. In cases related by Dr. W. H. Ranking 2 and M. Roux, 3 of 
Cherburg, it appeared to act injuriously ; and in another in which 
it was tried in France, death — it was conceived — was unques- 
tionably hastened by it ; whilst in others, reported by Dr. Brady 4 
and Mr. Broughton, 5 it did not avert the fatal result. Cases are, 
however, recorded of its successful administration in tetanus, by 
Dr. Pertusio and Mr. Hawkesworth; 6 but they are regarded by 
Dr. Ranking 7 as by no means satisfactory. In cases related by 
Mr. Bransby Cooper, 8 Dr. Crawford, 9 and Dr. T. L. Ogier, 10 al- 
though it afforded temporary relief, it did not arrest the progress 
of the disease towards a fatal termination. A case, however, is 
related by Mr. Hopgood, 11 in a boy nine years of age, which was 
successfully treated by it; another by Mr. Chalmers; 12 another by 
Dr. Theobald, 13 of Baltimore; and another by Dr. Isaac Parrish; 14 
and one of Tetanus rheumaticus, by Reichert. 15 

Hydrophobia. — A case is recorded by Mr. Allen, 16 in which the 
spasms were temporarily relieved by ether inhalation, without, 
however, the fatal event being averted. 

Convulsions in a boy eleven years of age, w T ere much relieved 
by it under the direction of Dr. Wyatt; 17 and a case in a child, 
five months' old, w 7 as completely cured by Dr. Sabin. 18 

Delirium tremens. A case is related by Dr. Upham, 19 in which 
sleep and quiet were induced by it ; and similar cases are recorded 
by Dr. Anderson.^ Dr. Stedman, too, used it with good effect. 21 

Insanity. Ether has been inhaled under the direction of M. 
Cazenave, of Pau, and of M. Jobert 2a and Dr. Boyd; and it ap- 

1 Etherization, with Surgical Remarks, p. 54. Boston, 1 848. 
a Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, April 21 , 1847. 

3 London Medical Gazette, Sept., 1848. 

4 Dublin Med. Press, cited in Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, v. 340. Philad., 1847. 
s Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, May 5, 1847. 6 Ibid , May 19, 1847. 
7 Half-yearly Abstract. Amer. Edit, v. 341. Philad., 1847. 

3 Lond. Med. Gaz., Aug. 6, 1847. 

9 British American Journal of Medical and Physical Science, Dec, 1847. 

10 South. Journ. of Med. and Pharm., Nov., 1847. " Med. Times, Jan. 15, 1848. 
ia Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, June 30, 1847. 

13 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Jan., 1848. 

14 Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philad., vol. ii., No. 4. 

15 Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahresbericht, u. s. w., im Jahre 1848, iv. 177. Er- 
lang, 1849. 16 Lancet, Oct. 15, 1847. « West. Journ. Med. and Surg., A p., 1848. 

18 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, April, 1848. 

,9 Prov. Med. and Surg. Journ., Dec. 15, 1847. 20 New York Annalist. 

2i J. C. Warren, Etherization, with Surgical Remarks, p. 83. Boston, 1848. 
22 Cited in Med. Gaz., May, 1847, and Brit, and For. Med. Rev., April, 1847. 



70 J2THER SULPHURICUS. 

pears to have occasionally tranquillized, without any evil conse- 
quences. 1 

Neuralgia. Its good effects in this disease have been deposed 
to by Kalinsky, 2 especially in hemicrania ; and by Morris, 5 Sem- 
ple/ Honore, Christison, 5 and others. 

Hysteria. A case in which the inhalation of ether proved suc- 
cessful in subduing hysteric symptoms after every kind of treatment 
had been used for four days without effect, is related by Mr. Wil- 
kinson ; and another fortunate case by Ducros. 6 

Asthma. Dr. Willis" and Mr. Cantrell 3 have employed it suc- 
cessfully. The latter states that he had long used it prior to its 
recent introduction as an anaesthetic. In 

Obstinate Hiccough, it w 7 as prescribed with advantage by Dr. 
Christison; 9 and in 

Hooping-cough, it is spoken favourably of by Dr. Willis 10 and 
Max. Simon. 11 

Laryngismus stridulus. A very severe case was materially 
benefited by the use of a sponge saturated with ether. Dr. Ran- 
king 12 saw the case with Mr. Image, who reports it. It has also 
been used successfully in 

Colica Pictonum, by M. Bouvier ; 13 and in flatulent colic by 
Horing. 

Renal Calculi. In the intense suffering attending the passage 
of a renal calculus — nephritic colic — inhalation of ether has been 
prescribed with signal advantage by Dr. Ware 14 and Dr. Griesin- 
ger; and in 

Dysmenorrhcea, by Dr. Griscom. 15 

Ophthalmia. In violent cases, M. Guersant 13 has employed at 
the Hopital des Enfans Malades, of Paris, a collyrium composed of 
one part of nitrate of silver, and four parts of water, with great 
advantage. The pain is often, however, so great, that he has had 
recourse to the inhalation of ether with marked success to enable 
him to make the application. Dr. Mackenzie 17 advises the inhala- 
tion in many forms of ophthalmia, especially where there is much 
photophobia ; but the duration of the ophthalmia did not seem to be 
curtailed; and Dr. Smith, 13 of Cheltenham, by its agency, was 

1 Drs. Ray and Bell, cited in Trans, of the Amer. Med. Assoc, iii. 79. Philad., 1850. 

2 Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahresbericht, u. s.w.,iv 167. Erlang., 1849. 

* Medical Times, cited in Ranking' s Half yearly Abstract. Amer. Edit., v. 341. 
Philad., 1847. 4 Lancet, March 27, 1847. 

5 Dispensatory, Amer. Edit., by R. E. Griffith, p. 152. Philad , 1848. 

6 Lancet. July 3, 1847. ' Ibid., March 20. 1847. 

a Prov. Med. and Surg. Joum., May 19, 1847. ■ Op. cit ,0 Op. Cit. 

11 Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahresbericht. u. s. w. , im Jahre, 1848, iv. 177. Er- 
langen, 1849. 12 Half-yearly Abstract, &c, Amer. Edit, v. 342. Philad., 1847. 

13 Canstatt und Eisenmann, Op. cit. iv. 177. 

M Boston Med. and Surg. Joum.. May 1, 1847. 

11 Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, April. 1849. 

,s London Medical Gazette, June, 1847. " Ibid. 

18 Wilde, Report on Ophthalmic Surgery, in Dublin Quarterly Journal of Medical 
Science, May, 1848. 



.ETHER SULPHURICUS. 71 

enabled to examine and manipulate on the eyes of young children 
affected with strumous ulcerations of the eye. 

Intermittent Fever. It is affirmed that Mr. J. W. Freer, 1 a 
pupil in the Chicago Hospital, employed ether in this malady with 
the most delightful results. Two or three inhalations invariably 
arrested the paroxysm instantaneously during the cold stage; 
brought on diaphoresis; and in cases where there was no unusual 
exertion, the paroxysms did not recur. 

Phthisis. In the last stage of this fatal malady the inhalation 
of ether has been prescribed by Dunker, 3 and it has exerted a mani- 
festly soothing influence : it has been ably and forcibly urged, too, 
by one 5 who has had much to do with the introduction and pro- 
mulgation of anaesthetics in the treatment of disease, that in in- 
curable affections, when the melancholy termination approaches, it 
may be highly desirable to administer them with the view of ren- 
dering death easy, — of inducing euthanasia.* 

Feigned diseases. Ether inhalation has been employed to de- 
tect them. M. Baudens 5 records two cases— one of simulated, the 
other of real infirmity — in which it detected the fraud. If volition 
be overpowered by it, the deception can no longer be main- 
tained. M. Bayard, 6 however — and the Editor of the Medico- 
Chirurgical Review for October, 1849, accords with him — is of 
opinion, that owing to the occasional results which follow the use 
of anaesthetics, especially of chloroform, and the uncertainty of the 
revelations obtained through their aid, they ought not — and the 
remark applies especially to chloroform — to be employed for the 
detection of simulated disease. 

The obstetrician has largely employed the inhalation of ether 
and other anaesthetics to relieve the intense suffering that accom- 
panies severe labour ; and experience seems to have shown, that 
whilst it effects this, and aids in the relaxation of the parts, it 
does not materially — or at all — diminish the parturient efforts. 
Professor Simpson, 7 of Edinburgh, was, perhaps, the first to em- 
ploy the inhalation of ether in this relation, and was a strong advo- 
cate for its use until he had tested the virtues of chloroform, which 
he now employs exclusively. His opinion of the value of ether 
is supported by the testimony of Paul Dubois, 8 Professor Siebold, 9 
M. Roux, 10 of Toulon, Dr. Channing, 11 Dr. Parkman, 12 M. Chailly, 13 

* Illinois and Indiana Med. and Surg. Journ. for Oct. and Nov., 1847. 

2 Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahresbericht, u. s w., im Jahre, 1848, iv. 177. Er- 
langen, 1849. 3 J. C. Warren. 

. 4 Etherization, with Surgical Remarks, p. 69. Boston, 1848. 

I Comptes rendus, 8 Mars, 1847. 6 Annales d'Hygiene, xlii. 165 — 201. 

T Monthly Journal of Medical Science. March, 1847; and Notes on the Inhalation of 
Sulphuric Ether in the Practice of Midwifery. 8 Lancet, March 6, 1847. 

9 Lond. Med. Gaz., June 11, 1847. 10 Gazette Medicale de Paris, 9 Octobre, 1847. 

II A Treatise on Etherization in Child-birth. Boston, 1848. 

12 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, April, 1849, p. 343. 

13 Archives Generates de Medecine, Avril, 1847. 



72 AETHER SULPHURICUS. 

Dr. Lloyd,' Mr. Lansdown, 2 Dr. Protheroe Smith, 5 Dr. Jonathan 
Clark, 4 Dr. Lindsly,' Dr. Trask, 6 and numerous others. Objec- 
tions have been brought against its use, many of which do not 
merit much notice. The strongest, perhaps, is the one urged by 
Drs. Radford," Meigs, and others, that in instrumental deliveries 
more especially, "as in lithotomy and lithotrity," the sensibility of 
the patient is a safeguard against injury of the soft parts; but the 
argument is more specious, perhaps, than solid, as a careful opera- 
tor could scarcely perpetrate such a blunder. 3 It has been very 
largely and successfully employed in instrumental and complicated 
labours. Two cases of placenta prcevia were treated under its 
agency by Dr. Protheroe Smith; 9 and examples of its value where 
turning was required, are recorded by him as well as by Mr. Gor- 
don, 10 Mr. Pickens, 11 and others. In numerous cases of puerperal 
convulsions, and in forceps and craniotomy cases, its value has 
been manifested. 12 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Various forms of inhaling apparatus have been devised. Many- 
are referred to by Dr. Ranking ;' 5 and some of them by the author 14 
in another work, with figures representing them. The vapour is 
most conveniently inhaled from a soft sponge, hollowed out on one 
side, to receive the projection of the nose, and saturated with the 
purest ether. The sponge, thus prepared, is applied over the nos- 
trils, through which the inhalation must be made, leaving the 
mouth free to receive atmospheric air, and thus prevent the dan- 
ger of asphyxia. 

The time required to produce etherization is usually from three 
to five minutes, and the quantity generally found necessary, is 
about tw T o fluidounces; but the effects must be carefully watched. 
Dr. Warren 15 remarks, that after careful inspection of two hundred 
cases of both sexes, of all ages, in a great variety of conditions of 
health and disease, etherized through a sponge, without reference 
to quantity, he has seen no immediate or consequent symptoms, 

1 Medical Times, March 27, 1847. 2 Lancet, June 5, 1847. 

3 Lancet, May 1, and July 31, 1847. 

* Medical Examiner, October, 1847, p. 489, and March, 1S48, p. 153. 

'- Transactions of the American Medical Association, vol. L, Philad., 1848; and 
Medical Examiner. June, 1848, p. 339. 

6 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, October, 1850, p. 341. 
1 Lancet, April 7, 1847. 

* Answer to the Religious Objections advanced against the Employment of Anaes- 
thetic Agents in Midwifery and Surgery, Edinburgh. 1848; and Anaesthesia, or the 
Employment of Chloroform and Ether in Surgery, Midwifery, &c, by J. Y. Simpson, 
M. D., &c., Fhilad., 1848; and a Correspondence between Professors Simpson and 
Meigs, in Medical Examiner, March. 1848. p. 145 — April, 1848. p 205 — and May, 
1848, p. 269. 9 Lancet, July 31, 1817. ,0 Ibid., July 14, 1847. 

" Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., Sept. 21, 1847. ,a Channing, Op. cit. 

13 Half-yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, v. 330, Amer edit Fhilada. 1S47. 
M General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, 4th edit i. 383. Philad. 1850. 
" Etherization, &c p. 77. Boston, 1848. 



iETHER SULPHURICUS. 73 

which would lead him to embarrass the patient and the surgeon 
with a complex apparatus; and similar views are entertained by 
Dr. Hay ward. 1 The irritability of the parts," the latter remarks, 
"with which the ether comes in contact, is by degrees overcome; 
then the sponge may be applied directly to the face, and, if neces- 
sary, compressed in some measure so as to exclude to a greater de- 
gree the atmospheric air. When the desired effect is produced, 
which is usually in from three to five minutes, the patient has no 
control over the voluntary muscles ; he cannot speak ; he cannot open 
his eyes, w T hen directed to do so; his muscles become completely 
relaxed, and the pulse, w^hich, at the beginning of the inhalation, 
is frequent, and often rises during the process to one hundred and 
forty beats in a minute or more, becomes slower, and 1 have very 
often known it fall to sixty. The patient is then insensible, and 
unconscious; and the surgeon may begin his operation with great 
confidence that he will inflict no suffering. The sponge should 
then be removed, and reapplied, from time to time, as circum- 
stances may require. If the ether is not pure, longer time is ne- 
cessary to produce the desired effect: the brain and nervous sys- 
tem are more excited, and the patient is occasionally violent for a 
time, and with difficulty controlled. Before using the ether, the 
sponge should be dipped in warm w T ater, and then strongly com- 
pressed, leaving it slightly damp. The evaporation seems to go 
on better in this way, than when a sponge is used that has not 
been previously moistened. In the first instance, the ether should 
be poured over the inside of the sponge: about two ounces is 
enough. When more is required, it should be applied to the out- 
side, as it is best not to remove the sponge from the face." 

It has likewise been administered per anum, and M.Pirogoff, 2 
of St. Petersburg, thought that the anaesthetic effects of the vapour 
were produced more speedily and with much less trouble to the 
patient. He found, that in from two to four minutes the odour of 
the vapour was perceptible in the breath, and the wonted effects 
supervened in from three to five minutes. The quantity of ether 
used varied from half an ounce to two ounces. Similar experi- 
ments were made by MM. Roux and Parchappe; and according 
to M.Velpeau, the former preceded M. Pirogoff. 

1 Remarks on the Comparative Value of the Different Ansesthetic Agents, Boston, 
1850. 

2 Gazette Medicate de Paris, 8 Mai, 1847, 



74 ALUMINJE SALES. 



XI. ALU'MINJE SALES. 

Synonym es. Salts of Alumina. 
French. Sels d'Alumine. 
German. Thonerdensalze. 

In making experiments on the agency of various substances 
as antiseptics, M. Gannal 1 discovered that the aluminous salts are 
alone possessed of the property of preserving animal matters, — 
"their bases combining with geline to form a special compound, 
the acid being set free." He found the aluminous deliquescent 
salts to be, of all saline substances, those that afford the most satis- 
factory results. The acetate of alumina and chloride of alu- 
minium succeeded perfectly. A mixture of equal parts of chloride 
of aluminium at 20° Beaume (s. g. 1.161,) and of the acetate of 
alumina at 10° (s. g. 1.075,) proved as good an injection as we 
possess for the preservation of dead bodies. 

The preservation of animal substances appears to depend upon 
the combination of geline with alumina : but the acid sulphate 
does not possess enough of the preservative element; and hence 
M. Gannal was driven to the employment of the salts of alumina 
that are richer in alumina, and more soluble in water. Of all 
these, the sulphate of alumina was found to merit the prefe- 
rence, ow T ing to its being of simple preparation and moderate price. 2 
It may be made by the direct combination of alumina and sul- 
phuric acid ; and contains 30 per cent, of the former to 70 per 
cent, of the latter. A kilogramme — about two pounds, eight 
ounces, and a dram and a half troy— dissolved in two quarts of 
water, and costing twenty cents, M. Gannal found to be sufficient, 
in winter, to preserve a body fresh by injection for three months. 
To preserve it for a month or six w 7 eeks, it was not even neces- 
sary to inject the blood-vessels, — an enema of one quart, and the 
same quantity injected into the oesophagus being sufficient for the 
purpose. In hot weather, the solution must be stronger, or in 
greater quantity, and it should be injected into the carotids. 

The acetate of alumina, of which M. Gannal made use, was 
prepared by the addition of acetate of lead to sulphate of alu- 
mina and pot ass a. The acetate of alumina, thus prepared, at 
18° of Beaumti's areometer, and in the quantity of five or six 
quarts, w 7 as sufficient to preserve a body for five or six months. 
This salt of alumina is, however, too costly ; and, therefore, can- 
not be employed in amphitheatres, where large quantities are re- 
quired. 

In the report on M. Gannal's memoir presented to the Insti- 
tute of France, the commission adduce, in favour of his plan, the 

1 History of Embalming, &c. by J. N. Gannal, Paris, J 838, translated by R. Harlan 
M. D., p. 203. Philad. 1840. a Ibid. p. 233. 



ALUMINA SALES. 75 

experience of MM. Serres, Dubreuil, Bourgery, Azous, Velpeau, 
and Amussat. " In the month of June, 1836," says M. Serres, 
"in the amphitheatre of the hospital, the body of a man, 22 years 
of age, was injected. Left to the open air, in a room exposed to 
the south, and upon a wooden table, it was preserved until the 
month of September, and was ultimately mummified. In the 
month of July, eight bodies were injected for dissection, and kept 
fifteen days. During the months of August and September, sixty 
subjects were injected. They were kept for twenty days." From 
these experiments, M. Serres concluded, that the liquid furnished 
by M. Gannal, permitted the dissection of bodies during summer, 
which had not been practicable in the anatomical schools of the 
hospitals of Paris ; and that it gave to the instruction in operative 
medicine a development which it had not previously enjoyed ; for, 
during the months of August and September, they were enabled 
to have thirty bodies at a time on the tables as in the middle of 
winter, so as to enable them to repeat before the students all the 
operations required in a regular course of operative surgery. For 
his discovery the Institute of France awarded M. Gannal the 
grand Monthyon prize of 1600 dollars, which was established for 
the discovery of any means calculated to remedy the unwholesome- 
ness of any art or profession. 

A useful application of M. GannaPs process is said to have been 
made by the police of Paris, in preserving bodies for many weeks 
in the Morgue or dead-house, where suspicions of murder required 
an unusual retention of the body above ground. 1 

Specimens of pathological anatomy, preserved in the liquid of 
the injection, were not exempt, according to Dr. Harlan, from 
the usual inconvenience attached to similar preparations in a solu- 
tion of chloride of sodium and other salts, — being equally liable to 
incrustations, so as to require a change or renewal of the solution. 

The salts of alumina have been used in this city with the view 
of temporarily preserving the dead ; and a case has been published 
in which the acetate was employed ; but the corrosive chloride of 
mercury was used along with it, which was unnecessary. In the 
afternoon of the day on which the individual died, the abdominal 
aorta was injected upwards and downwards with a saturated so- 
lution of corrosive chloride in alcohol ; and on the following day, a 
saturated solution of acetate of alumina was thrown in, "which," 
says Dr. Sharpless, 3 "had the immediate effect of giving the 
whole body a manifest rose colour, making it resemble life in a re- 
markable degree." 

The salts of alumina have been chiefly employed to prevent pu- 
trefaction in the dead body; but they might be used with eminent 
advantage as external applications in cases that require the topi- 

1 Harlan, Appendix to Gannal, Op. cit., p. 254. 
Q Medical Examiner, Aug. 13, 1842, p. 513. 



76 AMMONIiE PHOSPHAS. 

cal use of antiseptics. At the author's suggestion, they were so 
used at the Philadelphia Hospital, and were found to have an ex- 
cellent effect in ulcers requiring antiseptic and detergent -applica- 
tions. 1 Two drams of the sulphate to half a pint of water is a 
good wash in such cases; but it may be made much stronger than 
this. Dr. George Johnson, of Georgia, used an injection of the 
sulphate with the happiest results in cases oi fetid discharges from 
the vagina. 2 After handling pathological specimens, the author 
has found a saturated solution of the salt remove the offensive 
odour from his hands more speedily and effectually than any other 
antiseptic. 



XII. AMMONIA PHOSPHAS. 

Synonymes. Ammonium phosphoricum, Phosphate of Ammonia. 

French. Phosphate d'Ammoniaque. 

German. Phosphorsaures Ammonium. 

Phosphate of ammonia has been recommended in some of the 
unofficial pharmacopoeias and formularies, as an excitant, dia- 
phoretic and discutient; 3 but it could scarcely be said to be em- 
ployed in medicine, when it w T as brought forward by Dr. Thomas 
Buckler, of Baltimore, on chemical considerations, as " a new re- 
medy for gout and rheumatism, as a solvent of uric acid calculus, 
and for diseases, acute and chronic, connected directly with the 
Hthic acid diathesis."* 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
Neutral phosphate of ammonia may be made by saturating a 
somewhat concentrated solution of phosphoric acid with ammonia, 
applying heat, and setting the solution aside, that crystals may 
form. Or, it may be formed by saturating the excess of acid in 
superphosphate of lime by carbonate of ammonia. Phosphate of 
lime w T ill be precipitated, and phosphate of ammonia obtained in 
solution, which, being concentrated by a gentle heat, affords, on 
cooling, the salt in crystals. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
From the facts of the frequent existence of lithuria in gout and 
rheumatism, and the sudden elimination of uric acid, — and that 
when chemists have examined the structural thickenings in those 
diseases, they have found a variable abnormous per centage of 
earthy matter, consisting for the most part of soda and lime, — and 
from other considerations, Dr. Buckler infers, that uric acid exists 
in the blood, — not in a free state, or it would be passed continu- 

1 M. J. Pennypacker, Med. Ex., April 1 , 1843, p. 63. - Ibid. May 27, 1843, p. 112. 
3 Merat and De Lens, Diet Univ.de Mat. Med. &c., edit, de Bruxelles, 1, 115. 
Bruxelles, 1838. * American Journal of Medical Sciences, Jan., 1846. p. 109. 



AMMONIA PHOSPHAS. 77 

ously, but in a state of combination with soda or lime, or both. 
The predominance of lithic acid in the urine, he considers, gene- 
rally heralds recovery from an acute attack of gout or rheuma- 
tism. " Taking into account," he observes, " these two prominent 
facts, namely, the excess of lithic acid found in the urine at the 
period of convalescence from an attack of gout or rheumatism, 
and the subsequent deposit of soda and lime in the white tissues, 
it occurred to me, that during the existence of these diseases, the 
lithic acid might exist in the blood in a state- of combination with 
soda and lime, in the form of insoluble compounds, which the kid- 
neys and skin refuse to eliminate. If, then, any agent could be 
found capable of decomposing the lithates of soda and lime exist- 
ing in the blood, and of forming in their stead two soluble salts, 
which w 7 ould be voided by the kidneys and skin, we should there- 
by get rid of the excess of fibrin in the blood, the symptomatic 
fever and the gouty and rheumatic inflammation, wherever seated, 
which have been excited by the presence of these insoluble salts: 
it occurred to me that phosphate of ammonia might be the agent, 
provided it could be given in doses sufficient to answer the end, 
without producing any unpleasant physiological symptoms. If 
our theory were true, phosphate of ammonia seemed to be the 
proper reagent, for it would form, in place of the insoluble lithate 
of soda, two soluble salts, the phosphate of soda, which is remark- 
ably soluble, and the lithate of ammonia, which is also soluble, 
and both capable of being readily passed by the skin and kidneys. 
The excess of uric acid w T ould thus be got rid of in the form of 
lithate of ammonia, and the soda floating in the round of the cir- 
culation, instead of being deposited, as it were, like an alluvial 
formation in the substance of the fibrous and cartilaginous tissues, 
would be taken up by the phosphoric acid and eliminated from 
the circulation." 

With such views Dr. Buckler administered the phosphate of 
ammonia, and found that thickening, of the white tissues, of long 
standing, disappeared under its continued use; that it w T as de- 
cidedly serviceable in attacks of gout and acute rheumatism, 
and that in many old hospital cases of chronic rheumatism, the 
patients, without a single exception, declared themselves better, 
and begged for a continuance of the medicine. In every instance, 
in the cases reported, it was found that where lithic acid was pre- 
sent in the urine, it at once disappeared under the use of the phos- 
phate of ammonia. From this rapid disappearance of the acid 
from the urine, in every case, he was led irresistibly to the con- 
clusion, that the phosphate of ammonia must prove the best agent 
for dissolving uric acid calculus ; but he had had no opportunity 
for testing its efficacy in this respect. 

The cases adduced by Dr. Buckler do not demonstrate to us, so 
strongly as they do to him, the marked efficacy of phosphate of 
6 



78 AMMONIJE PHOSPHAS. 

ammonia in the cases in question. It is proper also to remark 
that, according to the analysis of Berzelius, this salt exists in the 
urine in health, and we have no reason to believe that it is not pre- 
sent in gouty and rheumatic diseases also. Moreover, although 
there may be generally a predominance of uric acid in the urine, 
in gout and rheumatism, it is by no means clear that these diseases 
are dependent on contamination of the blood with undischarged 
urea and uric acid, as has been maintained by many. 1 "Several 
considerations," say Messrs. Ballard and Garrod- — able chemists 
— "prevent our subscribing fully to this doctrine, which we are 
not aware to be established upon aught but hypothetical grounds." 
Phosphatic deposits are frequently, indeed, observed in conjunc- 
tion with gouty affections, and in many instances, it would seem, 
that tophaceous concretions contain no urate of soda, but in its 
stead phosphate of lime. In numerous cases of gout, the phospha- 
tic predominance is indeed marked. 3 Keller, 1 again, in animad- 
verting on the views of Mr. A. Ure, referred to under Acidum 
Benzoicum, remarks, that Mr. Ure "is certainly too hasty in re- 
commending benzoic acid as a remedy for the gouty and calculous 
concretions of uric acid. He seems to suppose that the uric acid 
has been employed in the conversion of benzoic acid into hippuric 
acid ; but as his observations were made on a gouty patient, it may 
be supposed that the urine, even without the internal use of ben- 
zoic acid, would have been found to contain no uric acid." 

M. Matter 5 of Bastia, has published some cases which appeared 
to him to exhibit the valuable agency of the phosphate in gout and 
rheumatism in the dose of about 30 grains ; and Dr. S. Edwards, 6 
confirms its advantages in diseases which appear to depend upon 
the presence of an excess of lit hie acid or lithates in the blood. 
In chronic articular rheumatism, it appeared to be especially be- 
neficial. As a solvent of lithic calculi his experience does not en- 
able him to pronounce upon it, but his observations lead him to 
depose positively as to its powers to arrest the increase and per- 
haps the formation of them. In lithic acid gravel, he has fre- 
quently used it; and experience has taught him, that it creates a 
very rapid decrease and disappearance of the red crystalline sedi- 
ment. 

Sufficient time has not elapsed for experiments to have been 
made on a great scale, to test the qualities of the phosphatic salt in 
the cases described by Dr. Buckler. It has been already seen, that 

1 Williams, Principles of Medicine, Amer. edit, by Clymer, p. 131. Philad. 1844. 

2 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap., p. 352. Lond. 1845. 

3 A. Ure, Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Feb. 11, 1843; cited in Brailhwaite's 
Retrospect, vii. 47. Lond. 1843. 

* Licbig's Animal Chemistry, Amer. edit, p. 315. Cambridge, 1842. 
5 Revue Medico-Chirurgicale, Dec. 1847. 

• Provincial Med. Journal, Nov. 17, 1847; and Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, 
Jan. 1, 1848, p. 23 ( J. 



AMMONIJE PHOSPHAS. 79 

in the case of the benzoic acid, examples were not wanting to 
prove its efficacy in lithuria; although no one now" can believe that 
it could have exerted any efficacy in the manner suggested. So 
far as the phosphate of ammonia has been given, it does not seem 
to have generally fulfilled the expectations excited by Dr. Buckler. 
In a trial made with it by Dr. C. Voigt, 1 in the dose of only about 
three grains, a series of alarming and highly irritative phenomena 
succeeded, caused, he thinks, by the violently irritating action of 
the salt on the stomach ; yet Dr. Voigt had good reason to suppose 
that the preparation employed was pure. 

In commenting on this case, Dr. Ruschenberger, 3 of the United 
States Naval Hospital, New York, states that he has employed 
phosphate of ammonia in nine cases in doses of ten grains, repeated 
every four hours. In no case was the article used for less than a 
week, and in several it was continued three, four, and even six 
weeks. The urine was tested before the medicine was prescribed, 
and during its use ; but no change in its constitution was detected 
by reagents, nor was there any modification in its quantity or spe- 
cific gravity. In one case only did any amelioration occur in the 
symptoms after the use of the salt; but whether this was owing 
to it he could not decide. Inasmuch, however, as no perceptible 
effects were induced in any of the other cases, his impression was 
that the phosphate is useless in the treatment of chronic rheu- 
matism. 

Since then Dr. H. Hartshorne, resident physician at the Penn- 
sylvania Hospital, 3 has reported some cases of rheumatism in 
which the phosphate was prescribed by Dr. Pepper. The smallest 
dose given to an adult was ten grains, and in several cases it 
reached thirty grains, continued three times daily for a number of 
days. In two or three, in doses of twenty grains, it disordered 
the alimentary canal. Several of the cases recovered ; but addi- 
tional treatment w 7 as generally used — as Dover's powder at night, 
the warm bath, cupping, blisters dressed with morphia, mercurial 
ointment combined with narcotics, vera tria ointment, &c. These, 
Dr. Hartshorne considers, may perhaps claim much of the credit 
of the cures, which w T ere mostly very slow. The phosphate, he 
says, has been used by his father, Dr. Joseph Hartshorne, with 
such results as to incline him to think that it may be a valuable 
addition to our means of treatment of rheumatism. 
MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose of the phosphate of ammonia is from ten to twenty 
grains, which may be given, dissolved in w T ater, three times a day. 

i Med. Examiner, Mav, 1846, p. 289. 2 Jbid. June, 1846, p. 342. 

3 Ibid. July, 1846, p. 397; and January, 1849, p. 49. 



80 AQUA AMYGDALARUM CONCENTRATA. 



XIII. ANTHRAKOKALI. 1 

Synonyme. Lithanthrakokali. 
German. Steinkohlenkali. 

This article was first proposed by Polya, of Pesth, in the year 
1837. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Two forms are employed, the simple and the sulphuretted. 
The former is prepared by dissolving carbonate of potassa in 10 
or 12 parts of boiling water, and adding as much slaked lime as 
will separate the potassa. The solution thus obtained contains only 
caustic potassa. The filtered liquor is placed on the fire in an 
iron vessel, and suffered to evaporate until neither froth nor effer- 
vescence occurs, and the liquid presents a smooth surface like oil. 
To this is added the levigated coal in the proportion of 160 parts 
to 192 parts of potassa. The mixture is stirred and removed from 
the fire, and the stirring is continued until a black homogeneous 
powder results. This powder is kept in a dry place. 

To obtain the sulphuretted anthrakokali, 16 parts of sul- 
phur must be mixed accurately with the coal, and the mixture be 
dissolved in the potassa as directed above. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Polya affirms, that Anthrakokali exerts its influence on the 
skin generally, and especially on chronic cutaneous affections. It 
has also been given beneficially by Felsach in scrofula and chronic 
rheumatism. 

The dose of the simple and sulphuretted preparations is 10 cen- 
tigrammes (gr. iss.) three times a day. 

M. Gibert employs it externally in chronic cutaneous affections, 
in the form of ointment, which may be made of one drachm of the 
anthrakokali to from one to three ounces of lard.' 2 

Fuligokali is an analogous substance. 



XIV. AQUA AMYGDALARUM CONCENTRATA. 

Synonymes. Water of Bitter Almonds. 
French. Eau d"Amandes Ameres. 
German. Bittermandelwasser. 

The water of bitter almonds has been received into many of the 
modern Pharmacopoeias; — into those of Bavaria, Paris, Ferrara, 
Hanover, Hesse, and Prussia for example. 

1 From av&Q<Lz, ' coal/ and kali, 'potassa.' See MM. Jacobovics, in Gazette Medicale 
de Paris. Nos.9 and 12; and Rietke, Die ncuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. 2te Auflage, S. 
37, Stuttgart, 1840; also, Duhamel, American Journal of Pharmacy, Jan. 1843. 

3 Aschenbrenner, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 23, Erlangen, 1848. 



AQUA AMYGDALARUM CONCENTRA.TA. 81 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The Pharmacopoeia of Prussia directs it to be prepared in the 
following manner. — Take two pounds of bitter almonds, bruise 
them well, and add — whilst triturating them — ten pounds of spring 
water, and four ounces of highly rectified spirit of wine. Let 
the mixture rest for twenty-four hours in a well closed vessel, and 
then distil two pounds. The product must be kept in a well stopped 
bottle. Giese found the quantity of hydrocyanic acid con- 
tained in the product of the above formula half less than that in 
cherry laurel water ; and Jorg, from his experiments upon himself 
and others, proved it to be much weaker and more uncertain. 

Neither this preparation, nor the distilled aqua lauro-cerasi, is 
much employed in this country, or in Great Britain. 

The inequality in the strength of the Aqua lauro-cerasi and of 
medicinal hydrocyanic acid suggested this preparation, which was 
extolled by Hufeland for its uniformity. Its effect is entirely like 
that of Aqua lauro-cerasi, but its greater regularity in strength 
and action has not been confirmed. Owing, indeed, to the uncer- 
tainty in strength of both these preparations, Liebig thinks, that 
physicians w T ould act very judiciously were they to discard them, 
and substitute a certain amount of amygdalin dissolved in water, 
and mixed with emulsion of sweet almonds; as the remedy, pre- 
pared fresh every time w T hen it is to be administered, will always 
possess the same composition. Seventeen grains of amygdalin 
yield one of anhydrous hydrocyanic acid; consequently, by mixing 
34 grains of amygdalin with 66 grains of emulsion of sweet al- 
monds, so that the total amounts to 10Q grains, a fluid is obtained 
corresponding to the medicinal hydrocyanic acid of the Prussian 
Pharmacopoeia (2 per cent.) A third of a grain of amygdalin 
corresponds to one grain of medicinal acid: the solution of one 
grain of amygdalin in three fluidounces of emulsion of sweet 
almonds contains, consequently, one grain of medicinal acid in every 
fluidounce of the mixture. 1 

Water of bitter almonds has been used by Dr.Hodgkin 9 as a 
means of allaying distressing itching, as in prurigo senilis. In 
some cases, it produced immediately a beneficial effect; in others, 
it was of no benefit, and caused smarting and irritation. Mr. May 
keeps a solution of oil of bitter almonds in the proportion of one 
part to seven of alcohol. This he uses as a substitute for hydro- 
cyanic acid for internal administration; he gives about half a drop 
for a dose. Externally, he employs it of the strength of a drop 
of the solution to an ounce of water. 

1 Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, pt. ii. , vol. 1 , p. 346. Amer. 
edit. New York, 1846. 

2 Pharmaceutical Transactions, Sept. 1841; and Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Jan. 
1842, p. 352. 



82 AQUA BINELLII. 



XV. AQUA BINELLII. 

Synonymes. Aqua Balsamica Arterialis. 

Italian. Acqua BiuelJi, Acqua Balsamica Arteriale. 

French. Eau de Binelli. 

German. Binellisches Wasser. 

Many years ago, this Italian nostrum was vaunted throughout 
Europe as a styptic in every kind of hemorrhage, both when em- 
ployed internally and externally. By several Italian physicians — 
Cotugno, Antonucci, Santoro and others — it was found highly ser- 
viceable; and Von Grafe 1 thought that he had observed good ef- 
fects from it. This opinion was confirmed by the observations of 
Kosch, Vrolick, Metzger, 2 and Lesser. Subsequently, however, 
not only Von Grafe, but Simon, 3 Dieffenbach, 4 and Dr. John Davy 5 
found that it was not possessed of more efficacy than simple cold 
water. 6 This hsemastatic received its name, Acqua Binelli, from 
Dr. Fideli Binelli, the inventor. The first public trials to test its 
efficacy were instituted at Turin, in 1797, by order of the govern- 
ment ; the results of which were esteemed favourable. Soon after 
this Binelli died; the secret of the composition and of the mode of 
preparing the nostrum were, however, communicated before his 
death to Gaetano Pironti, and Andrea Ferrara, who carried on a 
profitable trade with it for some time. The secret appears to have 
been lost ; but in the years 1829, and 1830, it was affirmed to 
have been rediscovered, and fresh experiments were instituted, and 
over and over again repeated in Germany. Various blood-vessels 
were divided on animals,— the femoral and carotid arteries, and the 
jugular veins, — and the cuts were made in every direction, — longi- 
tudinally, obliquely, and completely across; and in all cases the 
hemorrhage yielded as soon as charpie or lint steeped in the Acqua 
Binelli was applied and pressed gently against the wound for five 
or ten minutes. Encouraged by these experiments, the liquid was 
tried on man and with seeming advantage; but it was soon found, 
that the .results were not owing to any properties of the liquid, 
but rather to the cold, moisture, and appropriate pressure. 

The author has given at length in another work 7 the results of 
the experiments and observations of Dr. Davy. They convey in- 
teresting information as regards the physiology, pathology, and 
therapeutics of wounded vessels, and impart a useful lesson to the 

1 Grafe's Journal. Bd. xvii. S. 650. a Ibid. Bd. xxvii. 

3 Horn's Archiv. 1833, Sept. und Oct. S. 926'. 

4 Hecker's Literarische Annalen, 1833, S. 486. 

* Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ., July, 1833, or Researches Physiological and Anato- 
mical, Amer. Med. Library edit. p. 379. Philad. 1840. 

6 E. Grafe, Art. Kreosot, in Encvclop'ad. Worterbuch der Medicin. Wissensch. Bd. 
xx. S 536. Berlin, 1839. 

1 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. 4th edit. ii. 1 12. Philad. 1850. 



AQUA BINELLII. 83 

inquirer, — not to deduce inferences from inadequate data, without 
having investigated every collateral circumstance that may bear 
upon a question. The results of Dr. Davy's experiments show 
how hemorrhage from wounding a large artery, which would be 
speedily fatal, may be arrested by moderate compression with 
several folds of linen or cotton moistened with plain water ; and 
they further show how, under this moderate compression, the 
wound in the artery may heal, and the vessel remain pervious, 
without the supervention of aneurism. Dr. Davy lays great stress 
on moderate pressure, such as may allow the blood to continue to 
pass through the artery. 

At the meeting of the British Association in 1839, Dr. Macart- 
ney, of Dublin, 1 in alluding to the powers which nature possesses 
to repress hemorrhage, provided the surfaces be treated as an open 
wound with cold applications, related a case in which, after ampu- 
tation of the hand of a child, the stump was dressed with lint kept 
wet with cold water, and in which no ligature was applied or re- 
quired. This Dr. Macartney believed to be the first case on re- 
cord in which amputation had been performed without the appli- 
cation of a ligature. 

The Acqua Binelli is a perfectly transparent fluid, almost 
tasteless, and having a slightly empyreumatic odour; but neither 
the presence of salt, alkali, earth nor acid could be detected by the 
senses. It has been generally considered to be indebted for its 
fancied haemastatic property to creasote in some form; but Dr. 
Davy's explanation appears to be sufficient to account for the phe- 
nomena. 

M. Bouchardat 3 gives the following complex formula for the 
Acqua Binelli or Acqua Monterossi, of w r hich, he says, great use 
is made in the civil and military hospitals of Naples. Take of the 
roots of calamus aromaticus, bistort, consolida officinalis, and 
tormentilla — each 250 parts; oak bark, log wood, of each 
500 parts; leaves of greater plantain; eupatorium of Avi- 
cenna; athanasia marilima ; European sanicle; alchemilla 
vulgaris; sumac; and nettle; flowering tops of rosemary, and 
sage; of each 1000 parts; flowering tops of teucrium marum; 
dittany of Crete, peppermint, of each 250 parts; flowering 
tops of pennyroyal, catmint, lesser centaury ; and achillea 
millefolium, of each 1000 parts; balsamide, 250 parts; Cy- 
prus nuts, 1000 parts; white agaric and black pitch, of each 
500 parts. All the ingredients must be cut into small fragments, 
and be macerated in a sufficient quantity of water for twenty-four 
hours. When the liquid is wholly absorbed, a fresh quantity is 
added, so that the mass may be covered with water to the height 

1 London Athenaeum, Aug. 31, 1839, or Med. Intelligencer, Oct. 15, 1839, p. 217. 

2 Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c, pour 1843, p. 227. Paris, 1843. 



84 AQUA BROCCHIERII. 

of about four or five inches. It is then distilled so as to draw over 
about two thirds of the fluid employed. 

The product of this distillation is, however, possessed of more 
marked properties than those of the Acqua Binelli described above. 
It is said to be astringent, and to corrugate bleeding and injured 
tissues, causing the formation of coagula, which prevent a farther 
discharge. It coagulates albumen. It is also employed internally 
in the various profluvia. 

A substitute for the Acqua Binelli prepared by Professor 
Schultz is the following. 1 

Acqua Binellii factitia. 

Factitious Acqua Binelli. 

R. 01. empyreumat. tabaci f £ij. 

animal. Dippel. gtt. xij. 

Aq. destillat. f gviij. M. 

Used externally only. 



XVI. AQUA BROCCHIERII. 

Synonymes. Brocchieri, or Brocchiari water. 
Italian. Acqua Brocchieri. 

French. Eau de Brocchieri ou Styptique de Brocchieri. 
German. Brocchierisehes Wasser. 

This water strikingly resembles the Binelli water, both in sen- 
sible properties and action; and the same discordance of sentiment 
in regard to its virtues has existed amongst observers. It was 
largely used in Paris upwards of fifteen years ago ; and the pro- 
fession generally appear to have decided at that time that it was 
devoid of efficacy. Dr. Paris 3 examined it, but it appeared to him 
to be nothing more than water perfumed by some vegetable essence. 
"This supposed styptic," he remarks, "has made much noise in 
Paris, and is said to be even capable of arresting the flow of blood 
from a divided carotid artery ! The method of applying it is to 
saturate tow with the liquid, and slightly press it upon the bleed- 
ing vessel, where it is to remain for fifteen or twenty minutes: the 
rapidity with which a coagulum is said to form, and the tenacity 
of it, are attested to be most extraordinary. In order to ascertain 
the fact, having procured a supply of it from Paris, through the 
kindness of my friend, Dr. Badham,I proceeded to the Veterinary 
College, and with the assistance of the professional gentlemen of 
that establishment, I made a very careful experiment upon an ass 
without the least effect." 

1 Bouchardat, p. 229. 

2 Pharmacologia, Amer. edit from the 9th London edit, by Lee, p. 122. New York, 
1844. 



AQUA BROCCHIERII. 85 

A few years ago, a gentleman who had visited Paris brought it 
over to this country, and it was again subjected to various trials, 
and whilst some deposed most strongly to its potency as a ha?ma- 
static, others considered it to possess slight power ; and others, again , 
denied that it had any styptic virtues whatever. Experiments, it 
is affirmed, were instituted before MM. Blanqui, Amussat, Lisfranc, 
and others, 1 of Paris, in which the effusion of blood from the ca- 
rotid artery of a sheep was speedily arrested by it. Similar experi- 
ments were tried in New York by Dr. Barrabino, of the United 
States navy, and others; and in Charleston, by Dr. J. Lawrence 
Smith, and S. D. Sinkler, editors of the Southern Journal of Medi- 
cine and Pharmacy. 2 These last gentlemen thought it certain, 
that it arrests hemorrhage in a most marked manner, without 
either being styptic or cauterizing in its action. They considered 
that both it and ergotin "operate by a peculiar action upon the 
blood, or upon the walls of the artery. In the case of the Broc- 
chieri water, nothing decisive is yet known, although it is stated, 
that the caliber of the artery is restored to its natural integrity," 
and they add: — "The composition of this water is unknown. It 
is colourless; of very slight acid reaction, very little taste, and this 
not astringent. Its odour is aromatic, and the only idea we are 
yet capable of forming of its nature, is, that it is water containing 
the volatile principle of some plant, over which it has been dis- 
tilled." 

In a subsequent communication, however, 3 after having experi- 
mented farther with the Brocchieri water, as well as with ergotin 
and creasote, they arrive at the following conclusions: — First. 
When Brocchieri water, ergotin, or a watery emulsion of creasote 
is applied to the wounded artery of a sheep, it depends greatly, if 
not altogether, upon the manner in which the lint is applied to the 
wound of the artery whether the hemorrhage is arrested or not. 
If it be placed immediately upon the orifice of the cut vessel, the 
success is certain ; if, however, the vessel shrink from contact with 
the lint, the animal is almost certain to bleed to death. Secondly. 
By a small pledget of simple lint placed immediately upon the in- 
cision made into the carotid artery of a sheep, the hemorrhage is 
arrested in a few moments: and after a lapse of from twenty to 
thirty minutes, the animal may be let loose, without any apprehen- 
sion of the return of the hemorrhage. If the lint be applied so as 
not to touch the wound in the artery, all effort to arrest the he- 
morrhage will be ineffectual. " From these results, it will be seen 
how many difficulties often attend the simplest experiments ; and 
how important it is to leave no point, not the most apparently tri- 
vial, without close examination : it is true, it requires both time 
and trouble, but both are more than compensated for, by a know- 

1 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Jan. 14, 1846, p. 480. 

Q See the No. for March, 1846, p. 158. 3 Ibid. July, 1846, p. 406. 



86 AQUA BR0CCH1ERII. 

ledge that we become in possession of truths that are important to 
ourselves and to others." Thirdly. The sheep is an unfit ani- 
mal to try the hemastatic powers of substances as regards the hu- 
man subject; for although sheep will bleed to death by a wound 
in one of the larger arteries, still, by the application of a small 
pledget of lint, sustained with a little pressure immediately upon 
the wound in the vessel, the hemorrhage will cease, and the ani- 
mal survive. The same, they are convinced, may be said of all 
the like experiments upon the lower classes of animals, as in many 
of them the hemorrhage from a large vessel will be arrested spon- 
taneously. This is true — they say — of the dog, and so far as their 
knowledge extends, the sheep is more ready to bleed to death than 
any other quadruped. "Furthermore, the blood of an animal is 
more plastic, coagulating with far greater rapidity than that of 
man ; and as the arresting of the hemorrhage in these experiments 
is dependent upon the formation of a clot around the opening, and 
in the cavity of the vessel, it ought, therefore, to happen more 
readily in them than in man." Fourthly and lastly; they con- 
clude, that if the haemostatic virtues of the agents, which they em- 
ployed, are to be correctly ascertained, it is only by experiments 
upon the human subject; and no value, they think, should be given 
to those made in any other way. Whether the Brocchieri water, 
ergotin, and creasote will stand the test, they are not as yet pre- 
pared to say, owing to the discordant character of the results of 
experiments. They have no doubt that these substances hasten 
the coagulation of the blood, and that they may, under some cir- 
cumstances, arrest hemorrhage from the smaller arteries; but in 
the case of the larger vessels, they are of no manner of use, at least 
not more so than the lint without them. The experiments made 
on the human subject that have come to their notice are: — wound 
on the hand ; oozing for some time after the operation for hydro- 
cele; oozing from a tumour on the back tried with Brocchieri 
water. In the first case there seemed to be no effect; in the last 
two some slight effect: the oozing in the case of the hydrocele, 
although diminished, could not be arrested. Hence they think, 
there is no danger of the ligature of vessels being supplanted by it. 
Professor Mott, in a clinical lecture delivered on the 10th of 
January, 1846, 1 has the following remarks: — "I knewJVE. Broc- 
chieri when I was in Paris: he is an uneducated man, and a per- 
fect charlatan. When his discovery was made known in Paris, it 
created some stir; and I made several experiments with it, in con- 
nexion with several other gentlemen, one of whom was engaged 
in the preparation of the water. The subjects of the experiments 
were strong and healthy sheep, upon whose carotid arteries we 
operated, and we found that its power to stop hemorrhage was 
next to nothing, and where the bleeding was arrested, it was prin- 
1 New York Medical and Surgical Reporter. 



AQUA BROCCHIERII. 87 

cipally from the pressure made by the large quantities of lint, with 
which the wound was filled. Therefore, I say, as the result of 
my experience, that the styptic powers of this preparation are not 
to be relied upon for a moment; that it is infinitely less useful than 
an infusion of rhatany or tannin, and that it can never take the 
place of needles and ligatures. The other qualities that have been 
ascribed to it of curing disease, and arresting haemoptysis are 
equally non-existent." 

The Acqua Brocchieri was brought to the notice of the Medico- 
Chirurgical Society of Louisiana, at its sitting in March, 1846, by 
a communication from one of the venders of the nostrum, accom- 
panied by some bottles of the article, with the request that the So- 
ciety would examine and report upon its styptic powers. The 
Society, on the ground that it would be setting a bad precedent, 
declined the proposition. Several of the members, however, de- 
termined to avail themselves of the earliest opportunity to test its 
properties, and Dr. A. Mercier has published the result of his 
experiments. 1 After detailing two cases of wounds, on which it 
was used as a hsemastatic, he remarks: — "The pain which these 
two patients experienced from the application of the Eau Brocchieri, 
a pain incomparably greater than that from the application of strong 
salt and water, or any other styptic solution, together with its utter 
inefficacy in cases of hemorrhage, have induced me to abandon 
any farther trials with it, except, perhaps, in cases of hemorrhage 
from mucous membranes, as from the nose, rectum, &c. &c, which 
are so common in this country." 

With the same view of testing the virtues of this famous fan- 
cied haemastatic, the author's friend and colleague, Professor 
Mutter, in the presence of the late Dr. Kearney of the United States 
Navy, Dr. King of the Army, Dr. J. W. Wallace, and several 
other medical gentlemen, conducted a series of experiments on 
some ten or twelve sheep, the results of which were as follows: 

" When the carotid artery," says Professor Mutter, in a letter 
to the author, "was opened, especially if the incision ran parallel 
to the long diameter of the vessel, and the Acqua Brocchieri was 
freely applied, the haemorrhage ceased in the course of ten, fifteen, 
or twenty minutes; and the sheep, recovering speedily from its 
prostration, would eat with avidity. On examining the wound, it 
was found filled with a coagulum, but there was no adhesion be- 
tween it and the walls of the vessel, and of course no organization 
could be detected. Similar results were obtained with several 
other styptics, such as creasote, tincture of chloride of iron, oil 
of' turpentine, &c. &c. On the whole I was led to consider this 
agent a tolerably good styptic, but not better than those already 
in daily use. To test the vis medicairix natures, Dr. Wallace 

'New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal, May, 1846, p. 816. 



88 AQUA BROCCHIERII. 

divided completely both carotids, and applied nothing to the wound ; 
yet recovery took place in the course of 30 minutes, the animal 
walking about and eating with the others. When the vessel 
was partially divided, so as to prevent contraction and retraction, 
death speedily ensued." 

It is proper to add, that the first experiments of Drs. Smith and 
Sinkler satisfied them, "that a sheep would bleed to death with 
his carotid cut, and that no application of water, even in the form 
of ice, could arrest the hemorrhage." With this conviction on 
their minds, they considered themselves "fully prepared to form 
just conclusions concerning the two experiments" which they 
made on sheep. Yet in Dr. Wallace's case, it will be observed, 
the sheep recovered after both carotids had been divided ; and 
without any application whatever. 

A committee of the Medical Society of Virginia, consisting of 
Dr. C. P. Johnson, G. G. Minor and R. W. Haxall 1 appointed 
to investigate the qualities of the Acqua Brocchieri, reported, as the 
results of their experiments, First, that it has no power of co- 
agulating blood. Secondly, that it has no power of producing 
contraction of the coats of an artery. Thirdly, that it does not 
arrest hemorrhage from an incised wound sooner than the unaided 
power of nature would accomplish the same result. Fourthly, 
that in the case of incised arteries, its application is no more to be 
depended upon to arrest the hemorrhage than that of simple cold 
water. The committee are of opinion that the true and only cause 
of the arrest of the hemorrhage in their experiments, "as in all of 
the cases which have been reported, is 'pressure, the pressure 
being continued for a sufficient length of time to allow a coagulum 
to form which will be firm enough to resist the impulse of the 
blood from the orifice in the vessel." 

On the w^hole, the remarks made on the Acqua Binelli apply 
equally to the Acqua Brocchieri. Neither, it would seem, is pos- 
sessed of the hsemastatic virtues that have been ascribed to it. 

According to M. Martius, 2 Brocchieri water may be made as 
follows: — Macerate for twelve hours pine wood (bois de sapin) 
cut small and bruised, in double its weight of water. Then distil 
until a product is obtained equal in weight to the wood employed. 
Leave this distilled water at rest for twenty-four hours; after 
which the volatile oil that collects on the surface must be sepa- 
rated. Before using the water it is necessary to shake it. 

M. Deschamps has proposed the following substitute for it. 
Take of turpentine, 500 parts; water, 600 parts. Boil for a 
quarter of an hour, 3 then add a sufficient quantity of w ? ater to 
obtain 1000 parts of turpentine and water. Let it become cold, 
and filter. 

1 American Journal of the Med. Sciences, July, 1846, p. 146. 

2 L'Abeille Medicale, Fevrier, 1846. p. 54. 

3 Bouchardat, No uvea u Formulaire Magistral, 3e 6dit p. 291. Paris, 1845. 



AQUA PICIS LIQUIDS. 89 

Another hsemastatic water, under the name Eau hemastatique de 
Tisserand, has been experimented with in Paris, and M. Fremy, 
Interne at the Hotel Dieu, reports several cases in its favour. M. 
Recamier has also used it, and considered it to be possessed of the 
same properties as the Acqua Broechieri: he esteems it to be even 
more advantageous, and affirms that he has succeeded with it in 
cases of hemoptysis, intestinal hemorrhage, and dysentery. The 
following formula is given by M. Bouchardat^for a hsemastatic 
water which may be substituted for the Eau hemastatique de Tis- 
serand. 

R, Sanguin. Dracon. 

Terebinth (des Vosges,) aa ^iij< 

Aquse Oij. 

Digest for twelve hours, and filter. 



XVII. AQUA PICIS LIQUIDS. 

Synonymes. Aqua Picis sen Picea, Infusum Picis Liquidse sen Pici® 

Empyreumaticae Liquidse, Potio Picea, Tar Water, 
French. Eau de Goudron. 
German. Theerwasser, 

This preparation, at one time so much extolled, and recom- 
mended on the authority of the celebrated Bishop Berkeley, but 
which had almost fallen into total disuse, has been revived, more 
especially since it has been found to contain creasote. It was first 
employed extensively in England about the middle of the last cen- 
tury, and was drunk not simply as a therapeutic but as a prophy- 
lactic agent, so that Riecke facetiously remarks, almost as much 
tar-water was consumed by the inhabitants of London, as beer 
and other drinks. 2 

As commonly happens in such cases, practitioners passed from 
one extreme to the other, and as they gradually found that tar 
water was not capable of accomplishing all that had been ascribed 
to it, they ultimately neglected it altogether. Still formulas for its 
preparation exist in many Pharmacopoeias — in those of Dublin, 
Bavaria, Brunswick, Paris, Russia, Saxony, Sweden, and Wirtem- 
berg, for example. 

Water takes up from tar a small portion of acetic acid, crea- 
sote, and resinous matter. Tar-water was formerly much praised 
as a remedy in pulmonary consumption, and as a diuretic ; its 
virtues, however, appear to rest almost wholly on the contained 
creasote. Some years ago, Arnheimer, of Duisburg, recalled the 
attention of practitioners to it as a remedy in many chronic cutaneous 
affections, especially of the herpetic kind ; and asserted, that he 
found no remedial agent more valuable when its use was perse- 

1 Op. cit. * Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 38. Stuttgart, 1637. 



90 AQUA PICIS LIQUIDS. 

vered in for one or two months to the extent of a pint or two 
daily. Arnheimer directed patients to prepare it for themselves 
in the following manner. A pound of tar was put into a deep 
porcelain dish, and a quart of water was poured upon it ; for 
half an hour it was stirred with a spoon ; the mixture was then 
allowed to stand for twenty-four hours ; the tar remaining on 
the surface of the water was skimmed off, and the clear fluid put 
into well stopped bottles. He advises, that a large quantity should 
not be prepared at once, as the water in time becomes ropy, and 
its golden yellow colour is changed to a darker hue. It is gene- 
rally taken without any repugnance. The process in the Dublin 
Pharmacopoeia is the following : — Take of Tar, two pints ; Water, 
a gallon: mix, and stir with a wooden rod for fifteen minutes; 
then, when the tar has subsided, filter the liquid, and keep it in 
well closed jars. 

Since the discovery of creasote, tar-water has received fresh 
consideration, and it is not improbable that it may come again 
into more general use, as it appears, from experiments, that 
there are cases where it would seem to merit a preference over 
creasote. M. Petrequin has made some trials with both, in 
chronic catarrh, and in different stages of phthisis. 1 The num- 
ber of cases reported by him is twenty-three; of these seven were 
of chronic catarrh, in which creasote was given: generally the 
cough was mitigated by it, but in two no effect was produced on 
that symptom. The expectoration was usually diminished or 
facilitated ; in two cases, however, no advantage was derived from 
it, and in one case the sputa were bloody. In the majority, the 
dyspnoea ceased: in others, it continued; and in the same number 
of cases the pain in the breast was relieved. As to its effects 
on the digestive organs, it several times excited thirst ; but the 
most marked result was the sensation of burning, which it caused 
in the majority of cases, in the digestive tube, or in the breast. 
In two cases, it exhibited no influence on an existing diarrhoea, 
whilst in two others, it appeared to diminish the number of the 
evacuations. In two, it excited vomiting, and commonly produced 
nausea. On the whole, in the greater number, it appeared to 
render good service, but in one it was of no avail, and in another 
it seemed to aggravate the affection. 

In four cases of incipient phthisis treated with creasote, M. 
Petrequin obtained the following results. Although, in one in- 
stance, the cough was aggravated, in the majority the opposite 
was the fact. The expectoration was facilitated, but diminished 
in quantity : the dyspnoea was more or less improved, and in two 
cases the pain in the chest was relieved. In this disease, also, 
creasote excited burning in the epigastrium or chest, and in one 
instance fugitive sensations of heat and creeping in the limbs. In 
1 Uazette Medicale de Paris, No. 13, iSov. 5, 183G. 



AQUA PICIS LIQUIDS. 91 

one case, the benefit was striking ; in two, the improvement was 
to a less extent, and in one the disease was augmented. Four 
other cases were of advanced phthisis. In most, the cough was 
more or less improved, — never increased; the oppression remained 
much the same, but in one case it became more severe. As 
regards the effects upon the digestive organs, they were much the 
same as in the first class of cases. The improvement in one case 
was insignificant; in two others but slight, and in the fourth the 
affection was aggravated. 

M. Petrequin directs tar water to be prepared by digesting an 
ounce of tar in a quart (pinte) of water for eight days, and then 
filtering. It is taken mixed with milk to the extent of from 
eight to twelve ounces in the day. With this preparation, he 
treated three cases of chronic catarrh. The cough was always 
improved by it; the expectoration diminished or facilitated ; the 
dyspnoea alleviated or removed, and the pains in the chest were 
improved or dissipated. In two cases, it appeared to act benefi- 
cially on vomiting which accompanied the cough. The appetite 
was improved, and in one case diarrhoea seemed to be dimi- 
nished, whilst in two others existing constipation yielded during 
its use. In all the cases, sleep was restored. On the urinary se- 
cretion it exerted no influence, and it neither excited thirst nor 
nausea like creasote. In three cases of incipient phthisis, its ac- 
tion was more beneficial than that of creasote. The cough was 
always ameliorated, the expectoration facilitated or diminished, 
and the dyspnoea and thoracic pain relieved. In one case, it 
seemed to act favourably on accompanying emesis, and in another 
to quench thirst. It excited or improved the appetite, and aided 
digestion. In one case of advanced phthisis, the alleviation pro- 
duced by tar water was beyond all expectation, but in another 
the disease had proceeded so far that it was wholly unsuccessful. 

So far, then, as M. Petrequin's experiments go, they would 
seem to show that advantage may be derived, in the cases in 
question, from the administration of creasote and tar water ; and 
that the latter is perhaps possessed of properties which the other 
has not — to the same degree at least. The cases are, however, 
too few to enable us to deduce any thing entirely satisfactory. 
Fresh experiments will doubtless be instituted, which may enable 
us to infer positively on matters that must as yet be considered 
involved in doubt. 1 The author has administered it freely in 
phthisis, as well as in chronic bronchitis. In the latter affection, 
it has relieved cases in which the accustomed excitant expectorants 
are found to be serviceable. The same has been the fact in the 
former disease; but farther than this no advantage has accrued 
from its administration. 

In a French periodical, 3 some cases are published from the 

1 Deslandes, Diet, de Me'dec. et de Chirurgie Prat, xi, 233. 

2 La Lancette Franchise, 8 Avril, 1S37. 



92 ARGENTI PRiEPARATA. 

records of the hospitals for 1829 and 1830, during the attendance 
of the late Professor Dupuytren, in which injections of tar water 
were successfully administered in catarrhus vesicce, along with 
the use of pills of turpentine. The tar water was made by in- 
fusing in the cold, for a night, a pound of tar in ten pounds of 
spring water, filtering and warming the solution before using it. 
Large quantities of this were injected through an elastic gum ca- 
theter, w 7 hich was forthwith withdrawn and the patient directed 
to retain the injection as long as possible. The injection w ? as re- 
peated daily, and Venice turpentine was administered internally 
in the form of pill. 

A syrup of tar may be made by dissolving sugar in tar 
water. 1 



XVIII. ARGENTI PR.^PARA'TA. 

Svnonymes. Preparations of silver. 
French. Preparations d'Argent. 
German. Silberprapara te . 

Of the preparations of silver, the nitrate is the only one that has 
been much used, and this chiefly as an external application. The 
attention of physicians has, however, been directed to the internal 
use of many of those preparations, and especially by M. Serre, 2 
professor of surgical clinics at Montpellier. This gentleman com- 
menced his first trials in May, 1835, in the civil and military hos- 
pital of St. Eloi. At that tim: , there was an unusual number of 
syphilitic patients in the wards, of which the most severe and 
appropriate were selected for treatment by the preparations of 
silver — the chloride, cyanuret, and iodide. Trials were also made 
with divided metallic silver, oxide of silver and chloride of 
ammonia and silver. At first, they w T ere administered iatraleip- 
tically ; the chloride, the cyanuret, and the iodide in the quantity 
of one-twelfth of a grain; the chloride of silver and ammonia in 
the quantity of one-fourteenth of a grain ; and the oxide of silver, 
and the divided silver, in the dose of one-eighth, and one-quarter 
of a grain, respectively. M. Serre soon found that these doses 
were generally too small : he, therefore, raised that of the chloride 
and iodide to one-tenth, and to one-eighth of a grain, without the 
slightest inconvenience resulting. The other preparations were 
also increased in the same proportion, with the exception of the 
chloride of silver and ammonia, which requires more precaution 
than any of the other preparations. M. Serre did not restrict 
himself to the iatraleiptic administration of these substances, but 

1 Soubeiran, Journal de Pharmaeie, Janvier, 184*2, p. 70. 

2 Bulletin General de Theraputique, 183G. 



ARGENTI PRJEPARATA, 93 

employed them internally in the form of pill, and externally as 
local applications, 

M. Serre describes several cases of syphilis in which the pre- 
parations of silver were administered. The first patient was a sol- 
dier, 26 years old, of athletic constitution, who, at the time of his 
admission into the hospital, had several extensive chancres on 
the prepuce, so close to each other as to seem to form one large cir- 
cular ulceration, five or six lines in diameter. After a few days' 
rest, and the use of baths, M. Serre ordered the chloride of silver 
in friction on the tongue in the quantity of one-twelfth of a grain. 
The ulcers were treated with simple cerate (ceratum Galeni) 
spread on lint. After the second rubbing, the patient experienced 
violent colicky pains, which were not severe enough, however, to 
induce a discontinuance of the remedy. Scarcely had a grain of 
the chloride been employed, w T hen the secretion from the ulce- 
rated parts became less ; the surface of the chancres lost the kind 
of grayish border which they possessed, and cicatrization pro- 
ceeded rapidly. The frictions were continued, and the condition 
of the patient went on improving. At the end of two months, he 
left the hospital. In the five subsequent cases, the same plan of 
treatment was pursued. The chloride was used exclusively ac- 
cording to the iatraleiptic method. The symptoms were various; 
in addition to chancres, there was in one case a suppurating bubo ; 
in another, syphilitic vegetations at the margin of the anus; and 
in a third, fissures in the same part. In the seventh case, in which 
there were chancres, gonorrhoea, and extensive rugous blotches 
on the nates, the chloride of silver was rubbed on the tongue, and 
applied topically in the form of cmtraent. The eighth patient, 
who suffered with large condylomata, as well as with ulcers in 
the neck, took the chloride in pills to the extent of nine grains in 
the course of the treatment : frictions with the ointment of silver 
were also applied to the affected parts. 

M. Serre deduces from all his experiments the following 
amongst other conclusions. First. The preparations of silver 
have this great advantage over those of mercury, that they never 
occasion salivation, nor do they induce in the intestinal canal or 
in the respiratory organs the disagreeable effects that are too 
often caused by mercury. Secondly. Should their therapeutical 
agency be confirmed by experience, and they be introduced into 
hospital practice, great advantage will be derived as respects the 
purity of the wards, and the cleanness of the bed-clothes, &c. 
Thirdly. Patients can be treated by them in secret as well 
as when travelling, without fear of detection. Fourthly. The 
preparations of gold are to be preferred in these respects; tut 
gold has the disadvantage of exciting too much, and cannot, there- 
fore, be exhibited to those of a nervous and impressible tempera- 
ment, or who have weak and delicate chests. In such cases the 
7 



94 ARGENTI CHLORIDUM. 

preparations of silver merit the preference. Fifthly. The pre- 
parations of silver are much cheaper than those of gold, and are, 
therefore, more available in practice amongst the poor, and in 
large hospitals; and, moreover, they are more easily prepared, 
which is a consideration of some moment as regards the pharma- 
ciens of small towns. Sixthly, and lastly. There are cases in 
which mercurial and gold preparations fail, and where preparations 
of silver might be of advantage. 

The observation of others has not confirmed the assertions of 
M. Serre. M. Ricord 1 employed the various preparations, made 
after the formulae given by M. Serre, in the same doses; but not 
being able to observe any effect that could be fairly ascribed to 
these agents, he ventured upon considerably larger doses — as much, 
for example, as twelve grains a day of the iodide and cyanuret, — 
but without any marked results. 

In this country, the preparations of silver have been but little, 
if at all, used in syphilis ; nor do they appear to merit special 
favour. 2 



XIX. ARGENTI CHLORIDUM. 

Stnontmes. Argentum Muriaticum seu Salitum seu Chloratum, Chlo- 
ruretum Argenti, Chloride, Chloruret or Muriate of Silver. 

French. Chlorure d ; Argent. 

German. Salzsaures Silber, C hlorsilber. Hornsilber, Silber- 
chloriir. 

Chloride of silver is prepared by the decomposition of a solution 
of nitrate of silver by an excess of a solution of chloride of so- 
dium. The resulting product or chloride of silver appears under 
the form of a flaky, clotted, very thick precipitate : it must be 
washed repeatedly with boiling water, and be exposed to the heat 
of a sand-bath, so that it may dry as speedily as possible. 

Chloride of silver, prepared in this way, is of a white colour, de- 
void of taste, and not soluble in water, but soluble in ammonia. 
In the light it speedily changes, especially when much divided, or 
when moist; and assumes a somewhat dark violet hue, as the 
chlorine is given off. It suffers no decomposition when united 
with vegetable matters. It must be dried and kept protected 
from the light. 3 Its uses have been referred to under the head of 
the preparations of silver. 

As nitrate of silver is probably always converted into chloride 
of silver by meeting with the chloiohydric acid in the stomach, it 

1 J. J. L. Rattier, La Lancette Francaise, No. 122. Oct 13, 1S36. 
3 W. P. Johnson, Medical Examiner, Nov. 23, 1839, p. 743. 
3 On the mode of forming the various preparations of silver, see Ghamou, in Bulletin 
General de Therapeutique, No. xvi. Aug. 30, 1836, 



ARGENTI ET AMMONLE CHLORIDUM. 95 

occurred to Dr. Perry, 1 at the time resident physician of the Phila- 
delphia Hospital, to administer the chloride, which he did with ad- 
vantage in epilepsy, chronic dysentery, chronic diarrhoea, and 
other affections in which nitrate of silver is prescribed internally. 
Twelve grains given daily for three months produced no unplea- 
sant symptoms; and in no case did discoloration of the skin suc- 
ceed. In epilepsy, three grains, given four or five times a day, pro- 
duced effects similar to those of nitrate of silver, but more marked. 
In chronic dysentery, half a grain to three grains, taken three 
times a day, produced immediate diminution in the number of the 
evacuations, and relieved the tormina ; inducing, at the same time, 
an improvement in the character of the stools and other symp- 
toms. Similar testimony is afforded by Kopp, and others. The 
author has very frequently prescribed the chloride ; and on the 
whole it has appeared to him to be equal to the nitrate of silver 
in the cases mentioned by Dr. Perry. 

It has been affirmed that a combination with iodine will prevent 
the discoloration of the skin ; and that the use of iodine will re- 
move it where it has already occurred; but farther experience is 
necessary to establish this. See Argenti Iodidum, (p. 98.) 

Pulvis argenti chloridi. 

Powder of chloride of silver. 

R. Argent, chlorid. gr. j. 
Irid. florent. pulv. gr. ij. 

Reduce to a fine powder, and divide into eight or ten portions ; 
to be rubbed on the tongue. Serve. 



XX. ARGENTI ET AMMONITE CHLO'RIDUM. 

Synontmes. Argentum Muriaticum Ammoniatum, Chloruretum Argenti 
et Ammoniae, Chloride or Chloruret of Silver and Ammonia, Ammonio- 
chloride of silver. 

French. Chlorure d'Argent et d'Ammoniaque. 

German. Silbersalm iak, Salzsaures Silberammonium. 

This preparation is obtained, when we saturate, by the aid of 
heat, liquid ammonia, with freshly precipitated and carefully 
washed chloride of silver. The operation must be accomplished 
at such a degree of heat, that the fluid shall boil once ; for if the 
boiling be continued a few moments and in the open air, no crys- 
tals will be deposited on cooling. If the fluid, whilst in full ebul- 
lition and preserved from the light, be filtered, very regular crys- 
tals will be deposited on cooling, which may be dried between 
blotting paper, and should be kept in a well stopped bottle* 

1 American Medical Library and Intelligencer, Feb. 1841. 



96 ARGENTI ET AMMONIiE CHLORIDUM. 

Chloride of silver and ammonia has a bluish white colour, the 
peculiar smell of ammonia, and a burning, almost caustic, taste. 
In the air, it gradually exhales ammonia, and acquires all the pro- 
perties of simple chloride of silver, without, however, losing the 
form of the original composition. If the crystals be kept in the 
ammonia in which they were formed, they do not experience the 
slightest change in their colour from the influence of light. When 
treated with distilled water, the chloride is decomposed. A por- 
tion saturated with ammonia is again dissolved; yet a much greater 
portion remains undissolved ; this contains only a small quantity 
of ammonia. It experiences the same decomposition through the 
influence of heat, as when it is exposed to the open air, except that 
the decomposition takes place more rapidly. It displays nothing 
extraordinary when rubbed with organic matters. 

This remedy, as before remarked, has been used with advantage 
by Serre in cases of syphilis. 

Another preparation, Liquor argenti muriatici ammoniati. 
has been long recommended by Kopp, in cases of chronic nervous 
affections. It is prepared according to the following formula: — 

R. Argent, nitrat. fus. gr. x. 
Aquag destillat. f gij. 

Soluto filtrato instilla liquoris natri muriatici, (Sodii chloridi,) q. s. ad 
preecipitandum. PiEecipitatum sedulo ablutum solve in liquoris amraon. 
caust. §iss: adde acidi muriatici giij. vel q. s. ut prsecipitatio evitetur et 
argentum muriaticum in statu solutionis permaneat. Pondus fluidi fil- 
trati sequale sit unciis duabus cum dimidia. 1 

This preparation is transparent; but, under the effect of light, 
it suffers black flakes to be deposited. It is therefore necessary 
to preserve it in small bottles, painted black, in a dark place. In 
using it, acid substances should be avoided. 

Kopp found the liquor argenti muriatici ammoniati of 
great efficacy in St. Vitus' } s dance. It may be given to children 
of about ten years of age, morning, noon, and night, in doses of 
three drops, gradually raised to six, in a spoonful of distilled wa- 
ter. 

Pilulae argenti et ammonise chloridi, 

Pills of chloride of silver and ammonia. 

R. Argent.etammon.chlorid.gr.]. 

Irid. fiorent. pulv. gr. ij. 
Conservse flor. tilise q. s. ut fiat massa in pilulas xiv. dividenda. 

For external use. Serre. 

1 "Take of fused nitrate of silver, ten grains; distilled water, two ounces: — Into the 
filtered solution drop enough of a solution of chloride of sodium to precipitate. Dissolve 
the carefully washed precipitate in an ounce and a half of caustic liquid ammonia; add 
three drams of muriatic acid, or enough to avoid precipitation, and that the chloride of 
silver may remain in a state of solution. The weight of the filtered fluid should be equal 
to two ounces and a half/' 



ARGENTI CYANURETUM. 97 



XXI. ARGENTI CYANURETUM. 

Stnonymes. Argenti Cyanidum, Argentum Cyanogenatum seu Cyanicum 

seu Hydrocyanicum, Cyanuretum Argenti, Cyanide or Cyanuret of 

Silver. 
French. Cyanure d'Argent. 
German. Blaustoffsilber, Cyansilber, Cyansaures Silber- 

oxyd. 

Cyanuret of silver is obtained by permitting a weak solution of 
hydrocyanic acid to act on a solution of nitrate of silver? The 
very light white precipitate, formed thereby, must be repeatedly 
washed with distilled tvater, and be reduced to dryness in a mo- 
derately heated oven. In the preparation of the cyanuret of sil- 
ver, as of the iodide, it is essential to pour on only so much of the 
fluid in the formation of the precipitate as may be required for the 
complete decomposition of the nitrate of silver. If too much hy- 
drocyanic acid be used, a part of the precipitate will be separated 
in the form of hydrocyanate of silver. If, instead of hydrocyanic 
acid, hydrocyanate of potassa be used, the latter, if added in too 
great proportion, will unite with the cyanuret of silver, and form 
a soluble double salt. 

Cyanuret of silver is of a white colour, devoid of taste, not 
soluble in water, but soluble in ammonia. In the air, the surface 
very soon becomes of a dark violet hue, similar to that of the chlo- 
ride of silver under like circumstances. It is dry, and should be 
kept preserved from light. It experiences no decomposition when 
mixed with neutral vegetable matters. 

From experiments made by Dr. Letheby, 2 he concludes, that it 
is a local irritant, producing great vomiting and a congested state 
of the vessels of the stomach ; — that when it has been dried before 
its introduction into the system, no other ill effects follow : but if 
it be administered in a moist state, it is then capable of being ab- 
sorbed and perhaps decomposed, "for an albuminous solution has 
the property of dissolving the cyanide, and, moreover, the contact 
of it with any of the chlorides of the systemic fluids would pro- 
duce a double decomposition, and the formation of a soluble cya- 
nide, whose effects would be similar to that of cyanide of potas- 
sium." 

The dose capable of killing a dog is five grains: its specific ac- 
tion appeared to Dr. Letheby to be on the brain, producing occa- 
sional convulsions, always coma, paralysis, a peculiar sighing re- 
spiration; a fluttering, irregular, and tumultuous action of the 
heart, and it ultimately kills by a gradual exhaustion of the invo- 
luntary acts, death taking place in from one to three hours after 
its administration. 

1 Pharm. of the United States, p. 77. Philad. 1842. 
3 London Med. Gaz. Jan. 9, Feb. 4 and 17, 1845. 



98 ARGENTI IODIDUM. 

Its use in disease has been referred to under the preparations of 
silver. 



XXII. ARGENTI IODIDUM. 

Synonym es. Argentum Iodatum, Ioduretum Argenti; Iodide or Ioduret 

of Silver. 
French. Ioclure d'Argent. 
German. Iodsilber, Silberiodiir. 

Iodide of silver is obtained by mixing a solution of nitrate of 
silver with one of iodide of potassium. The yellowish flakes, 
produced by the admixture of the two fluids, are then washed se- 
veral times with distilled water, and dried in an oven. In this 
preparation, also, it is important, that only so much of the reagent 
should be added as is necessary for the complete decomposition of 
the salt of silver. A surplus of the iodide of potassium would 
form, with the already precipitated iodide of silver a soluble and 
crystallizable double salt of iodine, whereby the quantity of the 
product, which it might be desirable to obtain, would be dimi- 
nished. 

Iodide of silver is of a very pale yellow colour; but becomes, 
under the action of light and air, of a deeper yellow. It has no 
taste, and is neither soluble in water nor ammonia. The latter 
property serves to distinguish it from the chloride and the cyanu- 
ret of the same metal. Like the chloride, the iodide must be kept 
in a dry dark place. Neutral vegetable substances appear to exert 
no action upon it. Its properties have been enumerated under the 
head of the preparations of stiver. It may be added, however, 
that Dr. Chas. Patterson has been convinced of its decided efficacy 
in hooping-cough. 

It has been already remarked that a combination with iodine 
is said to prevent the discoloration apt to be induced by nitrate of 
silver. 1 The following form for this purpose is given by Dr. Pat- 
terson: — 

Pilulse argcnti iodidi composite. 
Compound pills of iodide of silver. 

R. Argenti iodid. 

Potassae nitrat. aa gr. x. 
Tere simul ut fiat pulvis subtil, dein adde. 

Glycyrrhiz. pulv. gss. 

Sacchar. 9j. 

Mucilag. acaciae q. s. ut riant pil. xl. 

Dose. — One, three times a day. 

1 Patterson, Dublin Medical Press, Aug! 25, 1642, and April 19, 1843. 



ARGENTI OXIDUM. 99 



XXIII. ARGENTI OXIDUM. 

Synonymies. Argentum Oxydatura, Oxydum Argenti. 

French. Oxide d Argent. 

German. Silberoxyd, Oxydirtes Silber. 

Oxide of silver is obtained by the reaction of potassa on a so- 
lution of nitrate of silver. The alkaline fluid must be added in 
excess, and the oxide, which is the product of the decomposition, 
be washed several times in a considerable quantity of water, and be 
dried by moderate heat, and preserved from the light. 

The following form has been given: 1 — 

R. Argent, nitrat. crystallizat. If j. 
Polassae ^vij. 
Aquas 3xviij. 

Dissolve the nitrate of silver in two or three ounces of the 
water, and the potassa in the remainder : mix the two solutions ; 
stir with a glass rod, and throw the whole upon a filter. Lastly, 
wash the precipitate from adhering alkali, and dry it carefully. 

In the state of hydrate, the oxide is black ; when anhydrous, it 
appears as an olive greenish brown powder : it is tasteless, and 
capable of absorbing carbonic acid from the air. Under the long 
continued influence of light, it is blackened ; and at a heat below 
obscure red, it is reduced to the metallic condition. To be kept 
for a long time in the pure state, it must be protected from the 
light in a w T ell stopped bottle. 

This preparation, which was also recommended by M. Serre, 
has been used by Van Mops in syphilis. 2 

Dr. Lane 3 — under the idea, that nitrate of silver is always de- 
composed in the stomach by chlorohydric acid, w r hence results 
chloride of silver, which enters into the circulation, is conveyed 
to the cutaneous surface, and is converted into an oxide by the 
action of light and by its strong affinity for albumen — has admi- 
nistered the oxide of silver, and w T ith advantage, in diseases of the 
uterine system, in which there is undue secretion and great irri- 
tation. He gave it for two months, at intervals, without the 
slightest tendency to discoloration ; and Dr. Golding Bird has pre- 
scribed it for four months without any bad effects. Dr. Lane 
found it very beneficial in half-grain doses, twice a day, in cardi- 
algia and pyrosis ; gastrodynia ; irritability of the stomach, 
accompanied by gnawing and constant pain, nausea, &c. It seemed, 
likewise, to be beneficial in uterine hemorrhage, both in the im- 
pregnated and unimpregnated state. 

Dr. Lane 4 gives the oxide to subdue undue secretion, whether of 

1 A. Duhamel, Amer. Jour, of Pharmacy, July, 1842, p. 100. 

2 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 440. 

3 London Lancet, July 10, 1841. 

4 Lond. Med. Gaz., April, 1846, p. 640. 



100 ARGENTI OXIDUM. 

a sanguineous or other character. In epistaxis and hcemoptysis, 
especially when they occur in chlorotic females ; and in the pro- 
fuse purulent expectoration and colliquative perspirations 
of phthisis he has found its employment of much advantage. He 
esteems it to be essentially sedative, and employs it both internally 
and externally. In cases of irritable ulcer, its action is highly 
beneficial ; and he thinks it decidedly preferable to the nitrate, 
when the stimulant caustic action of the latter is not required. In 
external forms of ophthalmia, an ointment, of the strength of a 
dram to the ounce, often exerts a rapid influence. In ulceration 
of the cornea, with thickening and congestion of the eyelids, it has 
proved highly beneficial. The ointment of the oxide of silver is 
softened to the consistence of thick cream by the addition of olive 
oil, and is applied to the eye by means of a camel's hair pencil. 
When a patient is taking it for any length of time, he considers it 
well to suspend its administration for a few days every month. 

Sir James Eyre 1 found the oxide uniformly successful in curing 
pyrosis ; but he gave at the same time a cathartic pill of the com- 
pound extract of colocynth and extract of hyoscyamus every night. 
He found similar successful results in hcemat ernes is and hcemopty- 
sis : he does not, however, restrict himself to the oxide, but 
assists it by bleeding, blistering, and other means. Having 
found the remedy much superior to all other agents during an ac- 
tive professional life of upwards of thirty years, Sir James urges a 
trial of it. In the cases detailed by him the dose never exceeded 
three grains a day. Its employment is not advised where febrile 
action exists. 

In addition to its value in gastrodynia, pyrosis, haemoptysis, 
hasmatemesis, and menorrhagia, Sir James says it will be found 
of infinite benefit in restraining hemorrhage from the intestinal 
canal, obstinate chronic diarrhoea, colliquative per spirations, 
and leucorrhoea. 2 

Dr. Thweatt 3 confirms the observations of Dr. Lane and Sir Jas. 
Eyre as to the advantages to be derived from it in menorrhagia. 
He goes, indeed, much farther ; and, whilst he does not pretend to 
claim for it the appellation of a specific, he " is persuaded that, 
cast eris paribus, all that is claimed for mercury in syphilis, or qui- 
nine in intermittent fever, can be claimed for the oxide of silver in 
menorrhagia in its different forms !" He considers it best adapted 
for those forms of menorrhagia which depend on an undue excita- 
tion of the uterine organs, unaccompanied by high inflammatory 
action. 

The ordinary dose of the oxide is half a grain three times a day. 
Dr. Thweatt combines it with a small quantity of opium or mor- 
phia. 

1 Dublin Journal of Med. Sciences, May, 1845. 

2 See, also, Allnatt, Lond. Med. Gazette, May 2, 1845. 

3 Araer. Jour, of the Med. Sciences, July, 1849, p. 69. 



ARGILLA PURA. 101 

Unguentum oxidi argenti. 

Ointment of oxide of silver. 

R. Argent, oxid. gr. xx. 

Adipis 2j j. Misce ut fiat unguentum. 

When the iodide or cyanuret is substituted for the oxide of sil- 
ver, ten or twelve grains of one of these may be added to the 
ounce of lard. Serre. 



XXIV. ARGENTUM DIVI'SUM. 

Synonymes. Metallic Silver, in a state of division. 
German. Zertheiltes Silber. 

Pure oxide of silver is placed in a porcelain crucible, and the 
fire is increased to dull redness. The product is then allowed to 
cool, is rubbed in an agate mortar, and sifted through a close sieve 
or bolting cloth. In this condition, divided silver forms a very fine 
powder, of a dullish white colour: the air has no influence upon 
it, unless when impregnated with sulphureous vapours. 

Besides the use of this preparation in syphilis, already referred 
to, it may be remarked, that the filings of silver, Argentum lima- 
tum, which agree with it in chemical relations, had been adminis- 
tered many years before, in cases of intermittent fever, by Dr. 
Meyer, of Biickeburg. 1 

Notwithstanding the testimony adduced in its favour, it is pro- 
bably wholly inert, or exerts but a mechanical agency. 



XXV. ARGILLA PURA. 

Synonymes. Alumina pura, Oxiduni aluminii, Terra aluminosa pura, 
■ Terra aluminis, Terra bolaris seu argillacea pura seu depurata seu 

hydrata, Pure Argil or Alumina. 
French. Alumine factice. 
German. Reine Thonerde; reine Alaunerde; gereinigte 

Alaunerde oder Thonerde. 

This substance was known in olden times by the names Arme- 
nian Bole, Terra sigillata, &c, in which forms it was always, 
however, mixed with lime and iron. It was highly extolled as an 
absorbent, demulcent, diaphoretic and astringent ; w T as employed in 
hemorrhage, diarrhoea and dysentery, phthisis, poisoned wounds, 
&c, and was also applied externally in cases of erysipelas. It 
had almost fallen into complete oblivion, when its use was resumed 
by some of the German practitioners. With us, it is scarcely ever, 
or never, prescribed. 

1 Riecke, Op. cit, S. 436. 



102 ARGILLA PUR A. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The purest argil is prepared by drying sulphate of alumina and 
ammonia, and exposing it for 20 or 25 minutes to a red heat in a 
crucible : the sulphuric acid and ammonia are driven off, and the 
argil remains behind in the form of a white powder. Formerly, it 
was prepared by dissolving alum in water, and precipitating the 
argil from the solution by means of carbonate of potass a or of soda, 
or by potassa. It is affirmed, however, that generally, more or 
less sulphuric acid remains with the earth, so that it requires to be 
purified by repeated washing, until there is no longer any acid re- 
action. If a still higher degree of purity be needed, the precipi- 
tate is dissolved in muriatic acid, and the argil precipitated by am- 
monia. 

The powder, prepared by these methods, is of a white colour, 
and devoid of smell or taste; but it communicates to the tongue 
a feeling of astringency. When breathed upon, it yields a pecu- 
liar earthy smell. It is insoluble in water, but attracts moisture 
greedily from the air, and forms with it a gelatiniform mass. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Pure argil was highly recommended by Percival in indigestion 
attended with predominance of acidity ; and it was in such cases 
extolled by Ficinus and Seiler. 1 According to the former, it merits 
a preference over all other absorbents, inasmuch as it forms astrin- 
gent salts with acids. He found it especially useful in diarrhoea and 
dysentery, particularly in children. Seiler recommends it in the 
vomiting of infants, which is usually accompanied by acidity, and 
in the diarrhoea of older children. Neumann 2 found it successful 
in checking diarrhoea, which neither starch glyster, nor opium, nor 
any other therapeutical agent ha4 succeeded in diminishing. He 
made a mixture of two drams of argil, and four ounces of a de- 
coction of logwood, and administered it to children by the tea- 
spoonful. Weese 8 also employed it successfully in several cases 
of infantile diarrhoza where there was evidently a predominance 
of acid. One of the latest encomiasts of argilla depurata is Diirr, 
who, for several years, administered it in the diarrhoea and cholera 
of infants, and found it highly efficacious. 

The chemical reasons, urged by Ficinus and others, merit atten- 
tion. The article is worthy of employment in affections of the 
intestinal tube, in which astringents are indicated. The chloro- 
hydric and the acetic or lactic acid are always in the stomach when 
any alimentary or other matter is present there ; these acids can- 
not fail, consequently, to unite with the argil, and the resulting 
compound must possess astringent properties. 

1 Zeitschrift fiir Natur. und Heilkunde der Dresdner Professoren, B. 1, H. 1, S. 82. 

2 Bemerkunsren viber die gebr'auchlichsten Arzneimittel, von Dr. Karl Georg Neu- 
mann, S. 55, Berlin, 1840. ■ Rust's Magazin, B. xii. H. 2, S. 247. 



ARNICA. 



103 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose, in the 21 hours, for a very young child, is from 3ss. 
to 5j.; for older children, from sj. to 3ij. Small doses are of little 
or no avail. The vehicle is commonly an emulsion. 

The following forms are given by Riecke. 1 — 

Mistura argillee. 

Mixture of argil. 
R. Emuls. sem. papav. (ex gss. parat.) giiiss. 
Argillae purse ^ i j . 
Syrup, althsese f §ss. • M. 

Dose. — A teaspoonful to a child two years old affected with 
diarrhcea. 

R. Argill. pur. ^ss. 
Acaoise ^j. 
Sacch. gij. 
Aq. foenicul. f ^iij. M. 

Dose. — The same as the last to a child one year old. 

R. Emuls. oleos. cum vitell. ovor. parat. %]. 
Syrup, alth. f ^j. 
Argil], depurat. gss. 
Aq. cinnam. simpl. f gj. 
Extract, conii gr. ij. M. 

Dose. — The same as the last two to a child three months old, 
affected with cholera infantum. Burr. 



XXVI. AR'NICA. 



Synonymes. Arnica Montana seu Plauensis, Doronicum Germanicum, 
Panacea Lapsorum, Ptarmica Montana, Caltha Alpina, Calendula 
Alpina, Narda Celtica altera, Doronicum plantaginis folio, Leopard's 
Bane. 

French. Arnique, Tabac ou Betoine des Savoyards, Tabac de Montagne, 
Doronic d'AUemagne, Tabac des Vosges. 

German. Wohlverlei, Fallkraut. 

This plant, which belongs, in the sexual system, to Syngenesia 
polygamia superflua, and to the natural order Compositee Synan- 
thereae, is in the secondary list of the Pharmacopoeia of the United 
States, but it is not much used in this country ; nor does there ap- 
pear to be any clear appreciation of the cases for which it is 
adapted. 3 Such, too, appears to be the sentiment of the French 
practitioners. "It may be concluded," say MM. Merat and De 
Lens, 3 " that we have as yet insufficient data to pronounce posi- 
tively on the affections in which arnica can be unequivocally effi- 
cacious ; we must, consequently, always bear in mind its heating 
and active qualities when we prescribe it." 

1 Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 41. Stuttgart, 1837. 

2 Wood, in Dispensatory of the United States, by Wood and Bache, Art. Arnica. 

3 Dictionnaire Universel de Matiere Medicale, &c. i. 423. Paris, 1829. 



104 



ARSENIAS AMMONLE. 



According to Sir George Lefevre, 1 the Germans class arnica 
among sacred remedies ; and its virtues are extolled throughout 
two pages of the Pharmacopoeia Ruthensis. Sir George was much 
disappointed in its effects. It is much more uncertain than strych- 
nia in its operation, and he has known it given in large doses 
without producing any sensible results. 

In Germany, the flowers and root are much employed in para- 
lysis, as an excitant to the nervous system ; and it is chiefly to in- 
troduce the volatile oil — the oleum cethereum forum arnica, 
Germ. Wohlverleiol, Aether isches Wohlverleiblu- 
nenol, — to the attention of the profession, that we refer to the 
arnica at all. This oil is obtained from the flowers, and has been 
much recommended by Schneider in old cases of paralysis, which 
are the result of the apoplectic condition. He himself often ad- 
ministered it with evident success ; the paralytic limbs becoming 
warmer, more active, and more serviceable under its use. He 
recommends it also in indurations, especially of the abdomen. 2 He 
mixes four drops of arnica oil with half an ounce of spiritus cetheris 
sulphurici compositus or spiritus cBtheris nitrici, and of this gives, 
for a dose, from four to twelve drops several times a day. The 
mixture has an agreeable smell and taste. Four drops of the oil 
to four ounces of sugar form a good elceosaccharum. 3 



XXVII. ARSENIAS AMMO'NLE. 

Synonymes. Arnmonium Arsenicum seu Arsenicicura, Arseniate of 
Ammonia. 

French. Arseniate d'Ammoniaque. 

German. Arseniksaures Ammonium, Arseniksaures Am- 
mo n i a k . 

This preparation of arsenic has been highly recommended, since 
the year 1818, by Biett, in several cutaneous diseases, and espe- 
cially in psoriasis inveterata.* 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
It may be prepared by taking arsenic acid one part, dissolving 
it in water, and adding pure ammonia or carbonate of ammonia 
sufficient to saturate the acid ; — or, as follows : — Take of arsenious 
acid, one part ; nitric acid, four parts, muriatic acid, half apart; 
saturate the solution with carbonate of ammonia, and let the ar- 
senical salt crystallize. 

1 An Apology for the Nerves, p. 292. Lond. 1844. 

2 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. Erlangen, 1848. 

3 Riecke, Die neurn Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 337. Stuttgart, 1837. 

4 Cazenave, in Diet, de Medec. 2de edit. iv. 33; and Cazenave and Schedel's Prac- 
tical Synopsis of Cutaneous Diseases, translated by R. E. Griffith. Philad. 1829. 



ARSENIAS AMMONIiE. 105 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

A grain of this salt may be dissolved in an ounce of distilled 
water; and of the solution from twenty to twenty-five drops be 
given daily, gradually increasing the dose until it reaches a dram or 
more in the twenty-four hours. 

There does not seem to be much difference between the effects 
of this preparation and those of other forms of arsenic, that have 
been received into the Pharmacopoeias. Arsenious acid itself, as 
well as arsenite of potassa and arseniate of soda — the offici- 
nal solution of the former well known every where under the name 
of " Fowler 's Solution;" that of the latter known, in continental 
Europe especially, under the name " Jlqua Arsenicalis Pear- 
sonii " or Solution de Pearson — are possessed of precisely the 
same properties as arseniate of ammonia, and, like it, have been 
found equally efficacious in obstinate diseases of the skin. ' Nor is 
the knowledge of the agency of arsenical preparations in cutaneous 
affections new. In India, the efficacy of arsenic in those diseases 
has been long known : and, in Europe, attention was attracted to 
it by Fowler, 1 and Girdlestone, 3 and subsequently by Willan, 3 
Pearson, 4 and others ; but no one administered the arsenical pre- 
parations more extensively in these diseases than Biett and Raver 
of Paris, whose situations afforded them ample opportunities for 
testing the virtues of the different articles of the Materia Medica 
in skin complaints. They succeeded by means of the arsenical 
preparations, and especially of the one now under consideration, in 
removing several inveterate affections of the skin, that had re- 
sisted every other remedy. The author has found equally benefi- 
cial results from this practice in his own experience. All chronic 
cutaneous diseases are dependent upon an alteration in the functions 
of the capillary vessels, or system of nutrition of the part af- 
fected; and there appear to be but two ways in which these can 
be reached, so that a new T action ma^ 7 be impressed upon them ; — 
in the one case, through the medium of the general circulation ; 
and, in the other, through the agency of topical applications, made 
to come in contact with the diseased surface. Arsenic, — like io- 
dine, mercury in small doses, and certain other alteratives, — acts 
in the former way, modifying, after a protracted exhibition, the 
fluid of the circulation, in such manner, that it makes an altered 
impression on the system of nutrition, and breaks in upon the dis- 
eased catenation. In no case, however, have we observed these 
salutary effects, until the use of the arsenical preparation had 
been persevered in for several weeks. These diseases are chronic 

1 Medical Reports. London, 1786. 

2 Essays on the Hepatitis, &c, of India. London, 1787. 

3 Description and Treatment of Cutaneous Diseases. London, 1798, 

4 Observations on the Effects of various articles of the Materia Medica in the Vene- 
real Disease, 2d edit. London. 1807. 



106 ARSENICI IODLDUM. 

in their nature, and they require a chronic medication. Time is, 
indeed, in every case, an element in the cure. 



XXVIII. ARSENICI IO'DIDUM. 

Synonymes. Arsenici Teriodidura, Ioduretum Arsenici, Arsenicum Ioda- 
tum, Hydriodas Arsenici, Iodide, Teriodide, or Hydriodate of Arsenic. 
French. Iodure d'Arsenic. 
German. Iodarsenik, Arsenikiodiir, Iodarsen. 

Of late years, this preparation has been highly extolled by Biett, 
in the same class of affections as the last; — applied externally. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The iodide is prepared, according to Magendie, 1 in two ways : 
1. By heating in a glass alembic a mixture of sixteen parts of ar- 
senious acid and one hundred parts of iodine. The combination 
sublimes in the form of orange-coloured needles. 2. Thirty parts 
of pulverized arsenious acid, and one hundred parts of iodine 
are boiled in one thousand parts of water. As soon as the liquid 
becomes colourless, it is filtered, and the filtered solution is evapo- 
rated to dryness. If it be thought advisable, this can be sublimed. 

A formula, employed by Plisson, is to digest three parts of ar- 
senious acid, in fine powder, with ten parts of iodine, and one 
hundred and nine parts of water, until the odour of iodine is no 
longer manifested. The clear liquid is then decanted, and sub- 
jected to evaporation. At a certain degree of concentration, the 
iodide forms in red crystals: or, the solution may be evaporated to 
dryness, and then sublimed in close vessels without decomposition, 
when it forms beautiful crystalline scales. 

Water, in large quantity, dissolves it wholly ; but if it be di- 
gested with a small quantity, it is decomposed, hydriodic acid 
being formed in solution, and white crystalline scales, composed of 
water, acid, and iodide in variable proportions. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

When iodide of arsenic is injected into the veins, it does not 
exert so strong an action on the heart as might be expected from 
so poisonous a substance. Dr. Blake' twice injected solutions, 
containing each six grains of this substance, into the jugular vein 
of a dog, without producing the slightest appreciable effect on the 
heart. On injecting a solution containing fifteen grains, the ac- 
tion of the heart was immediately arrested. 

Professor A. T. Thomson has employed it in several cases of 

1 Formulaire, edit, cit 

2 A.Duhamcl. American Journal of Pharmacy, October. 1S40, p. 187. 
* Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, April 1839. p. 336. 



ARSENICI IODIDUM. 107 

lepra and impetigo, with very great success. 1 He begins with 
one tenth of a grain doses, three times a day, and increases them 
to sl quarter of a grain. In some cases, he had not been able to 
exceed two-thirds of a grain, as symptoms of poisoning came on, 
and the medicine had to be given in diminished doses. 

Dr. NeliganV experience leads him to place more reliance on 
the iodide, in these and similar chronic cutaneous affections, 
than in any other preparation of arsenic ; but although he found 
it alone capable of curing many cases of psoriasis and lepra, he 
considers that its beneficial action is much augmented by combining 
it with iodide of potassium and iodine. 

It has been given with success in a case of cancerous disease 
of the breast, by Dr. F. C. Crane. 3 The dose was an eighth of 
a grain, which was reduced to one-twelfth, and gradually increased 
to a third of a grain, beyond which it could not be borne. In a 
case of inveterate lepra vulgaris, it was carried to the extent of 
one grain for a dose, with the most decided curative effects. 

Biett has frequently applied an ointment of it in cases of phage- 
denic tuberculous cutaneous diseases. 4 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Mr. Erichsen thinks with Dr. A. T. Thomson, that iodide of ar- 
senic is most advantageously exhibited in combination with the 
extractum conii, which appears to sheathe its irritating qualities, 
and prevents it from exciting too powerfully the mucous membrane 
of the stomach. By the addition of red iodide of mercury, a com- 
pound pill may be formed, which resembles, in its effects, the 
iodide of arsenic and mercury, and has been much, and successfully, 
employed by Dr. A. T. Thomson in the treatment of lupus and 
other diseases of the skin, and which Mr. Erichsen has found of 
particular service in certain syphilitic eruptions, of the squamous 
kind more especially. 5 

Unguentum arsenici iodidi. 

Ointment of iodide of arsenic. 



Arsenic, iodid. gr. iij. 
Adipis §j. M. 



Biett. 



An extemporaneous preparation, which is considered to combine 
the virtues of both arsenic and iodine, is said to have been em- 
ployed successfully in Philadelphia. 6 It is formed as follows : 

i Lancet, Jan. 19, 1839, p. 621. 

2 Dublin Quarterly Journal of Med. Science, Nov. 1849. 

3 Lancet, Aug. 31, 1839. 

4 See, also, Ballard and Garrod, Elements of Mat. Med. &c, p. 337. Lond. 1845. 

5 Lond. Med. Gaz., May 12, 1843. 

6 A. Duhamel, Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Oct. 1849, p. 187. 



108 ARTEMISIA VULGARIS. 

R. Liquor iodin. compos, f ^i. 

potassee arsenit. f §iv. M. 

When mixed together in these proportions, a change is observed 
in the appearance of the mixture, which is instantaneously ren- 
dered almost colourless. The dose is five drops. 



XXIX. ARTEMISIA VULGARIS. 

Stnonyme. Mu^wort. 

French. Armoise Commune. 

German. Beifuss, Gemeiner Beifuss. 

Almost all the species belonging to the genus artemisia are pos- 
sessed of bitter and aromatic properties, and several afford "worm- 
seed." Artemisia vulgaris was employed by many of the older 
physicians, but it had fallen into oblivion, when its use was re- 
vived in Germany, by Burdach, a physician at Triebel, near So- 
race, 1 who recommended it strongly as a preventive of epilepsy. 
Since that time, it has been much prescribed in that country, but 
its employment has not extended much to other countries of Eu- 
rope, or to this side of the Atlantic. The root is the part pre- 
ferred: — formerly the herb and the tops were solely used. The 
root was employed in epilepsy, centuries ago, but it had been neg- 
lected, or was only exhibited as a nostrum, when Burdach en- 
tered upon his investigation, of which the following is a summary. 

The root of the artemisia should be dug up in autumn, after the 
stalk has become dry, or in the spring before the stalk has shot 
up; but perhaps the latter half of November is as good a period 
as any. It must be freed from the adherent earth by shaking. 
Burdach regards washing to be objectionable, as the root may lose 
some portion of its efficacy thereby. The old, ligneous, mouldy 
and damaged parts of each root must be carefully removed, and 
the fresh young side roots (fibrilla,) w T hich are distinguished by 
their smell, clear colour, and greater juiciness, must be spread on 
paper, and dried in the shade, and as soon as they become brittle 
they must be carefully preserved. Besides the fibrillse, the soft, 
sound, and juicy parts of the root, especially the fleshy rind of the 
thicker roots, must be used. 

The period required for drying them varies; in moist weather, 
it. may be two months: but late in the year the desiccation may be 
aided by the gentle warmth of the sun, or of a stove ; the latter 
must never, however, rise higher than from sixty-four to sixty- 
eight degrees of Fahrenheit. If put away too early, the root be- 
comes spoiled ; if too late, it loses many of its volatile parts. 
When powdered, it ought not to be kept too long, as the volatile 
1 HufelanJ's Journal, B. Iviii. St 4 und 5. 



ARTEMISIA VULGARIS. 109 

portions escape, and it soon becomes devoid of smell. Even during 
the process of pulverizing, loss is sustained, and the fresh powder 
has a much feebler odour than the entire root, so that Burdach 
advises, for distant patients, that the root in substance should be 
sent to them, and that they should be recommended to pound it for 
use in a well covered mortar. By pulverizing, the inner, hard, 
woody parts are separated from the smaller roots; they must be 
removed and thrown away, as the powder of the cortical substance 
of the small radicles has alone been found efficacious. The smell 
df the well dried root is very strong, pungent and peculiar, espe- 
cially when we open a vessel in which it has been stored away in 
quantity. The taste is sweetish, sharp and nauseous. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
It has been already remarked, that Burdach 1 recommends ar- 
temisia especially in epilejisy; and he affirms that it requires no 
preparation or special attention. It is most efficacious when given 
about half an hour before the attack, which it usually prevents; 
but if this be impracticable, it may be given as soon as the patient 
comes to. The dose is a heaped up tea-spoonful, (from fifty to 
seventy grains,) which may be administered in warm beer; the pa- 
tient should be put to bed immediately, be covered up warm, and 
allowed warm small beer to drink, so as to occasion diaphoresis — 
care being taken that he does not expose himself to cold. This 
course is to be repeated so long as there are any traces of mischief. 
When the remedy, however, acts favourably, Burdach asserts, 
that frequent repetition is not often necessary. At times it hap- 
pens, that when the dose has been raised to a dram and a half, and 
thrice repeated, no critical sweat follows : Burdach then aids the 
operation by giving the liquor cor nu cervi succinatus, {spirit us 
ammonioe succinattis,) in an infusion of serpentaria, valerian 
root and arnica flowers; but the effect, he says, was always better 
when the diaphoresis was produced by artemisia alone. One im- 
portant advantage in the use of this agent is, that a judgment can 
be speedily formed of its utility: when much may be expected 
from it, a marked improvement usually occurs after the first doses 
In those cases of epilepsy which recur every day, and sometimes 
even from three to fifteen times a day, and especially where the 
paroxysms are so violent and frequent as to leave little interval 
for the patient to be restored to consciousness, the artemisia has 
proved more certain in its operation, either in removing or miti- 
gating the disease. In such cases, two doses were given on the 
first day, and afterwards one tolerably strong dose daily till the 
third day. In those forms of epilepsy whose attacks recurred 
twice daily, morning and evening, the artemisia acted very benefi- 
cially ; the paroxysms soon became somewhat weaker and shorter, 
1 Casper's Wochenschrift, Oct. 22, 1836, S. 675. 



110 ARTEMISIA VULGARIS. 

and were postponed a day or two. In such cases it is advisable to 
continue the remedy for some weeks. Infants at the breast bear 
artemisia especially well. It is equally efficacious in the epileptic 
attacks of young females from twelve to fifteen years of age, and 
prior to the establishment of menstruation. Under its use, the 
catamenia have generally taken place, and the epilepsy has disap- 
peared. On the other hand, it was found to aggravate cases of 
epilepsy occurring as a disease of growth, (Entwickelungs- 
krankheit,) in young persons from seventeen to twenty-two 
years old, and as a consequence of great corporeal development. 
It was equally unfortunate in cases of epilepsia nocturna, where 
the paroxysms came on irregularly at an interval of about five, ten, 
or fifteen days, and generally about midnight; as well as in that 
form in which, — after the patient had suffered for six, seven, or 
eight weeks, under violent symptomatic sweats, — a morbid condi- 
tion ensued from two to three times every twenty-four hours, con- 
sisting of repeated epileptic attacks, with great prostration in the 
intervals. 

These are the main results of the communications of Burdach. 1 
The number of his experiments and observations was considerable, 
and the results appear to have been frequently most happy, espe- 
cially in the case of females, who seem to have exhibited them- 
selves more beneficially impressed by the remedy than males; the 
proportion of cures being as three to two. Tosetti 3 gives the pro- 
portion of cases in women and children to that of men, as eight to 
six. 

In the Berlin Charite, artemisia is said to have been used with 
equal success. The German journals contain numerous cases, on 
the authority of E. Grafe, 3 Wagner, 4 Van Maanen, 5 Wolf, 6 Osann, 
Bonorden, 7 Schluter, Bird, 3 Lowenhard, 9 Geis, 10 and others. 11 
But few physicians, according to Riecke, have been disappoint- 
ed in it, and, where they have, he ascribes the failure to its 
having been given in cases for which it was inappropriate, or to 
the preparation of the artemisia not having been properly attended 
to. 12 

In consequence of a German physician having recommended 
Jirtemisia absinthium to Professor A. T. Thomson, Dr. Elliot- 
son 13 was induced to try it in epilepsy. The patient to whom 
he gave it was a girl, seventeen years of age, who had been af- 

I Riecke, Die neuem Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 49. Stuttgart, 1837. 

3 Diss, inaug.de Radice Artemis, vulg. remed. antiepilept. Berolin, 1827; and Osann 
in Art Artemisia, Encyc. Worterb. iii. 313. Berlin, 1829. 
3 Grafe und Walther's Journal, B. vi. H. 2. 
* Hufeland's Journal, lix. S. (>. 

» Ibid. lxi. 5. 6 Ibid. lxii. 3. Mbid. Ix. 1. 

8 Ibid. lxv. 3. 9 Ibid. lxv. 3. 10 Ibid. Ixv. 3. 

II Riehter's Specielle Therapie, B. x. S. 377. Berlin. 1828. 
» Op. cit. S. 49. ,3 Lancet, July 9, 1836. 



ARTEMISIA VULGARIS. Ill 

fected with epileptic fits for four months — three or four occurring 
daily. A dram of the powder was given three times a day. This 
was on the 30th of March. On the 9th of April, the dose was in- 
creased to two drams, when the fits became less frequent, but not 
less severe. On the 16th, the dose was repeated every four hours. 
She had only one slight fit in the course of twelve days; and, on 
her dismissal, on the 24th of May, had had no fit for twenty-six 
days. Dr. Elliotson was of opinion, that the strong infusion 
. would be less offensive to the patient, and quite as effective as the 
powder. 

Besides epilepsy, artemisia has been used with advantage in 
other diseases, as in St. Vitus's dance? Wutzer employed it 
successfully in the convulsive diseases of childhood, and it was 
recommended by Biermann 3 in eclampsia infantum, occurring 
during the period of dentition, He advised it to be given to chil- 
dren in gradually increasing doses, commencing with half a grain; 
and giving, an hour afterwards, a grain, and, in two hours, two 
grains, which is usually the last dose required. The gradual aug- 
mentation of the dose he considers advisable, " to prevent the 
crisis which the artemisia induces from being too turbulent." ! 
Kolreutter, of Carlsruhe, administered artemisia in different dis- 
eases, with great success. He prefers the extr actum resinosum 
radicis artemisia vulgaris, German, Biefusswurzelextract, 
to the root in substance. This is prepared in the following man- 
ner, A quantity of the dried and powdered root is covered with 
alcohol, and permitted to digest for some time; the filtered liquor 
is then evaporated in an earthenware vessel, until it has attained 
the consistence of an extract. Kolreutter employed this advan- 
tageously in the eclampsia of children, (in certain cases after the 
application of leeches;) in tormina, unaccompanied by inflamma- 
tion ; in the diarrhoea of children and adults, in sporadic cases of 
cholera morbus, and in dysentery, after the bloody evacuations 
had ceased ; in gastric fevers, on their assuming a nervous cha- 
racter; and in dysphagia, cardialgia, chronic vomiting, scirrhus 
of the stomach, chronic cephalalgia and neuralgia of the face; 
in chlorosis, and in obstruction of the catamenia, as well as in 
epilepsy. The dose, in the twenty-four hours, is from 3ss. to 3j.; 
to small children, a few grains. 

Such is the chief testimony adduced in favour of artemisia by 
the German writers mainly. It is to be feared, that the ad- 
vantages to be derived from it in epilepsy have been exaggerated. 
Where there is no organic disease of the encephalon, substances, 
which, like it, are nauseous, bitter and aromatic, may be produc- 
tive of advantage as tonics and revellents. In one case of this 
nature it was employed by the author, but the results were not 

I ' Gittermann, in Hufeland's Journal, lxii. 1. Bonorden, Op. cit. 
2 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 50. 



112 ARTEMISIA VULGARIS. 

striking. When aided by other means and appliances, it appears 
to be powerfully diaphoretic; and, doubtless, therefore, in appro- 
priate cases, especially where there is much nervous impressibility, 
it may be productive of the good effects ascribed to it by Burdach, 
Kolreutter, and others. Yet, as Osann has remarked, 1 it must be 
improper where polysemia, or a tendency to active hyperemia, is 
present. The analysis of Hergt, Hummel, and Janike afforded, 
along with traces of volatile oil, some balsamic resin, both of 
which are excitants to the living economy. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The following forms for its administration have been adopted 
by some of the German authorities: — 

Tinctura arteniisiae. 

Tincture of Mugwort, 
R. Artemis, vulg. rad. concis. §v. « 

Alcohol, dilut. Oij. M. 

Digest for three days; express and filter. Dose, — half a drachm 
to two drachms, four or five times a day, in epilepsy. 

Rademacher. 2 

Decoetum artemisise. 

Decoction of Mugwort. 
R. Artemis, vulg. rad. concis. ^j, 

Coque cum aquae q. s. per semihoram 
ad. colat. Oj. 

Half a tea-cupful of this may be taken every two hours, in cases 
of epilepsy. Hildenbrand. 

Pulvis arteniisiae. 

Powder of Mugwort. 
R. Artemis, vulg. rad. pulv. 3j. 

Sacch. alb. 9j. M. et fiat pulvis. 

The powder to be administered daily in the evening, in warm 
beer, in cases of epilepsy. Lowenstein. 

Mistura artemisis. 

Mixture of Mugwort. 

R. Ext. artemis. vulg. alcoholic, gr. iv. 
Acaciae 9j. 
Sacch. ^iij. 
Mist, amygd. f ^iij. 

A coffee-spoonful 3 to be given every half hour in eclampsia 
infantum. The dose may be gradually raised to two coffee- 
spoonfuls. Kolreutter. 

1 Art. Artemisia in Encyc. Worterb. iii. 313. Berlin, 1829. 

2 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren A rzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 37. Erlangen, 1848. 

3 About two ordinary tea-spoonfuls. 



ATROPIA. 113 



XXX. ATROP'IA. 

Synonymes. Atrophia, Atropium, Atropinum ; Atropine, 
French. Atropine. 
German. A tropin. 

This is the active principle of Atropa belladonna, and was dis- 
covered many years ago in the leaves by Brandes. To it is pro- 
bably owing the whole of the medicinal efficacy of the plant. In 
1S25, M. Pauquy found it in the root, and affirms, that he de- 
tected it also in the stalks of datura, hyoscyamus, and solanum. 1 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
The most approved processes for extracting this alkaloid, ac- 
cording to Dr. Pereira, 3 are those of Mein, Thomson, and Richter. 
The process of Mein is contained in the Pharm. Central-Blatt, 
fur 1833. The following is given in the United States Dispen- 
satory, 3 from the Journal de Pharmacie, vol. xx., p.- 87. — The 
roots of plants two or three years old are selected; of these, re- 
duced to an extremely fine powder, twenty -four parts are digested 
for twelve days, with 60 parts of alcohol, of 86 or 90 per cent. 
The liquid having been separated by strong evaporation, the resi- 
due is then treated anew with an equal quantity of alcohol; and 
the tinctures, poured together and filtered, are mixed with one 
part of hydrate of lime, and frequently shaken for twenty-four 
hours: the copious precipitate w T hich now forms is separated by 
filtering; and diluted sulphuric acid is added, drop by drop, to 
the filtered liquor till slightly in excess. The sulphate of lime 
having been separated by a new filtration, the alcoholic liquor is 
distilled to one half, then mixed with six or eight parts of pure 
water, and evaporated with a gentle heat till the whole of the 
alcohol is driven off. The residual liquid is filtered, cautiously 
evaporated to one-third, and allowed to cool. A concentrated 
aqueous solution of carbonate of potassa is then gradually added, 
so long as the liquid continues to be rendered turbid, and the 
mixture is afterwards suffered to rest some hours. A yellowish 
resinous substance, which opposes the crystallization of the atropia, 
is thus precipitated. From this the liquid is carefully decanted, 
and a small additional quantity of the solution of the carbonate is 
dropped into it, till it no longer becomes turbid. A gelatinous 
mass now gradually forms, which, at the end of twelve or twenty- 
four hours, is agitated, in order to separate the mother waters, 
then thrown upon a filter, and dried by folds of unsized paper. 
The substance thus obtained, which is atropia in an impure state, 

1 Merat & De Lens, Diet. Universel de Mat. Med. Art. Atropine. Bruxelles, 1S38. 

2 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap., 2d Amer.edit. ii. 312. Philad. 1S40. 

3 Sixth edition, p. 138. Philad. 1845. 



114 ATROPIA. 

is dissolved in five times its weight of alcohol; and the solution, 
having been filtered, is mixed with six or eight times its bulk of 
water. The liquor soon becomes milky, or is rendered so by 
evaporating the excess of alcohol, and, in the course of twelve or 
twenty-four hours, deposits the atropia in the form of light-yellow 
crystals, which are rendered entirely pure and colourless by wash- 
ing with a few drops of water, drying on blotting paper, and 
again treating with alcohol, as before. 

By this process, Mein obtained, from twelve ounces of the root, 
twenty grains of pure alkali — according to the authors of the Dis- 
pensatory, — not quite twelve grains, according to Dr. Pereira. 

Atropia crystallizes in transparent silky prisms, is devoid of 
odour, and is soluble in alcohol and ether; very slightly so in 
water. It dissolves in acids, with which it unites to form salts. 
At a temperature of 212° it is volatilized. 

As atropia is an expensive article, and therefore very liable to 
adulteration, Mr. Donovan, 1 to insure its purity, advises that a 
dram of commercial atropia be dissolved in an ounce of alcohol. 
If there be a residuum, it must be separated; and six ounces of 
distilled water be added, shaking the mixture. No change ap- 
pears at first; but, after twelve or eighteen hours, the atropia 
crystallizes in beautiful stellated groups, which adhere to the 
sides of the vessel. These, after pouring off the liquor, must be 
collected on bibulous paper, and dried. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Atropia is a most virulent poison. When given to dogs and 
cats, it causes vomiting, dilatation of the pupil, stupor and death. 
A tenth of a grain produced, on man, manifestly poisonous phe- 
nomena. When Brandes applied a "minimum" quantity of the 
sulphate to the tongue, headache, with alternate chills and flush- 
ing, trembling, oppression of breathing, and weakness and small- 
ness of the pulse supervened. 3 An imponderable quantity, applied 
to the eye, occasions dilatation of the pupil. Reisinger 3 used it 
for this purpose, dissolving a grain in two scruples of water; and 
it has been proposed by Mr. W. W. Cooper, 4 surgeon to the 
North London Ophthalmic Institution, and by M. Bouchardat, 5 
as a substitute for belladonna for dilating the pupil in cases of 
cataract, &c. Mr. Cooper affirms that he has used it, with the 
greatest satisfaction, in a considerable number of cases, — the pro- 
portions being two grains of atropia dissolved in a dram of alcohol 
and seven drams of distilled water. A colourless solution is the 
result, which — Mr. Cooper affirms — is equally efficacious in its 

1 Ranking's Half- Yearly Abstract, July to December. 1848, Amer. edit., p. 215. 
a Oesterlen, Hnndbuch der Heilmitellcbre. S. 784. Tubingen. 1845. 

3 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 41. Erlangen, 1848. 

4 London Lancet, June 8, 1844. 

* Annuaire de Tberapeutique, &c, pour 1847, p. 19. Paris. 1847. 



ATROPIA. 115 

action as, and much more elegant than, the ordinary preparations 
of belladonna, — a full drop placed in the eye producing speedy 
and complete dilatation of the pupil in the generality of cases, 
although, in some instances, a stronger solution may be required. 
He has never seen ill effects from its use, although he has tried it 
in the proportion of four grains to the ounce; but, he thinks, two 
grains will be found to answer every purpose. He directs a drop 
to be used night and morning, where he is desirous of keeping up 
the dilatation of the pupil. An objection, which does not seem to 
be a very forcible one, has been made to this preparation, — that 
it involves the necessity for the addition of alcohol. Mr. J. Lloyd 
Bullock 1 proposes, therefore, to substitute the salts of atropia, 
which are neutral and soluble in distilled water. Dr. Jacob 2 con- 
siders it more effective and convenient than any extract or tincture 
of belladonna. 

In experiments made with it by Messrs. Bouchardat and Stuart 
Cooper, 3 they found it, in the dose of a centigramme — gr. .1543, 
produce on man all the severe symptoms of the active solanaceaB — 
as delirium, coldness of the surface, syncope, depravation of sight, 
and aphonia ; yet they consider it, owing to the facility of adminis- 
tering it and of regulating the dose, to be a most valuable agent in 
every case in which belladonna and other solanacese are beneficial. 

Its dose is about one-twelfth of a grain; or it may be employed 
endermically. 

Tinctura atropise. 
Tincture of atropia. 
(Gouttes ou Teinture 6? Atropine.) 
R. Atropise gr. xv. (1 gramme.) 

Alcohol. 85 per cent. £x. (40 grammes.) M. 

Dose — one to five drops. 

Unguentum atropine. 

Ointment of atropia. 
(Pommade d' Atropine.) 
R. Atropise gr. iv. (25 centigr.) 

Adipis gj. and 9j. (5 grammes.) M. 

The size of a pin's head to be introduced, night and morning, 
between the eyelids, in cases of adhesion of the iris to the lens. 

Bouchardat.* 

An ointment, composed of five grains of atropia to three drams 
of lard, has been much used in neuralgia. 5 

Atropia is so lethiferous, that it is not much employed internally. 

1 Lond. Lancet, June 15, 1844, p. 393. 

3 Dublin Medical Press, cited in Med. Examiner, October, 1848, p. 652. 

3 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1848, p. 10 ; and Ibid, pour 1849, p.7. 

4 See, also, Cunier, in Bouchardat, Annuaire pour 1848, p. 10, Paris, 1848. 

5 Brookes, Lancet, Jan. 30, 1847. 



116 AURI pr^cparata. 



XXXI. AURI PRiEPARATA. 

Synonymes. Preparations of Gold. 

French. Les Preparations d'Or, Les Composes auriferes. 

German. Goldpraparate. 

The administration of gold in medicine is not modern. In the 
times of alchemy, it was frequently used in nervous diseases, con- 
vulsions, hypochondriasis, mental affections, profuse salivation, 
Sac. Paracelsus, Horst, and Poterius recommended it, united with 
corrosive sublimate, in syphilis. Its violent effects, however, 
brought it into discredit, and during the decadency of alchemy it 
fell into entire disuse. 1 It is probable, too, that many prepa- 
rations were brought forward as containing gold, which had none 
of it, and this may partly account for the discredit into which it 
lapsed. 2 M. J. A. Chrestien 3 was the first who — in more modern 
periods, (about the year 1810,) — recalled the attention of practi- 
tioners to the preparations of gold, and after him many physicians 
employed them, so that the published results of their observations 
have furnished us with a considerable amount of evidence in rela- 
tion to their therapeutical properties, and they have, in conse- 
quence, been received into many of the modern pharmacopoeias. 4 

As the different preparations agree in their effects on the econo- 
my, it may be well to make a few observations which apply to all. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH- 

Orfila made many experiments to discover the action of the 
preparations of gold on animals. Three dogs, into whose jugular 
veins he injected a small quantity of the chloride dissolved in 
water, died speedily — death being preceded by difficulty and 
rattling in breathing, cough, symptoms of suffocation and slight 
vomiting; these results supervening immediately after the injec- 
tion had entered the blood-vessels. On dissection, the lungs were 
found livid, engorged with blood, and without any crepitating 
noise when cut into; wrinkled, discoloured, and scarcely lighter 
than water; the heart was of a violet colour ; the left auricle and 
ventricle full of black blood, and the right cavities empty and 
contracted. The effect of the salt supervened with such rapidity 
that the blood of the crural artery — which was opened a few 
minutes after death — was of a brownish red, almost black, colour. 

1 Richter's Specielle Therapie, x. 504, Berlin, 1828; and Nachet, Art. Or, in Diet, 
des Sciences Medicales, torn, xxxvii. 

2 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 53. Stuttgart, 1837. 

3 Recherches et Observations sur les effets des preparations d'Or du Dr. Chrestien, &c. 
Paris, 1821. 

4 See Art. Gold, in Encycl. Wdrterb der Medicinisch. Wissenschaft, B. xv. S. 77, 
Berlin, 1837. 



AURI PR^PARATA. 117 

In two dogs, to which he gave the chloride, a torpid condition 
was induced, which terminated fatally in a couple of days. The 
mucous membrane of the stomach was found inflamed and ulcerated. 

The effects on man of agents so potent, in appropriate doses, 
have been investigated by many observers. Experiments on 
animals had already exhibited the powerful influence which they 
are capable of exerting on the organs and functions of organic 
life. One of the most striking effects is said to be, an in- 
crease of the various secretions; commonly, the urinary secre- 
tion is largely augmented, as well as the transpiration, and the 
intestinal and salivary secretions. Not unfrequently, under the 
continued administration of the gold, actual salivation ensues, 
which differs, however, from that induced by mercury. It is 
always slow in appearing, and is by no means so exhausting; 
nor do troublesome ulcers occur ; and the saliva is thinner, and not so 
tenacious. Like mercury, the preparations of gold occasion ex- 
citement in the organism, which often ends in a true febrile 
condition. After they have been taken for some time in moderate 
doses, there is generally a feeling of increased warmth in the 
stomach, and an augmentation of the appetite. The pulse is ren- 
dered fuller and more active, and the animal heat and vital activity 
are augmented, so that in such as are predisposed to the affection, 
hemorrhage is apt to take place. The catamenia recur sooner 
than usual under their influence, and the quantity lost may be 
greater. 1 Sooner or later, a regular attack of fever not unfre- 
quently supervenes, — as indicated by shivering, and pains in the 
limbs, back, and stomach, — which may continue for a few hours, 
but sometimes lasts for days, and at length ends by sweating, depo- 
sitions in the urine, and occasionally by salivation. 

In very large doses, certain of the preparations of gold are cor- 
rosive poisons. The symptoms, caused by their use, when they 
act as such, are — oppression in the region of the stomach ; nausea, 
vomiting, pains in the abdomen and diaphragm, a metallic taste in 
the mouth, augmented secretion of saliva, without the teeth or 
gums being affected, pulse excited, and breathing oppressed. 3 As 
a general rule, they are not esteemed proper for impressible indi- 
viduals ; on the other hand, in persons of torpid constitutions, they 
would appear to have exerted an excitant influence even on the 
generative system. Certain persons, according to Chreslien and 
Niel, are not susceptible of this action; and, again, there are some, 
according to Cullerier, junr., who cannot tolerate them in any 
form. 

When too large a dose has been given, the remedy should be 
entirely discontinued for some time, or the dose be diminished ; and 
the effects will soon disappear. One of the greatest recommen- 

1 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 55. 2 Grotzner, in Rust's Magazin. xxi. 3. 



118 AURI PR^PARATA. 

dations of gold over mercury, in the eyes of many, is that it does 
not act so destructively on the organism, and never induces such a 
cachectic condition as the latter occasionally does. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

The diseases, in which the preparations of gold have been ad- 
ministered, in modern times, are chiefly the following. 

Syphilis. — They have been occasionally used in primary sores, 
but have been mainly employed in secondary syphilis, espe- 
cially in old cases, where a doubt often exists, whether more of 
mercurial cachexia or syphilis be present. They are given, also, 
where there is a scrofulous complication, and where it is desirable 
to exhibit some other remedy than mercury; and lastly, their use 
is indicated where mercury has failed to remove syphilis. 3 
Many practitioners doubt whether the preparations of gold should 
be esteemed much inferior to those of mercury. Numerous expe- 
riments instituted, amongst others, by Chrestien, 3 Cullerier, junr., 4 
S. L. Mitchill, 5 Niel, Biett, Lallemand, Wendy and Legrand, 8 
have shown, that their employment has been most advantageous 
in the different forms of syphilis, and that they have rarely disap- 
pointed expectation. Alibert found them especially useful in sy- 
philitic eruptions. It must be borne in mind, however, that when 
they are given in syphilis, their operation is slow, and that, in the 
first instance, the symptoms may appear aggravated: they are not, 
therefore, adapted for cases in which it is important to act speed- 
ily, so as to arrest the disease at once, and prevent its farther de- 
velopment. 

Gonorrhoea. — In protracted cases of gonorrhoea, several phy- 
sicians 9 have extolled the preparations of gold; others, as Wendt 
and Ritter, have advised them for the sequelae of gonorrhoea 
( Trippernachkrankeiten:) it is not probable, however, 
that they could be of much use in gonorrheal affections, which, as 
is well known, are curable without any mercurial preparations. 

Scrofula. — The efficacy of the preparations of gold in scrofula 
was deposed to by Chrestien, Eberle, Niel, Legrand, 10 Herrmann, 
and Kopp. 11 According to observation, it would appear that they 
effect improvement in the mildest cases, and are beneficial where 
there is much torpor, but that they ought to be avoided in irritable 
subjects. In scrofulous ophthalmia, and in scrofulous porrigo, 
they would seem to have been most efficacious. 

The preparations of gold have been employed by M. Baude- 

I Riecke, Op. cit. S. 56. 2 Eberle, Treatise on the Mat. Medica, '2d edit. i. 247. 

3 Op. Citat. p. 6 ; see, also, Lettre a M. Magendie sur les preparations d'Or, &c. 
Paris, 1828. * Diet, des Sciences Medicales, Art. Or., torn, xxxvii. 

5 Dyckman's Dispensatory, p^20l, and Eberle, Op. cit. 
s Journal Universel des Sciences Medicales, t. xxvii. 

7 Rust's Magazin, Bd. xvi. St. I. 

8 Gazette Medicale de Paris, Oct. 30, 1837. 9 Grotzner, Op. cit. 
10 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, No. xv. 15 Aout, 1837. 

II Denkwurdio-k. in der arztl. Praxis, iii. 351. 



AURI PRJEPARATA. 119 

locque, at the Hopital des Enfans Malades, and by M. Velpeau 
at La Charite.' At the former institution, they were given in 
enormous doses. M. Baudelocque gave the chloride and the stan- 
nate in doses of from ten to twelve grains, without producing any 
effect on the disease, and without any apparent injury to the con- 
stitution of the children subjected to the experiment. The oxide 
prepared by potassa was carried as high as tw T enty grains during 
the day. At La Charite, Velpeau gave fifteen, eighteen, and 
twenty grains of the chloride and oxide during the day, — and 
higher doses w T ere not tried, solely on account of the expense of 
the medicine. These results differ greatly from those of Orfila 
and Devergie, the former of whom affirms, that the chloride is 
more active than the corrosive chloride of mercury ; and the latter 
states, that in the dose of one-tenth to one-twentieth of a grain, 
it produces more or less inflammation of the lining membrane of 
the stomach and intestines. 

Scirrhus and cancer. — The utility of the preparations of gold 
appears to have been most decided in scirrhous induration of the 
tongue, according to the observation of Wendt, Helm, and others; 
in such case, they are rubbed on the tongue; this, indeed, is the 
most common form of administration. H. Hoffmann relates a case 
of scirrhus of the pylorus, in which the chloride was entirely 
successful ; and frictions with the chloride, or the oxide on the 
labia pudendi have been recommended by Hufeland, Herrmann, 
Meissner, Grotzner, Gozzi, 2 and others, in cases of scirrhus and 
cancer of the uterus. In the same affections, Krimer has advised 
them to be applied to the os uteri. Scirrhosities, it is affirmed, 
have been dispersed through their agency ; and even in open cancer 
marked improvement has been perceptible. 

In tumours of the bones, and in like affections, the prepara- 
tions of gold have been employed successfully by some practitioners, 
and especially when the cases originated in syphilis. 

Several forms of lepra have been treated with them by Alibert, 
and A. T. Chrestien, and with the best effects. 

In amenorrhea^ Carron du Villards employed the cyanuret 
successfully, beginning before the expected menstrual period. 

Lastly. — Wendt, Delafield, and Grotzner have administered 
them with benefit as diuretics in dropsy. With others, however, 
they have failed. According to Riecke, 3 the results of experience 
would seem to show, that they are especially adapted for dropsy 
dependent upon organic disease of some viscus. 

None of the preparations of gold are much employed at the pre- 
sent day. Their expense is, indeed, a weighty objection, unless 
there were striking advantages in adopting them in special cases 
of disease in preference to other articles of the Materia Medica. 

1 L'Experience, No. lxxxvii ; and Lancet, March 23, 1839, p. 31. 

2 Sopra l'uso di alcuni remedii aurifici nelle malattie veneree. Bologn. 1 81 7; and Omo- 
dei, Annal. Univers. di Medicin., vol. v. 3 Op. cit. S. 58. 



120 AURI CHLORIDUM. 



XXXII. AURI CHLORIDUM. 

Synony.mes. Aurum Chloratum seu Mnriaticum seu Oxydulatum Mu- 
riaticum, Chloretum seu Murias Auri, Aurum Salitum, Chloruretum 
Auri. Auri Terchloridum, Muriateof Gold, Chloride of Gold. Terchloride 
of Gold. 

French. Chloride d'Or, Muriate d'Or. 

German. Salzsaures Gold, Chlorgold, Goldchlorid, Salz- 
saures Goldoxydul, Hydrochlorsau res Go ldoxyd , Gold- 
k r y s t a 1 1 e . 

This preparation is received into several of the European Phar- 
macopoeias, and is usually formed by digesting one part of gold 
leaf in three parts of nitro-muriatic acid, in a sand bath, 
and evaporating gently to dryness. Magendie, 1 however, recom- 
mends the following method, which has been adopted in the French 
" Codex." Take one part of fine leaf gold, divide it into small 
portions, and put it into a vial of w T hite glass; pour upon it three 
parts of nitro-muriatic acid — formed of one part of nitric acid, 
and two parts of muriatic acid — and heat the whole in a small 
sand bath, so arranged, that in case the retort breaks, the fluid may 
be recovered without loss. The solution of the gold will soon 
take place. The fluid must be then evaporated until the smell of 
chlorine is perceptible. This point can be readily determined, as 
after the decomposition of the nitro-muriatic acid there is a period 
during which the nitrous acid is alone given off. The disengage- 
ment of chlorine indicates the commencement of the decomposition 
of the chloride formed. The vessel must now be removed from 
the fire and suffered to cool. The chloride appears immediately 
as a crystalline mass, in the form of a multitude of beautiful yellow 
needles. In this condition, chloride of gold is as pure as it need 
be: it contains no excess of muriatic acid, and is not deliquescent. 
It can be preserved in the same vessel in which it has been pre- 
pared — by merely stopping it with paper — without any danger of 
undergoing decomposition. 

Chloride of gold, prepared according to Magendie's formula, is 
very acid, but this property is not owing to its containing any free 
acid. The taste is also styptic and disagreeable. It only attracts 
moisture from the air when it contains an excess- of muriatic acid, 
as is the case in Wendt's preparation. It is readily soluble in wa- 
ter, with which it forms a solution of a beautiful yellow colour. 
Many animal and vegetable substances, — and especially the epi- 
dermis — are coloured by it of a purple violet when it is placed in 
contact with them. Exposed to a moderate heat, it passes to the 
state of protochloride. When heated to a greater degree in close 
vessels, chlorine is disengaged and metallic gold left behind. 

1 Formulaire. 



AURI CHLORIDUM. 121 

The chloride is one of the most active of the preparations of 
gold. It belongs to the class of corrosive poisons, 1 and greatly 
resembles the corrosive chloride of mercury in its operation on the 
economy. It must consequently be administered with caution: — 
even a tenth of a grain has been known to induce unpleasant irri- 
tation of the stomach. 2 It has been given both internally and ex- 
ternally in syphilis, dropsy? and glandular affections. 

M. Chavannes, a pupil of M. Petrequin, 4 of Lyons, has published 
an account of the great success of the latter in the treatment of the 
ulcerated form of lupus, lupus exedens, by means of this agent, 
which he has found of great utility in other forms of cutaneous 
disease, when they assume an ulcerated form, as carcinoma of 
the face, eczema, tuberculous syphilide, &c. It is made of one 
part of pure laminated gold, three parts of chlorohydric acid, 
and one part of nitric acid. It produces a temporary, sharp pain, 
and coagulation of the albuminous matters on the surface of the 
ulcer, which changes its colour successively from an orange yellow 
to a purple, violet, and black; a crust forms, and, under it, healing 
takes place without a cicatrix, unless the parts have been deeply 
destroyed. 

In the form of ointment, it is said to relieve the pain of rheu- 
matic gout, often in a truly w T onderful manner. The purple 
stains caused by it are speedily removed by washing the part with 
a little wine — a fact that was discovered by accident. 3 

The dose is from one-sixteenth to one-twelfth of a grain, once 
or twice a day, gradually but slowly increased. In the like quan- 
tity it has been rubbed upon the tongue and gums. Externally, 
it has been applied in the form of ointment or watery solution — 
the latter more particularly in ophthalmia, especially of the scro- 
fulous kind, in which Jahn found it very efficacious; and in chronic 
granular eyelids, Dr. W. Clay Wallace 6 found a solution of six 
or eight grains of it in an ounce of water, vastly superior to the 
nitrate of silver.' In recent cases, however, it was inferior. 

The following are some of the forms in which it has been pre- 
scribed : — 

Boli auri chloridi. 

Boluses of chloride of gold. 

{Boli antisyphilitici) Pharmacopeia Batava.) 

Antisyphilitic Boluses. 

R. Auri chlorid.gr. ss. ad gr. ij. 

Extract, aconit. gr. vj.ad gr. xij. Fiant boli sex. 

Two of these to be taken for a dose, and repeated three times a 
day. 

1 (Mia, Toxicolog. i. 593. 2 Magendie, Formulaire. 

3 Wendt, in Rust's Magazin, B. xxv. 

* Revue Medicale, iii. 45— 70, pour 1848; cited in Brit, and For. Medico-Chirurg. 
Rev. April, 1849, p. 539. 

5 Wilczecoski, in Medicin. Zeitung, cited in Lond. Med. Gaz., Mar. 7, 1845. 

6 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Nov. 3, 1847. 



122 AURI ET SODII CHLORIDUM. 

Pilul SB auri chloridi. 

Pills of chloride of gold. 
(PilulcE chlorureti auri, Ph. Amstelodamensis nova.) 

R. Auri chlorid. gr. x. 
Glycyrrhiz. pulv. giij. 
Syrup, q. s. ut riant pilulaecl. 

Dose. — One daily, gradually augmenting the quantity. 

R. Auri chlorid. gr. i. 

Lycopod. pulv. gr. xv. M. fiat pulv. in part. xvi. dividend. 

One of the powders to be rubbed upon the tongue and gums 
daily. Chrestien. 

Gradually, the same quantity of the chloride may be divided 
into twelve, and afterwards into ten parts, and be used in tbe same 
way. 

Unguentum auri chloridi. 
Ointment of chloride of gold. 

R. Auri chlorid. gr. iv. 
Misce intime cum 

Uiig. rosee %\, 

Wendt. 
Collyrium auri chloridi. 
Collyrium of chloride of gold. 
R. Auri chlorid. gr. ij. 
Solve in 

Aquae destill. f ^vj. 
F. collyrium, 

To be applied by means of linen compresses, or dropped into 
the eye, Jahn 4' Fischer. 



XXXIII. AURI ET SO'DII CHLORIDUM. 

Synonvmes. Aurum Muriaticum [Pharmac. Borussic.) seu Aurum Muri- 
aticum Natronatum seu Chloratum Natronatum, seu Sesquichloratum 
Natronatum, Sodii Auro-Terchloridum, Perchloruretum Auri et Sodii, 
Chloretum Auri cum Chloreto Natrii, Murias Aurico-natricum, Chloru- 
retum Auri et Sodii, Chloride of Gold and Sodium, Hydrochlorate or 
Muriate of Gold and Sodium, Auro-terchloride of Sodium. 

French. Chlorure d ? or et de Sodium, Hydrochlorate ou Muriate d'Or et 
de Soude. 

German. Salzsaures Goldnatrium, Chlorgoldn at ionium, 
Goldnatriumchlorid, Natriumgoldchlorid, Sodahaltiges 
SalzsauresGold, Salzsaures Goldoxy natrium, Chlor gold- 
natrium, Figuier's Goldsalz. 

This preparation is in the Pharmacopoeias of Prussia, Ferrara, 
Sweden, &c. M. Figuier directs it to be made in the following 
manner. 1 Dissolve four parts of gold in nitro-mxiriatic acid, 

1 Annates de Chimie, Fevrier, 1 82*2, and Riecke, Die Neuern Arznrimittel, S. 63, 
Stuttgart, 1837. 



AURI ET SODII CHLORIDUM. 123 

and evaporate the solution to dryness; add thirty-two parts of 
water, and one part of chloride of sodium, and evaporate to one 
half. On cooling, crystals will form, which consist of 69.3 parts 
of chloride of gold ; 14.1 parts of chloride of sodium, and 16.6 of 
water. In the French " Codex" it is directed to be made by dis- 
solving 85 parts by weight of chloride of gold, and 16 parts of 
chloride of sodium, in a small quantity of distilled water. The 
solution is evaporated by a gentle heat until a pellicle forms, and 
is then put aside to crystallize. 

The formula of the Prussian Pharmacopoeia is as follows : 

R. Auri partes vj. 
Solve in 

Acidi muriatici q. s. 
Acidi nitrici quantum ad auri solutionem requiritur, guttatimaddendo. 
Tunc admisce. 

Natri muriatici sice. part. x. 
Et post solutionem leni igne evaporando in pulverem flavum redige. 1 

This preparation has a beautiful yellow colour, and appears un- 
der the form of four-sided prisms. It attracts moisture from the 
air, but to a less degree than the chloride of gold with excess of 
sulphuric acid. 

The Aurum Muriaticum Natronatum of the Germans is 
milder than the preceding preparations, and is more frequently ad- 
ministered, especially in Germany, than any preparation of gold. 
It is used both internally and externally. The close is about the 
same as that of the last preparation, but it may be carried higher. 

Kopp 3 affirms, that he has frequently employed it w 7 ith advan- 
tage, in small doses, in scrofulous tumefaction of the upper lip. 
He prescribed daily, and once or tw T ice a day, from one twenty- 
fourth to one-thirteenth of a grain of it, reduced to powder, w T ith 
two grains of sugar, and rubbed by means of the finger on the 
inner side of the affected lip. In cases of scrofulous, thick, sen- 
sible, and slightly , inflamed nose, in the adult, Riecke 3 recom- 
mends the ointment, described below, to be applied to the nasal fossa?; 
and three times a day a powder composed of from one-sixteenth 
to one-twelfth of a grain of the salt of gold to two grains of sugar 
of milk, to be rubbed on the gums with the moistened finger. The 
salts of gold, according to Riecke, appear to have a specific ac- 
tion on the orgaps in the mouth, gums and nose ! ! 

Pul vis et sodii chloridi. 
Powder of chloride of gold and sodium. 
R. Auri et sodii chlorid. part. iij. 

Irid. florent. in puJv. subtil, part. ix. 

1 Take of gold six parts: 
Dissolve a sufficient quantity of 
Muriatic acid, adding as much nitric acid as is required to dissolve the gold. Then 
mix ten parts of the dry chloride of sodium ; and after evaporating the solution over a 
slow fire reduce it to a yellow powder. 
a Op. cit. B. hi. S. 351. 3 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 44*2, 



124 AURI ET SODII CHLORIDUM. 

Three grains of this represent three-quarters of a grain of the 
salt of gold. These three grains are divided into thirty frictions 
for the weakest doses, and into three for the strongest. Starch 
ma}' be. substituted for powdered orris root. Legrand. 

Liquor auri et sodii chloridi. 
Solution of chloride of gold and sodium. 
R. Auri et sodii chlorid. gr. ij. 
Aquae destillat. f gj. M. 

Ten drops to be given every two or three hours, in cases of 
dropsy. Grotzner. 

Pilulee auri et sodii chloridi. 

Pills of chloride of gold and sodium. 

R. Auri et sodii chlorid. in aquas destillat. q. s. solut. gr. iv. 
Extract, aconiti ^ss. 

dulcara. gj. 

Althseae pulv. q. s. ut fiant pilulse lxxx. 

Three pills to be taken three times a day. Grotzner. 

R. Amyli. solan, tuberos. gr. iv. 
Acacia? gj. 
In mort. vitr. exacte mistisadde terendo 

Aur. et sod. chlorid. — in gj. aq. destillat. solut. — gr. x. 
Fiant pilulae cxx. 

Each of these contains about one-twelfth of a grain. 

A. T. Chrestien. 

Pastilli auri et sodii chloridi. 

Lozenges of chloride of gold and sodium. 
R. Auri et sodii chlorid. gr. v. 
Sacchar. pulv. §]. 
Misce exacte in mortar, vitreo et adde. 

Mucilag. acacias q. s. ut fiant pastilli Ix. 

Each of these will contain about one-twelfth of a grain of the 
salt. A. T. Chrestien. 

Unguentum auri et sodii chloridi. 

Ointment of chloride of gold and sodium. 
R. Aur. et sod. chlorid. gr. iij. — -iv. 
Adipis 3ss. 
Misce exacte. Fiat unguentum. 

Used in friction. Grotzner. 

R. Aur. et sod. chlorid. gr. iiss. 
Adipis giss. M. 

The size of a bean to be placed in the nasal fossae in scrofulous 
cases? along with the iatraleiptic use of the powder before de- 
scribed. Riecke. 

1 Sec p. 123. 



AURI CYANURETUM. 125 



XXXIV. AURI CYANURETUM. 

Synonymes. Auri Cyanidum seu Tercyanidum, Aurum Cyanicum seu 
Cyanogenatum seu Cyanatum seu Hydrocyanicum, Cyanuretum auri- 
cum seu Auri, Cyanuret, Cyanide or Tercyanide of gold. 

French. Cyanure d*Or. 

German. Blausaures Goldoxyd, Bl austoffgold, Cyangold, 
Goldcyanid. 

The mode of preparing this combination, recommended by M. 
O. Figuier, 1 of Montpellier, is as follows. He decomposes chlo- 
ride of gold by cyanuret of potassium, but states, that many pre- 
cautions are necessary to procure it in a pure state. The chloride 
must be as neutral as possible, which can only be effected by re- 
crystallizing the salt several times. The cyanuret must not be al- 
kaline, or contain any formiate or carbonate of potassa, and it is 
to be added to the solution of the chloride of gold very cautiously 
as long as there is any precipitate, taking care that there is not 
the slightest excess of the cyanuret, as this would cause a solution 
of part of the product, and the formation of soluble double cyanu- 
rets. The cyanuret, thus made, is to be w T ell washed with pure 
water, and dried in a dark place. 

The process in the French " Codex" consists essentially in add- 
ing very carefully a solution of pure cyanuret of potassium to a 
solution of chloride of gold, until a precipitate — which is cyanuret 
of gold — ceases to be formed. The chloride of gold, prior to so- 
lution, should be deprived of all excess of acid by heating it in a 
salt water bath. It is a yellow powder, which is insoluble in 
water. 2 

In some experiments, Magendie 3 found, that cyanuret of gold 
is one of the substances that promote the coagulation of the blood. 
Where, consequently, it is desirable to impress a modification on 
that fluid in chronic cutaneous, and other affections, its adminis- 
tration might perhaps be found useful. M. Pourche, 4 who has 
used it successfully in syphilis and scrofula, recommends its ad- 
ministration — in the form of frictions on the tongue — mixed with 
powdered orris root, well washed in alcohol, and dried. 

Pulvis auri cyanureti. 

Powder of cyanuret of gold. 
R. Auri cyanur. gr. j. 

Irid. florent. pulv. gr. iij. M. 

Chrestien. 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, xx. S. 99, and Araer. Journ. of Pharm. vi. 82. Philad. 
1833—4. See, for another mode of preparing it, Deferre, in Bulletin Ge'ne'ral de 
Therapeutique, Fevrier, 183S. 

3 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. &c, 2d edit. i. 686. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. 
edit, by Carson, Philad. 1846. 

3 Lecons sur le Sang, &c, and Translation, in Lancet, January 20, 1839, p. G36. 

* Journal de Pharmacie, xx. 599 and 649. 

9 



126 AURI IODIDUM. 

In pills he prescribes it as follows : — 

Pilulas auri cyanureti. 

Pills of cyanuret of gold. 
R. Auri cyanur. gr. j. 
Ext. mezereon. gr. iij. 
AHhaese pulv. q. s. ut fiat massa. 

Each pill to weigh five grains. 

To children, the dose at first should never exceed one-fifteenth 
of a grain. 

Mistura sen Liquor sen Solutio auri cyanureti. 

Mixture or solution of cyanuret of gold. 
B. Auri cyanur. gr. iij. 

Aquae alcoholisat. f ^viij. M. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful twice a day, gradually increasing the 
dose. Chrestien. 



XXXV. AURI IOD1DUM. 

Stnontmes. Auri Ioduretum, Aurum Iodatum, Iodide or Ioduret of Gold. 

French. Proto-iodure d'Or. 

German. Iodgold ; Goldiodiir, Goldiodid. 

According to the French Codex, this is made by adding a solu- 
tion of pure iodide of potassium to a solution of chloride of gold, 
collecting the iodide of gold, which falls down, on a filter, and 
washing it with alcohol to remove the excess of iodine, which pre- 
cipitates with it. M. Meillet 1 recommends the following process 
in preference. To a solution of gold as neutral as possible is add- 
ed by degrees neutral hydriodate of ammonia so long as a preci- 
pitate falls. The^ solution must not be too far diluted. A small 
quantity of alcohol must now be added, not more than about one- 
third of the whole volume of the liquid. After some hours' rest, 
this is decanted, when a precipitate of a blackish colour is obtained, 
composed of iodine and iodide of gold. It is then washed by de- 
cantation with a little alcohol; when an almost white and half 
crystalline iodide of gold is obtained. This is dried in the open 
air on plates, and is kept free from light in stopper bottles. In 
this process, the gold is completely precipitated, which never 
occurs when the iodide of potassium is employed ; and the iodide 
has an invariable composition. 2 

This has been used in the same cases as the other preparations 
of gold, in the dose of one-fifteenth to one-tenth of a grain. 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, Nov. 1841, p. 66f>. 

2 For another process for forming the iodide of gold, see M. J. Fordos, Journal de 
Pharmacie, Nov. 1841, p. 653. 



AURI OXIDUM. 127 



XXXVI. AURI NITROMU'RIAS. 

Sfnonymes. Aurum Nitrico-Muriaticum, Nitromuriate of Gold. 

French. Nitromuriate d'Or. 

German. Salpetersalzsaures Gold^. 

Nitromuriate of gold has been recommended, of late years, by 
Recamier, whose attention was directed to it by accident. A 
worker in gold had a cancerous tumour on the back, which, as it 
incommoded him, he touched frequently with the hand; this oc- 
curred whilst he was dissolving gold in aqua regia ; after this the 
tumour soon presented another appearance, and went away in a 
short time. Recamier thought it probable that the workman had 
received some of the solution upon his fingers, which had thus been 
applied to the tumour. Under such impressions, he employed it 
in the case of a female, who was affected with an extensive cancer ; 
the disorganized parts resumed their natural texture, and completely 
healed, although the cancerous dyscrasy ultimately proved fatal. 
In the case of a female, wiih fungus of the neck of the uterus, a 
complete cure was effected by it; and in cancer of the uterus he 
found it advantageous. 

Recamier prepares it by dissolving six grains of pure chloride of 
gold in an ounce of nitromuriatic acid : and he applies it like other 
corrosive agents, taking care to confine it to the parts to be acted 
upon. When the object is to cauterize, it must be applied to the 
affected parts, until a whitish scab or crust is formed, which falls 
off in three or four days ; after which the application may be re- 
peated as often as may be necessary. The pain caused by the ope- 
ration is generally insignificant, and in cases where it is violent it 
can be allayed by pledgets dipped in laudanum. 



XXXVII. AURI OX'IDUM. 

Synonymes. Ann Teroxidum seu Peroxidum, Aurum Oxydatura, Oxide 

of Gold, Peroxide of Gold, Auric Acid. 
French. Oxide d'Or. 
German. Goldoxyd, Oxydirtes Gold, Goldsaure. 

Oxide of gold, prepared by calcination, is the crocus solis of the 
Wirtemberg Pharmacopoeia. The oxide is received also into the 
Pharmacopoeias of Ferrara and Hanover. 

Magendie 1 recommends the following as one of the modes of 
preparation. Take any quantity of chloride of gold, put it into 
a flask of white glass and pour upon it six or seven times its weight 

1 Formulaire, &c. 



128 AURI 0XIDUM. 

of boiling water, to dissolve the chloride ; then add crystallized 
baryta gradually, until the liquid is no longer acid, as shown by a 
strip of litmus paper. The liquid is then boiled, permitted to cool, 
and filtered. The precipitate is washed several times with warm 
water: the water of the various washings is brought together and 
evaporated nearly to dryness; the saline mass, when cool, is then 
dissolved in water, and in this way more and more oxide of gold 
is obtained, which may be added to the other. The oxide is now 
washed with boiling water, until the water no longer affords a 
precipitate on the addition of nitrate of silver. It is then washed 
once or twice with water acidulated with nitric acid, to remove 
the small quantity of carbonate of baryta formed during the ope- 
ration, and which may remain mixed with the oxide. These wash- 
ings are repeated with cold water, until the instillation of sulphuric 
acid occasions no longer any white precipitate, which indicates 
that it is free from baryta. The oxide is then dried at a heat of 
from 167° to 190° of Fahrenheit, after which it is kept in a cool 
and dark place in a well-stopped bottle. 

The process recommended by M. Cottereau is the following : 
An excess of magnesia must be boiled with a dilute solution of 
chloride of gold, till the solution loses its colour; the whole is 
then to be filtered, and the precipitate well washed; the result, 
which is aurate of magnesia, is to be treated with an excess of 
dilute nitric acid, which removes all the magnesia, and leaves 
the oxide in a pure state. This is to be again well washed, and 
dried between sheets of bibulous paper, but without compression 
or exposure to light or heat. 1 

In the French " Codex " it is directed to be prepared by boiling 
four parts of calcined magnesia with one part of terchloride of 
gold and forty parts of water. It is then washed, first with water, 
to remove the chloride of magnesium, and afterwards with dilute 
nit>ic acid, to dissolve the excess of magnesia. 3 

In the condition of hydrate, the oxide of gold is of a yellow 
colour; when dried, of a blackish-violet. It is never entirely 
soluble in chlorohydric acid, always leaving behind a small por- 
tion which is reduced to the metallic state during desiccation. 
Neither sulphuric nor nitric acid has any action upon it. 

Oxide of gold has been administered by many physicians, and 
especially by Westring, Niel, Chrestien, 3 and Legrand, 4 in the 
same diseases as the other preparations. 

1 Amer. Journ. of Pharm. 2d series, ii. 110. Philad. 1837. 

a Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica, 2d edit. i. C85. Lond. 1842 ; or 2d Amer. 
edit, by Carson, Philad. 1646. 3 Op. citat 

4 Op. cit., and De l'Or, de son Emploi dans Ie traitement de la Syphilis, &c. Paris, 1828. 



AURUM METALLICUM. 129 



XXXVIII. AURUM METALLICUM. 

Synonymes. Metallic Gold. 
French. Or Metallique. 
German. Me t alii sches Gold. 

Metallic gold is either administered in the form of aurum 
limatum, " gold filings," — formed by filing the finest gold with a 
fine-toothed file — or in that of pulvis auri, aurum divisum seu 
pulveratum, (French, Or divise — Germ. Goldpulver, Fein 
zertheiltes oder praparirtes Gold,) which is obtained 
by amalgamating gold with quicksilver, and driving off the quick- 
silver by heat. 1 According to TrommsdorfF, a very fine gold 
powder may likewise be obtained by precipitating the gold from a 
dilute solution of the metal in nitro-muriatic acid by means of 
green sulphate of iron. The precipitate, thus formed, when 
washed and dried, is of a brownish colour, but when polished, 
exhibits the most beautiful golden splendour. 2 

It may also be prepared by rubbing leaf gold with sulphate of 
potassa, sifting and washing with boiling water to remove the 
sulphate. 3 

MM. Chrestien and Niel have exhibited metallic gold largely, 
and, they affirm, successfully; but, according to Wendt, it has no 
action on the economy. It is not easy, indeed, to conceive, that 
a substance so difficult of oxidation can have much, if any, effect. 
The former gentlemen and Gozzi regard it as the mildest of the 
preparations of gold, but equally efficacious with the others, al- 
though more tardy in producing its effects. 

It has been administered in the dose of from a quarter of a 
grain to a grain, three or four times a day, in the form of powder 
or pill, — the dose being gradually increased ; and has been rubbed 
daily upon the tongue, in the quantity of from one to three grains 
mixed with starch powder, or powder of lycopodium. Where 
the condition of the tongue and of the interior of the mouth does 
not admit of this, Niel advises that a blister should be applied on 
the side of the neck, and that the denuded surface should be 
dressed with a mixture of a grain of gold amalgamated with mer- 
cury, and half a dram of lard ; gradually augmenting the quantity 
of gold to two grains. In syphilitic ulcers and excoriations, 
metallic gold is applied externally, amalgamated with the proper 
quantity of mercury, and united with unsalted butter, lard, or 
cerate, in the proportion of twelve grains to one ounce. In 
syphilitic excrescences, frictions with gold powder mixed with 
saliva are said to have been serviceable. 

1 Jourdan, Pharmacopee Universelle, ii. 215. Paris, 1828. 

2 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimit. S. 58. Stuttgart, 1837. 

3 Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 2d edit. i. 682, Lond. 1842; 
or 2d Amer. edit, by Carson, Philad. 1846. 



130 BALLOT A LANATA. 

The following formulae are given by Riecke i 1 

Pulvis Auri Compositus. 

Compound Gold powder. 
R. Auri divis. gr. vj. 
Amyli gr. lxvj. 
M. f. pulv. in part. xij. aequales divid. 

A powder to be given four times a day. 

R. Auri divis. 

Lycopod. aa gr. ij. 
M. f. pulvis. 

A powder to be rubbed once a day upon the tongue. 

Syrupus Auri. 

Syrup of Gold. 
R. Auri divis. 3j. 

Syrup, acacias, ^j. M. 

Employed to pencil ulcers of the pharynx, and as a dressing to 
chancres. Hopital de Montpellier. 

Pomatum Auri. 
Ointment of Gold. 
R. Auri divis. gj. . 
Adipis 5SS. M. 

To be rubbed on buboes, and applied to blisters. Legrand. 



XXXIX. BALLOTA LANATA. 

Synonymes. Leonurus Lanatus. 

French. Ballote Cotonneuse. 

German. Wolliger Wolfstrapp, WoHige Ballota. 

This plant belongs to the Natural Family, Labiatae ; Sexual 
System, Didynamia Gymnospermia. It grows exclusively and 
commonly in Siberia, in dry mountainous regions. In its native 
country it has been long administered as a powerful diuretic, 
especially in dropsy. Both Gmelin and Pallas refer to it in this 
relation in their travels in Siberia. Of late years, its use has ex- 
tended elsewhere; and it is now frequently employed in Russia, 
Germany and Italy. It is said to be often adulterated with 
leonurus cardiaca, ballota nigra, and marrubium ; a and it is im- 
portant that the genuine Siberian plant should be used, as the 
observations of Brera have shown the cultivated plant to be 
powerless. For medicinal purposes, the whole plant has been 
employed, with the exception of the root. It contains, according 
to Orcesi, tannic acid, a bitter, resinoid, aromatic matter — picro- 

' Die neuern Arzneimit. S. 59, Stuttgart, 1837. 

2 Schmidts Jahrbuch der in-und auslandisch. gesammt. Medicin. B.'iv. S. 275. 



BALLOTA LANATA. 131 

ballotin — a green, waxy substance, chloride of sodium, nitrate of 
potassa, and salts of iron and lime. 1 

The diseases in which ballota lanata has been administered 
abroad — for it has not been employed in this country — are the 
following : 2 

Dropsy. — Rehmann prescribed it several times with decided 
advantage; and, w T here organic disease prevented the cure, the 
urinary secretion was always largely augmented by it. The 
chemical condition of the urine was likewise strikingly changed 
during its use : at first, it was whitish, afterwards darker, and, 
ultimately, almost black, or of a deep brown, like the darkest beer. 
At times, when the accumulation of fluid was pretty well removed, 
a pain would occur in the hypochondres, which indicated that its 
use should be laid aside. Schilling, in Werchny-Udinsk, asserts, 
that he cured several cases of dropsy by it. Rupprecht and Muhr- 
beck administered it with the best effects, and Brera 3 found it 
extremely serviceable in hydropic conditions, especially where 
they had been preceded by, or were complicated with, rheumatic 
or gouty affections. Luzzato prescribed it with equal success; 
and Heyfelder, who gave it according to the prescription of the 
Russian physicians, observed the urine to be of a blackish-yellow 
hue at the commencement, and, afterwards, of a very dark colour. 
He found, however, that, to keep up the diuresis, it was requisite 
to combine it with other diuretics, or to change it for other agents. 

Rheumatism and Gout. — In these diseases, ballota is adminis- 
tered in Siberia. Brera, as well as his compatriots, Ghidella, Fon- 
tebuoni, Santini and Luzzato, have tested its efficacy by repeated 
trials. The pains generally soon disappeared under its use, and a 
cure took place, without relapse. 

Adiposis. — In a case of this kind, it was exhibited in St. Peters- 
burg, by Dr. Weisse. The fatness was inordinate, and the remedy 
acted most favourably. It did not, however, occasion diuresis, but 
under its use a hemorrhoidal flux returned, which had previously 
been arrested. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Decoction is the best form for administering the plant; from 
Jss. to ^j. to §viij. of water ; — this portion to be divided into 
two halves, and to be taken in the course of the day. Rehmann 
boils §iss. to ^ij. of the coarsely powdered plant in Oij. of water, 
down to half; to which he adds, according to circumstances, some 
diffusible excitant, or a few drops of laudanum. Of this mixture, 
he directs a cupful to be taken morning and evening, gradually 
increasing the dose. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1850, p. 78. 

3 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 68. 3 Antologia Medica, No. 2, Febbrajo, 1835. 



132 EARII I0D1DUM. 



XL. BA'RII IO'DIDUM. 

Stnontmes. Barium Iodatum, Barytium Iodatum, Ioduretum Barytii, 

Iodide of Barium. 
German . Iodbaryum, Baryumiodur. 
In solution, Barytas Hydriodas, Hydras Barii Iodati. Baryta Hydriodioa ; 

Hydriodate of Baryta. 
German. Iodwasserstoffsaure Schwererde; Hydriod- 

saurer Baryt. 

This preparation has been introduced of ]ate years. 
METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Iodide of barium is obtained by boiling baryta earth in a solu- 
tion of iodide of iron in water, (made by taking one part of pure 
iron filings, and four parts of iodine, pouring upon them from six 
to eight parts of water, agitating frequently, and applying warmth 
gently, until the fluid appears clear and almost colourless,) or, 
what is cheaper, by boiling a solution of iodide of iron with car- 
bonate of baryta, which must be added in small portions as long 
as there is any effervescence. 

The fluid obtained by either process, after filtering, must be 
clear and neutral, and yield no bluish or blue precipitate with the 
ferrocyanuret of potassium: if it yields a precipitate, the decom- 
position of the salt of iron is incomplete. Should the solution, 
formed in the first manner, have an alkaline reaction, the excess 
of baryta must be removed by exposing the mixture to the air, 
whereby it becomes converted into a carbonate, and falls to the 
bottom. The solution is then evaporated until a pellicle forms* 
the heat being gentle; the crystals are placed quickly between 
printing paper, and kept in a well-stopped glass vessel. They 
form white radiated plates, which easily deliquesce in the air, and 
on that account cannot be prescribed in the form of powder, but 
may be dissolved in some aromatic water. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Jahn instituted several experiments with iodide of barium, on 
plants, animals and man, in a state of health and disease. In con- 
siderable doses, it acts as a poison on the organism, and as one of 
the acrid class. Administered in very small doses, and with great 
circumspection, he found it to be serviceable in scrofulous and 
similar morbid conditions, and as an alterative in morbid growths, 
hypertrophy, chronic inflammation, &c, in which conditions 
it proved equally useful with chloride of barium, mercury or 
iodine. 1 Jahn's observations, it appears, did not lead him to speak 
positively regarding its advantages or defects; and he adds the 
caution — " Caute, per Deos, incede, latet ignis sub cinere doloso." 

1 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 71. 



BEBEERIA. 133 

Jahn's observations were published in 1830, and, according to 
Riecke, he has been since silent on the subject. Rothamel ad- 
ministered the iodide in a desperate case of scrofula, occurring in 
a patient twenty-one years of age, with great success. He began 
with one-eighth of a grain three times a day, and increased the 
dose gradually during a protracted administration of the article, 
until three grains were taken four times daily. 

Biett has administered it frequently in cases of scrofulous 
swellings, and at times externally, according to the following 
form: — 

Unguentnm barii iodidi. 
Ointment of iodide of barium. 
R. Barii iodid. gr. iv. 

Adipis §j. M. ut fiat unguentum. 



XLI. BEBEERIA. 

Synonymes. Bebeerina; Bebeerinum ; Bebeerine; Bebeerin. 
French. Bebeerine. 
German. Bebeerin. 

A tree known in Demarara by the Indian name Bebeeru, and 
by the Dutch name Sipeeri, had been observed by M. Rodie, a 
surgeon in the British navy, to possess a bitter-tasted bark, which, 
on examination, was found by him to contain a vegetable alkali, to 
which he gave the name Bebeerine. From this alkali he prepared 
a sulphate, which he exhibited with success as an antiperiodic. 
Dr. Maclagan having received some of the bark, and likewise some 
of the fruit of the plant, subjected them to chemical examination. 
The bark occurs in large, flat pieces, from one to two feet long, 
and varying in breadth from one to six inches. It is about four 
lines thick, of a cinnamon-brown colour, without aroma, pungency, 
or acrimony, but of a strong, persistent, bitter taste, with consi- 
derable astringency. The fruit is a nut, with two plano-convex 
cotyledons, of the size and figure of a walnut. The plant is un- 
known. It was supposed, by Mr. Lindley and Sir William Hooker, 
to whom the fruit was sent, to be lauraceous ; but Dr. Maclagan 
could not discover any genus or tribe of lauraceae to which it could 
be referred. Dr. Ranking refers it to Nectandra Rodiei.i The 
timber of the tree is well known by the name of greenheart. It 
is much employed by ship-builders. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
Dr. Maclagan treated the bark with water acidulated with 
sulphuric acid; precipitated the alkaloids by ammonia; dried the 
precipitate over a water-bath, and purified them by redissolving, 

1 Half-yearly Abstract of the Med. Sciences, i. 221 . Amer. edit. iNew York, 1845. 



134 BEBEERIA. 

by means of sulphuric acid ; treating with animal charcoal, and 
reprecipitating by ammonia. In this way the alkaline matter is ob- 
tained in the form of a hydrate, nearly quite white. If this be 
dissolved in alcohol, it forms a clear orange solution, which, on eva- 
poration, leaves a shining, totally uncrystalline matter, a good deal 
resembling in appearance a transparent resin. This, however, is 
not a homogeneous product, for in some parts it seems pale yellow, 
in others, orange brown, and if agitated with anhydrous ether is 
separated into two portions, one soluble, the other insoluble in that 
fluid. Both of these are distinct vegetable alkalies. To the former 
Dr. Maclagan applied M. Rodie's name — Bebeerine ; the other he 
called Sipeerine, from the Dutch name of the tree. 

As obtained by evaporating its solution in ether or alcohol, be- 
beeria is in thin layers, in the form of a transparent, yellow, shining 
film ; but when in mass, or powder, it is opaque. The alcoholic 
solution has a strong alkaline reaction on litmus paper. Its taste 
is strongly and permanently bitter, with a slight resinous flavour, 
and it evolves feebly a corresponding odour when united with sul- 
phuric acid. Bebeeria is soluble in five times its weight of abso- 
lute alcohol, and dissolves with great facility in alcohol — pure and 
diluted. Ether takes up a thirteenth of its weight. It is very 
sparingly soluble in water, requiring 1766 parts of hot, and 6650 
of cold water for its solution. It forms, with the sulphuric, mu- 
riatic and acetic acids, yellow, shining, uncrystallizable salts, all of 
which are very soluble in water, and intensely and durably bitter, 
with a slight degree of astringency on the tongue. Sipeerine is 
that portion of the alkaline precipitate which is insoluble in ether. 
It is of a dark brown, shining appearance, and forms neutral com- 
pounds with acids, some of which are crystallizable. Dr. Macla- 
gan had not, however, obtained it in quantities sufficient to enable 
him to examine its properties minutely. 1 

Sulphate of bebeerine, according to Messrs. Ballard and Gar- 
rod, 2 is an article of commerce, usually found in brown, crystalline 
scales, soluble in water, sparingly so in alcohol, and possessing an 
intensely bitter taste. The solutions of the salt are neutral, and 
ammonia precipitates the alkaloid. Dr. Maclagan was led to in- 
stitute experiments, with a view of ascertaining how far, in point 
of cheapness, the salts of the alkalies of bebeeria might be substi- 
tuted for quinia ; and he found that, by a modification of the ordi- 
nary processes for sulphate of quinia, he could prepare a sulphate 
of bebeeria, which could be sold at a price below the average of 
sulphate of quinia, during late years. The process for obtaining 
it for medicinal use in Edinburgh is essentially the same as that 
of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for sulphate of quinia. The 

'Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, toI. xv., pr, 3, or London and 
Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical Sciences, July, lb'43, p. 653. 
2 Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, p. 41 1. Lond. 1845. 



BEBEERIA. 135 

bark is first freed from tannin and colouring matter, by boiling it 
with carbonate of soda: it is then exhausted by boiling in water 
acidulated with sulphuric acid, and the alkaline matter is thrown 
down from the concentrated acid liquor by means of carbonate of 
soda. The impure bases, thus separated, are washed, dissolved, 
and neutralized with weak sulphuric acid, and the solution is 
treated with animal charcoal, concentrated, filtered again, and 
finally evaporated in thin layers in flat vessels. 1 

Owing to the great improvement in the manufacture of the arti- 
cle for medical use, it is said to be sold at less than half the price 
of the sulphate of quinia. 3 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Dr. Maclagan sent some of the sulphate to Demarara, where it 
was tried with marked success in the treatment of intermit tents. 
It appears, indeed, to possess all the antiperiodic properties of the 
sulphate of quinia, and has, accordingly, been found of great ser- 
vice in intermittent and remittent fevers, neuralgia. &c. 
Many such cases are related by Dr. Maclagan as occurring in his 
own practice, 3 as well as in that of Dr. Watt, of Georgetown, 
Demarara; of Dr. J. Anderson and Mr. D. Falconer, and of Pro- 
fessor Simpson, of Edinburgh. The last gentleman made trial of 
it in periodic neuralgia, occurring during utero-gestation, and 
w T ith beneficial results. 4 Dr. Gairdner, of Edinburgh, has also 
given the particulars of a case of intermittent headach occurring 
in a young, and recently married lady, who, there was some rea- 
son to suspect, was pregnant, which was cured by the sulphate of 
bebeeria. In strumous ophthalmia, it has been recommended, 
by Dr. Llewellyn Williams, 5 as a substitute for sulphate of quinia, 
not only on account of the moderate price of the drug as compared 
with the sulphate, but also, because, according to the testimony of 
Dr. Maclagan and others, it is better adapted to some constitutions 
and affections than it; not being so liable to excite the circulation, 
or affect the nervous system. He gave it in the dose of two 
grains night and morning. 

According to Dr. Christison, it is in general use in Edinburgh 
and other places in Great Britain, and it is said not to produce the 
unpleasant phenomena that occasionally follow the use of the sul- 
phate of quinia. 

Dr. Maclagan states, that a secret preparation, sold under the 
name of " Warburg's Fever Drops," appeared, from chemical 
examination, to be a tincture of bebeeria, — probably of the seeds of 
bebeeru ; but this is not the conclusion to which a commmission of 

1 Christison's Dispensatory, Amer. edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 969. Edinb. 1848. 

2 Edinburgh Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1845. 

8 Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal, Aug. 1843, p. 685. 

4 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1845. 

1 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Oct. 18, 1848. 



i 



136 BERBER1NA. 

pharmaciens arrived, from a recent examination of it. According 
to them, its chief constituents are, — sulphate of quinia, aloes, saf- 
fron, camphor, zedoary and angelica. 1 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Sulphate of bebeeria may be given in the same manner as sul- 
phate of quinia. The dose as a tonic is from one to three grains; 
as an antiperiodic, from five grains to a scruple. 



XLII. BERBERI'NA. 

Synonymes. Berberinum, Berberine, Berberin, 

French. Berberine. 

German. Berberin, Berberisgelb, Sauerdornbitter. 

The inner bark of Berberis vulgaris is of a yellow colour, and 
a bitterish, somewhat astringent taste. It is cathartic, and was 
formerly used in jaundice; originally, perhaps, in consequence of 
the " signature" of the yellow colour. 2 In more modern times, 
it has been again recommended in the same disease on the faith of 
experiments. 3 

The bitter principle of the root was discovered a few years ago 
by Buchner and Herberger, and its properties have been investi- 
gated by Brandes. 4 Buchner first recommended, at a meeting of 
the German Association of Naturalists and Physicians, in the year 
1834, that it should be received into the Materia Medica; but 
hitherto few experiments have been made with it. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
An alcoholic extract of the root of berberis vulgaris is pre- 
pared, to which ivater is added. This throws down a pulveru- 
lent brown substance; the fluid is poured ofT; and the substance 
dried; it is then treated with alcohol, which takes up the berbe- 
rin, leaving a small portion undissolved. By evaporating the al- 
cohol, the berberin remains. 5 

• Thus prepared, berberin resembles an extract: it is of a brown- 
ish-yellow colour, translucent, and smells like the root; its taste 
is a pure bitter, and it becomes soft in the air. Buchner 6 suc- 
ceeded in obtaining the bitter principle pure, and in a crystalline 
form. Its reaction is neither alkaline nor acid ; it is soluble in al- 
cohol and water, but not so readily in the latter as in the former. 
When crystallized, it requires 600 parts of water for its solution ; 
whilst in alcohol, at a medium temperature, it is soluble in 100 

1 Fuchs, cited in Canstatt und Eisenmann's Jahresbericht, u. s. w. im Jahre, 1849, 
Bd. V. S. 136. 

2 Ray, Historia Plant, ii. 605. 3 Lond. Med. Repos., new series, i. 38. 
4 Archiv. der Apothekervereins. ii 29. 5 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 442. 

6 Journal de Pharmacie, xxi. 309, and Philadelphia Journal of Pharmacy, vii. 328. 
Philadelphia, 1835, 



BIGNONIA CATALPA. 137 

parts. It approximates the alkaloids in its nature, as with certain 
acids it forms crystallizable compounds. It is not soluble in ether. 
The brownish-yellow solution formed by it is turned of a reddish- 
brown by alkalies, like the infusion of rhubarb, and acids restore 
the colour. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

According to Buchner, no injurious consequences are to be ap- 
prehended from the administration of berberin as a therapeutical 
agent. Of this he had an opportunity of satisfying himself both 
on his own person and on others. When labouring under indi- 
gestion, he took it with the best effects; not only was the dys- 
pepsia removed, but also a yellow hue of the skin which had pre- 
viously existed. He recommends it, therefore, as an excellent 
stomachic, especially when there is disturbance of the functions 
of the liver. In doses of two, five or ten grains, it only aids the 
appetite; but in larger doses — fifteen to twenty grains — it acts 
upon the bowels without inducing tormina, and therefore not as a 
drastic. 

Within the last few years, Koch has published some observa- 
tions on the use of berberin. He treated several cases with it as 
prepared by Buchner himself, when he found all his results con- 
firmed, and that it merited a high rank amongst bitter agents. 
He gives two cases of marked disturbance of the digestive func- 
tion, in which berberin afforded essential service; and recommends 
it highly in convalescence from typhus, cholera, &C 1 



XLIII. BIGNONIA. CATAL'PA. 

Synonymes. Catalpa, Catalpa Cordifolia seu Arborescens seu Arborea, Ca- 

talpa or Catawba Tree. 
French. Catalpa. 
German. Katalpa, B ignon i e nbaum. 

Bignonia Catalpa belongs to the Natural Family, Bignonia- 
cese; Sexual System, Didynamia Angiospermia. It is a tree 
well known in this country, but is not applied to any medicinal 
use. According to Kampfer and Thunberg, the Japanese physi- 
cians consider the pods (siliqaoe) to be a powerful remedy in dif- 
ferent asthmatic affections. This gave occasion to several Nea- 
politan physicians — and especially Professor Antonucci — to insti- 
tute experiments in reference to its virtues, and their report was 
decidedly favourable. Brera also extols it in asthma. As to 
the precise mode in which it acts, w 7 e have no exact information. 
Dierbach and Richter 2 place it amongst the Acria ; whilst, accord- 
ing to the analysis of Grosso, 3 it seems more likely that its active 
principle is of a fatty nature, resembling the butter of the cacao. 

1 Bouchardat, x^nnuaire de Therapeutique. pour 1850, p. 181.' 

2 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 72. 3 Gazette Medicale da Paris, 1834, p. 8. 



138 BOLETUS LARICIS. 

It is probable, that it possesses no other virtues than those of a 
simple demulcent, and that the properties ascribed to it have been 
mainly, if not wholly, derived from the substances associated with 
it. Brera, for example, administered it with the following addi- 
tions: 1 

R. Catalp. siliquar. ^ss. 

Aquae q. s. ad. colatur. f ^viij. 



Adde 
Or, 



Adde 



Oxymel. scillae f gss. 

R. Catalp. siliquar. ^ss. 
Senegoe rad. gij. 
Aquae q. s. ad colatur. f ^viij. 



Oxymel. scillae f %]. 
To be taken by little and little. Brera. 



XLIV. BOLETUS LARICIS. 

Synonymes. Boletus purgans seu albus, Agaricus albus, Fungus Laricis, 

Polyporus officinalis, Fungus of the Larch, White Agaric. 
French. Agaric Wane. 
German. Lerschenschwamm. 

This fungus grows on the stem and larger branches of the larch. 
Formerly, it was administered as a cathartic, but in this respect it 
has become obsolete. Still, it has been retained in many Phar- 
macopoeias; for example, in those of Amsterdam, Bavaria, Bruns- 
wick, Paris, Ferrara, Geneva, Hamburgh, Hanover, Oldenburg, 
Poland, Prussia, Saxony, Sweden, Wirtemburg, and Wurzburg. 
Latterly, it has been administered frequently in the colliquative 
sweats of phthisis. Barbut, of Nismes, made many trials with 
it,- which were favourable; and the experience of Andral was si- 
milar. 3 More recently, however, he has expressed the opinion, 
that no great advantage has been derived from it. 4 By several of 
the German physicians equally advantageous results have been 
obtained — as by Toel and Trautzsch — so that, according to Riecke, 5 
it deserves, perhaps, to be better known and investigated. Kopp 
has added his testimony in its favour. 6 

Formerly, as a cathartic, half a dram to a dram of the powdered 
boletus was given. In profuse diaphoresis it is administered in 
doses of from two to six grains. The dose, repeated for a few 
evenings, according to Barbut, arrests the sweating, which, Riecke 

1 Riccltario Clinico, Pad. 1825. 

2 Burdach. in Journal der Praktisch. Heilluind. von Hufeland, Mars. 1830. 

3 Journal de Pharmacie, vol. xx. 

* Cours de Pathologie Interne, &c., recuelli et redige par A. Latour, p. 157. Edit. 
Bruxelles, 1637. s Op. cit. S. 73. 

8 Denkwiirdigk. in der arztlich. Praxis. Frankf. 1S36, S. 344, cited by Riecke. 



BRAYERA ANTHELMINTICA. 139 

thinks, is effected through its revellent excitation of the abdominal 
nerves; for which reasons he suggests, that the propriety of the 
union of opiates with it, to prevent its purgative effect, may be 
questionable. Kopp gives it in the dose of three grains, morning, 
noon, and night ; and Pisson 1 in from four to six, eight, and ten 
grains. If it acts upon the bowels, which is rarely the case, the 
dose must be diminished, or a small quantity of opium or laudanum 
be added. 

Pilulse boleti laricis cum opio. 

Pills of 10 kite agaric and opium. 
R. Bolet. laricis gr. xv. 

Extract, opii gr. iiss. M. et 
divide in pil. vj.| 

One or two at bed-time in the colliquative sweats of phthisis. 

Bayer. 2 



XLV. BRAYERA ANTHELMINTICA. 

Synonymes. Hagenia Abyssinica, Banksia Abyssinica ; Kosso ? Kousso, 
Cousso, Cusso ? Habbi. 

This plant is a native of Abyssinia, and belongs to Nat. Ord. 
Rosacese Sanguisorbese (Decandolle,) Sex. Syst. Icosandria 
Digynia. It was first taken from Abyssinia to Europe by Dr. 
Brayer, from whom it received its name. The flowers are the 
parts used in medicine, and yield, on examination, an extractive 
matter, containing tannic acid, which is most readily taken up by 
hot water; and, consequently, the decoction is the best form of 
preparation. 

In Abyssinia, the flowers of brayera are said to have been em- 
ployed with great success in tapeworm. It would seem, that the 
taenia solium especially is endemic in many parts of that country, 
— so much so, indeed, that few of the natives are exempt from it. 
They are in the habit of taking the anthelmintic every two months, 
children commencing at the age of five or six years, and continuing 
it through life. Being a drastic cathartic, it cannot be thus taken 
indiscriminately with impunity, and prolapsus ani is often induced 
by it. The dose varies from six to eight drams, and is taken in 
cold water, early in the morning. It usually acts on the bowels 
in about a couple of hours, the worm — or a part of it, being gene- 
rally expelled in the third or fourth evacuation. 3 

In Europe, no experiments had been made with them until Dr. 
Plieninger, having become acquainted with a missionary from 

1 Annates de Therap. Oct. 1847. 

" Bouchardat, Anrmaire de Therapeutique, p. 8, Paris, 1842. 

3 Transactions of the Med. and Physical Society of Bombay, cited in Dublin Journ. 
of Med. Science, March, 1845; and in Ranking's Half-Yearly Abstract, Amer. edit, 
Part I., p. 88. New York, 1 845. 



140 BRAYERA ANTHELMINTICA. 

Abyssinia, and heard his description of their wonderful effects, ob- 
tained some of them from him, 1 which he submitted to Dr. Kurr, 
who detected, on examination, the constituents above mentioned. 
With the rest of the flowers, Dr. PJieninger made trial in two 
cases. He took a handful of the blossoms, about gj. or §iss. and 
boiled them in ^xvi. of water down to one half, adding to the 
strained liquor as much honey as counteracted, in some measure, 
the objectionable taste. This decoction was taken by a delicate 
woman, about thirty years of age, who had previously used the 
extracturn filicis maris in pilular form, according to Peschier's 
plan, without success. In the course of the day, she passed 
numerous fragments of taenia, mixed with mucous discharges, with- 
out experiencing any striking inconvenience from the remedy. 
From this time, she remained free from the parasite. 

A robust man, thirty-eight years of age, who had taken large 
quantities of tartrate of antimony and potassa, in consequence of 
violent inflammation of the lungs, — whilst he lay sick of this dis- 
ease, discharged a great many portions of taenia, without having 
previously experienced any inconvenience from the presence of the 
entozoon. In July, 1H34, he took the same decoction. Since 
then, he has had no appearance of taenia in his evacuations. 

Although but few cases had then occurred in which brayera 
had been administered in European practice, Dr. Plieninger con- 
sidered it a valuable addition to the materia medica, inasmuch as 
it can be administered to delicate persons and children, without 
violence being done to the whole organism, as is the case with 
many of the true anthelmintics; but the article had not been im- 
ported in sufficient quantities into Europe to admit of the neces- 
sary trials for fully testing its efficacy. Since then, a quantity of 
the flowers was brought to Europe by M. Rochet d'Hericourt, 
and trials were made with it in Paris, in the service of MM. San- 
dras and Chomel, which were entirely successful. M. Sandras 
followed the directions given him by M. Rochet d'Hericourt, 
and having kept the patient fasting the evening before the in- 
tended administration of the remedy, he gave, on the following 
morning, the whole of an infusion made from 20 grammes — 
about five drachms — of the flowers coarsely pulverized, to 250 
grammes — about eight ounces of warm water. At the expira- 
tion of about an hour, the cathartic action of the medicine com- 
menced ; the first evacuations generally contained portions of the 
parasite; and, in the third or fourth, it was found expelled entire. 3 
It has also been used successfully in three cases, by Drs. Budd and 
Todd. 3 

So far as the author knows, this anthelmintic has not been intro- 

' Riecke, Op. cit. S. 73. 

2 Bouohardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1847, p. 256. Paris, 1847; and 
Ibid, pour 1S4<>, p. 2->i, 3 Medical Times, April '.20, 1 850. 



BROMINUM. 141 

duced into this country, where taenia is rare. Should the plant 
be considered worthy of cultivation, it is said that a supply can be 
readily obtained at Massowah, on the Red Sea. Being of a hardy 
nature, it might bear to be transplanted into Europe or this coun- 
try. Hitherto, the great drawback to the use of Kousso has been 
the difficulty of procuring it, and its enormous cost. " At the 
time when it could be purchased in Paris," says Dr.Pereira, 1 " its 
price was £1 15s. per ounce, or 17s. 6d. per dose. M. Rochet 
d'Hericourt, the sole holder of the medicine, at the present time, 
refuses to sell any quantity less than his entire stock, at the rate 
of one guinea per ounce. His nephew tells me that his uncle pos- 
sesses 1400 lbs. of it, which, at one guinea per ounce, will cost 
22,400 guineas ! The impossibility of effecting a sale on such 
terms will, I doubt not, ultimately compel the holder to reduce his 
demands to something approaching to reason." 



XLVI. BROMINUM. 

Synonymes. Bromium, Bromum, Brominium, Bromineum, Bromina, 

Muride, Muriria, Bromine. 
French. Brome. 
German. Brora. Brornin, Murid, Murin, StinkstorT. 

This elementary substance was discovered in 1826, by Balard, 
of Montpellier. In its chemical properties it is allied to chlorine 
and iodine; — to the former more than to the latter. 2 Balard de- 
tected it whilst occupied in some investigations on the water of 
salt-ponds, and gave it the name bromine — from /3pw^o?, " a stench 
or smell," — on account of its disagreeable odour. It is met with 
chiefly in sea water, and in certain animal and vegetable sub- 
stances that live therein. It has likewise been found in many 
mineral waters, of this and other countries, and especially in salt 
springs — as in those of Salina, by Professor Silliman, and of Ke- 
nawha, by Professor Emmet. It is in the secondary list of the 
Pharmacopoeia of the United States, (1842.) 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
Balard's mode of preparing bromine consists in passing a cur- 
rent of chlorine through bittern, after which ether is added, and 
the two liquids are strongly agitated. The chlorine decomposes 
the bromide of magnesium— the form in which bromine exists in 
the bittern — and converts the bromide into a chloride of mag- 
nesium, setting the bromine free. The ether dissolves the evolved 
bromine, the mixture assuming a hyacinth-red colour. The ethe- 
real solution is agitated with caustic potassa, by w T hich bromide 

1 Pharmaceutical Journal, July, 1850; or, The American Journal of Pharmacy, 
Oct 1850. 2 Glover, Edin. Med. and Surg. Journ., July, 1842. 

10 



142 BROMINUM. 

of potassium and bromate of potassa are generated ; the ether be- 
coming colourless and pure, and fit to be used for dissolving fresh 
portions of bromine. When a sufficient quantity of the bromide 
has been obtained, it is mixed in a retort with peroxide of man- 
ganese, and acted on by dilute sulphuric acid, by which the 
bromine is given off. The sulphuric acid sets free hydrobromic 
acid, which, at the moment of its disengagement, is deprived of 
its hydrogen by the oxygen of the peroxide of manganese, and 
is thereby converted into bromine. The bromine passes over in 
reddish vapours, and is made to condense under water contained 
in an appropriate receiver. 

M. Bussy 1 prefers the following form. The mother waters 
of kelp, (Soude de Varecq,) after iodine has been precipitated 
from them by means of chlorine, contain bromine in the state of 
a metallic bromide, when care is taken to add no more chlorine 
than is required to precipitate all the iodine. To 1250 parts of 
these mother waters, 32 parts of peroxide of manganese in pow- 
der, and 24 of common sulphuric acid at 66° are added. The 
mixture is then put into a tubulated glass retort, to which a tubu- 
lated receiver is adapted, and to the latter a tube, which dips into 
a flask. The retort and receiver, as well as the tube, must be 
ground so as to fit accurately without lutes or corks, which would 
be destroyed by the chloride. Every thing being arranged, the 
retort is heated until the liquid is made to boil, when the bromine 
condenses in the receiver under the form of red, oily striae, with a 
small quantity of water. The operation must be arrested when 
the red vapours cease to be produced. By slightly heating the 
receiver, without dismounting the apparatus, the bromine may be 
made to pass over into the flask, in which it will condense on 
cooling. The mother waters used in this preparation should not 
be rejected, until it is evident, on the addition of a fresh quantity 
of sulphuric acid and oxide of manganese, that they contain no 
more bromine. 

Bromine, at the ordinary temperature, is a fluid of a blackish- 
red colour, when regarded in quantities, — but of a hyacinth-red 
when placed in a thin layer between the eye and the light. Its 
smell is strong, peculiar, acrid and disagreeable, resembling that 
of chlorine. Its taste is acrid. It colours the skin yellow 7 — the 
colour gradually disappearing of itself. Its specific gravity is 
2.966. It is readily set free; and, when volatilized, assumes the 
form of dark-red vapours. It boils at 117°; is sparingly soluble 
in water, and the solution is of a yellow colour. It is more solu- 
ble in alcohol, and still more so in ether. In its chemical relations 
with other bodies, bromine, as before observed, resembles chlorine 
and iodine; but chlorine appears to have more power, and iodine 
less than bromine, — as bromine is separated from all its combina- 

1 Journal de Pharmacie. Janvier. 1837. 



BROMINUM. 143 

tions by chlorine, whilst it decomposes the compounds of iodine, 
and assumes the place of the latter. It forms acids both with 
oxygen and hydrogen. Its test is the production of an orange 
colour with starch. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

Experiments have been instituted to discover the influence of 
bromine on the animal economy, and especially by Barthez. 1 In 
this respect also it resembles iodine, and, like it, belongs to the 
class of irritant poisons. Twelve grains, dissolved in water, and 
injected into the jugular vein of a dog, destroyed it almost instan- 
taneously. Cough ensued; the respiration and circulation were 
accelerated; the pupils dilated; the male organ was erect; and 
these signs were followed by involuntary discharge of the excre- 
ment, and, at times, stiffness of the upper and lower extremities. 
On dissection, Barthez found the cavities of the heart full of coa- 
gulated blood, and the lungs gorged with the same fluid; in the 
vense cavae there were dark coagula ; and in the stomach and in- 
testines, small, bloody, blackish cylinders, similar to sticks of lunar 
caustic. The same quantity, introduced into the stomach, caused 
death in three or four days, when the oesophagus was tied; when, 
however, the animal was able to vomit, fifty to sixty drops were 
requisite. The poison acts less intensely when it is given in con- 
junction with aliment; it produces coughing, excitement, nausea 
and vomiting. Constant sucking of the tongue was noticed, with 
frequently extraordinary restlessness and anxiety, and debility 
gradually augmenting until death. On opening the body, the 
stomach has been found contracted; the mucous membrane wrin- 
kled, at times softened, and frequently the seat of roundish ulcera- 
tions, of an ashy-green colour. Near the pylorus, Barthez found 
black spots, which could be readily scraped off with the back of 
the scalpel, and left gangrenous ulcers exposed. Barthez recom- 
mends magnesia as an antidote to bromine, but he rests his re- 
commendation on a single observation only. Butzke obtained 
similar results from his experiments. In one case, only, in which 
a dog died a few hours after a dose of three drams, he found the 
intestines unchanged, and death could only be ascribed to the 
paralyzing influence of the poison on the nervous system. 3 

Two series of effects, according to Dr. Glover, are produced by 
its introduction, in large doses, into the stomach: one, arising from 
the volatilized bromine getting into the fauces and air-passages ; 
and, the other, from its corrosive and irritant action on the 
stomach and intestines. Another series, he conceives, may be 
due to its entrance into the circulation. It appears to be more 
irritant when diluted than when pure. 

1 De 1' Action du Brome, &c, (These) Paris, 1828. See, also, Fouvnet, in Bulletin 
General de Therapeutique, Fevrier, 1838. 

2 Christison on Poisons, 3d edit, p, 1 86. 



144 BROMINUM. 

The vapours of bromine do not seem to exert any organic in- 
fluence on the workmen who prepare it. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Pourche first used both pure bromine and bromide of potassium 
for therapeutical purposes. He found it very efficacious in 
scrofula, especially in dispersing strumous swellings, both when 
given internally and applied externally. 2 In a case of very large 
goitre, it was highly serviceable. According to Pourche's obser- 
vation, it excited heat in the face, headach, dryness of the throat, 
&c, which, however, soon disappeared, Pourche gave it internally, 
diluted with forty parts of distilled water, beginning with five or 
six drops of this mixture, and gradually raising the dose. It has 
also been added in a dilute state to lotions and cataplasms. The 
remedy is not, however, much used. 

Magendie frequently administered bromine, but more commonly 
some of its preparations. He prescribed it in cases in which iodine 
did not appear to exert the proper efficacy, or where the patient 
had become accustomed to its use. The chief diseases in which 
he gave it were scrofula, amenorrhea, and hypertrophy of the 
ventricles of the heart. It has also been administered by M. 
Fournet, 3 in chronic arthritis, both internally and externally; but 
his facts, as he himself remarks, were too few to enable him to de- 
duce any general conclusions as to the therapeutical value of the 
remedy in those affections. He always gave it in a pure state, in 
the form of mixture, with a solution of gum : and, externally, it was 
applied in the form of "alcoholic mixture" to the affected joints. 
The dose was at first two drops in four ounces of the vehicle ; and 
it was gradually increased by two drops at a time, until as much 
as sixty drops were given in the twenty-four hours. 

The alcoholic mixture, used by M. Fournet as an external 
application, consisted, at the commencement, of ten drops of bro- 
mine to an ounce of alcohol: this was augmented daily by five 
drops until it reached one hundred and twenty drops. 

Dr. Glover 4 considers a solution of bromine in water an ele- 
gant and useful application in scrofulous, syphilitic, and specific 
ulcers, as well as in eczematous eruptions. He gives a case of ob- 
stinate tuberculous eruption, where an ointment of bromine and 
bromide of potassium, — eight minims of bromine, and half a dram of 
the bromide to an ounce of lard effected a cure ; and also, a case 
of sarcomatous tumour of the knee removed by a similar but 
stronger ointment. He thinks that, physiologically, bromine and 
the bromides are nearer the group of chlorine and the chlorides, 
than that of iodine and the iodides. He maintains, that the che- 

1 A. Chevallier, Annates d' Hygiene Publ. &c, Avril, 1842. 

3 Bulletin General de Thcrapcutique, No. 14. 30 Juillet, 1837. 

>J Ibid. Fevrier, 1838. * Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal. Oct. 1842. 






BRUCIA. 145 

mica! and physiological relations are alike, and that the same is 
true of the medicinal properties. 1 

The preparations of bromine are described in other parts of this 
volume. 



XLVII. BRUCIA. 

Synonymes. Brucina, Brucinum, Brucium, Caniramium, Caniraminum, 

Pseudangusturinum, Vomicina, Brucine. 
French. Brucine. 
German. B r u c i n, K a n i m a r i n. 

This alkaloid was discovered by Pelletier and Caventou,in 1819, 
in the bark of the false angustura — Brucea antidy sent erica. It is 
found also in small quantities in nux vomica, and in St. Ignatius's 
bean. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

An alcoholic extract of false angustura bark is prepared, which 
is dissolved in a large quantity of cold water, and filtered, in order 
to separate the fatty matter. The colouring matter is precipitated 
by acetate of lead; the excess of this is thrown down by sulpho- 
hydric acid gas, and the brucia by an alkaline base, for which 
purpose magnesia may be employed. The precipitate from the 
magnesia is then washed, dried, and treated with alcohol, which lays 
hold of the brucia : this is obtained by evaporation. As brucia is 
somewhat soluble, the precipitate ought not to be washed too much. 
Brucia, thus obtained, is coloured, but it may be procured colour- 
less by forming an oxalate of brucia, and treating it with a mix- 
ture of equal parts of alcohol and ether. The oxalate is thus de- 
prived of its colouring matter; after which it is decomposed by 
magnesia: brucia is thus obtained wholly pure and devoid of co- 
lour. 

Pure brucia is of a white colour, and in regular crystals of the 
form of oblique prisms, having a base representing a paralle- 
logram; it has a pearly lustre, very bitter taste, and is soluble in 
500 parts of boiling water, and in 850 parts of cold. In alcohol 
it dissolves readily, from which solution it is obtained in the crys- 
talline form. When exposed to the influence of heat, it melts at 
a temperature very little above that of boiling water. At a higher 
temperature, it is decomposed, and affords the same products as ve- 
getable substances that do not contain nitrogen. With acids, 
brucia forms neutral salts, which differ from the salts of strychnia. 
The sulphate of brucia crystallizes in very fine needles, and re- 
sembles the sulphate of morphia, but it has a much more bitter 
taste. Nitrate of brucia does not crystallize, which constitutes 
an essential difference between brucia and strychnia. With an 

1 Edin. Med. and Surg. Journal, Oct. 1842, and Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal of 
Med. Science, Nov. 1842, p. 1011. 



146 BRUCIA. 

excess of nitric acid, the salt has a beautiful pearly (nacre) 
aspect. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Brucia acts energetically on the animal economyan the same 
manner as false angustura, but much more strongly. It is similar, 
in its operation, to strychnia, but is considered to be weaker in the 
proportion of one to ten, according to Pelletier ; one to twelve, ac- 
cording to Magendie; 1 and one to twenty-four, according to An- 
dral. 2 It requires four grains to kill a rabbit, whilst half a grain 
of strychnia is sufficient. A tolerably strong dog, to which three 
grains of brucia had been given, was affected with symptoms re- 
sembling tetanus, but did not die. 

Pelletier is of opinion that brucia, or rather the alcoholic extract 
of false angustura, might be substituted in practice for the extract 
of nux vomica ; its operation is nearly the same, whilst there is no 
danger of its acting too violently. Andral has frequently pre- 
scribed it, and his deductions are, that it is far more under our 
control than strychnia. Like strychnia, it has been given in cases 
of paralysis with varying success. It would appear to have acted 
most beneficially in that resulting from lead poisoning. M. Bri- 
cheteau, from his observations on man, and M. Bouchardat, 3 from 
his on animals, infer that brucia is more active than is usually ad- 
mitted. In para lysis succeeding apoplexy, the former employs 
it with much advantage, and accords with M. Andral in its being 
more manageable than strychnia. He is of opinion, that no be- 
nefit is to be expected from it in paralysis until six months have 
elapsed from the attack of apoplexy. Earlier than this it may- 
induce serious effects, owing to its toxical influence on the cerebro- 
spinal system. He commences with about the sixth of a grain, 
[un centigramme^) and increases the dose each day by the same 
quantity, so long as no effect is induced. Should convulsions su- 
pervene, it must be discontinued, until the effects are decidedly di- 
minished, when it must be again augmented by a sixth of a grain 
in the day. M. Bricheteau has found some patients bear as much 
as three grains in the day. Magendie administered it with success 
in two cases of atrophy, one of the leg, and the other of the 
arm. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Brucia, according to Magendie, may be given either in pills or 
tincture, gradually augmenting the dose. Andral raised it from 
half a grain to five grains. Magendie recommends, that the alka- 
loid should always be that obtained from false angustura, — the bru- 
cia of nux vomica being mixed with a portion of strychnia, which 

1 Formulaire, &c., dos Nouveaux Medicamons, &c. 

2 Journal de Physiologie de Magendie. iii. '2(57, Juillet, 1823. 

3 Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c, pour 1847, p. 42. Paris, 1847. 



CAINCiE RADIX. 



147 



adds to its activity, and renders it difficult to determine the dose. 
The following formulas are recommended by him : — 

Piluloe bruciff. 

Pills of brucia. 

R. Brucise pur. gr. xij. 

Confeet. rosse ^ss. M. exactiss. et fiant pilules xxiv. 

One pill to be begun with twice a day. Magendie. 

Tinctura brucise. 
Tincture of brucia. 

(French, Alcool de Brucine.) 
R. Alcohol (36° Areon., s. g. 847,) f 5J. 
Bruciee gr. xviij. M. 

Of this tincture, from six to twenty-four drops may be given, in 
the form of mixture, in any vehicle. Magendie. 

Mi st lira brucise. 
Mixture of brucia. 
(Potto Stimulans.) 
R. Brucise gr. vj. 

Aquae destillat. f ^iv. 
Sacchar. ^ij. M. 

Dose. — A table-spoonful night and morning. Magendie. 



XL VIII. CAIN'CiE RADIX. 

Synonymes. Bad. Chiococcas, R. Cainanas, R. Caninanse, R. Cahincae, R. 

Kahincas, R. Serpentarice Braziliensis; Cainca Root. 
Portuguese. Raiz Crusadiaha, R. Preta. 
German. Caincawurzel. 

The plant which furnishes the root introduced into Europe of 
late years, and which has since become known as a remedial agent, 
is Chiococca anguifuga, of the Family Rubiacese ; Sexual 
System, Pentandria Monogynia. 1 The shrub grows wild in the 
forest of Brazil, especially in the province of Minas Geraes, and 
the root is used there against the bites of serpents. This is of the 
thickness of the finger, round, and knotty ; the surface smooth or 
irregularly wrinkled ; the wood tough, and of a whitish colour ; 
the smell disagreeable, especially that of the fresh root ; and the 
taste at first like that of coffee* but afterwards nauseous and pun- 
gent. The bark of the root alone possesses efficacy, the woody 
portion having no action! The bark separates readily from the 
wood ; it is thicker on the root itself than on the branches; and, 
on the outside, is of an amber, or brownish yellow green colour ; 
yellower and brighter on the youngest parts ; the epidermis is not 
easily separated. According to the chemical investigations of 

1 Art. Chiococca, in Encyclop'ad. Worterb. vii. 531. Berl. 1831 ; and Von Martius, 
Spec. Mat. Med. Brasil, i. 18, 



:i 



148 cainca RADIX. 

Pelletier and Caventou, 1 the following are found to be the consti- 
tuents of the bark: — 1. A bitter principle, crystallizable in small, 
white, silky, shining needles ; inodorous, and very soluble in hot 
alcohol, which communicates to the whole plant a degree of as- 
tringent bitterness, and at the same time has an acid reaction on 
litmus paper. In order to separate this acid, which has been 
termed by those chemists — ctcidum cahincicum seu cainanicum 
seu. cainanium seu cai&anum, German, Caincasaure, Cain- 
c a bitter — in a pure state, the alcoholic extract of the root must 
be dissolved in water, filtered, and precipitated by lime, until the 
fluid loses all its bitterness ; the precipitate is then decomposed by- 
oxalic acid, and boiling alcohol or acetic or muriatic acid may be 
dropped into an aqueous decoction of the bark of the root, and, 
in the course of a few days, the acidum cahincicum will separate in 
the form of small crystals. With cahincic acid, prepared in this 
way, however, some colouring matter is still united. 2. A fatty, 
green, nauseous-smelling substance, which communicates to the 
plant its odour. 3. Yellow colouring matter; and 4. A viscid co- 
louring matter. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The effect of cainca root seems to be especially exerted on the 
digestive and urinary organs. It occasions watery evacuations, 
and diuresis. From the experiments, however, of Albers, 3 made 
on a great number of dropsical patients in the Charite, at Berlin, 
he was induced to deny its diuretic powers, and to place it 
amongst the drastic purgatives, by the side of helleborus niger. 
Wolff was of the same opinion. According to Von LangsdorfT, 4 
it is a highly efficacious emmenagogue, possessing, also — to use 
his own language — considerable resolvent virtues, and hence em- 
ployed in dropsies that are connected with obstructio7is in the 
abdomen. Riecke 5 asserts that he had occasion to employ it in 
two cases of ascites complicated with induration of the liver. He 
had no expectation of effecting a radical cure, but it afforded no 
palliation; diuresis was not excited, whilst nausea, colic, and diar- 
rhoea supervened, so that he discontinued it : he gave it in decoc- 
tion. Others have observed the same inconvenience from its use, 
or have found it wholly ineffectual; for example, B. Heyfelder, 
Reinhardt, Bartels, 6 and others. Riecke suggests the possibility, 
in these cases, of adulteration of -the drug. On the other hand, 
cainca has been highly extolled by Francois, Ribes, Wagner, 
Solieer, Lowenstein, 7 &c, but particularly by Von Langsdorff. 

The main diseases in which cainca is recommended, are, 1. Drop- 

1 Journal General de Medecine, Mai, 1830, and Phila. Journ of Pharmacy, iii. 165. 
Philad. 1831. » Journal de Pharmacie, xvi. 465. 

3 Medicin. Zeitung. No. iv. Sept 1832. 

4 Hecker's Litter. Annal. B. iv. S. 395, and Rust's Repertorium, B. xiv. S. 458. 

5 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 84. Stuttgart, 1837. 

6 Grafe und Walther's Journal der Chirurgie, u. s. w. xxiv. S. 470. Berlin, 1836. 
' De Radice Caincse ejusque in morbis hydropicis virtute. Berol. 1828. 



cainca RADIX. 149 

sies, in which many favourable trials have been made by Von 
Langsdorff, Spitta, 1 Guddoy, Engler, Francois, Wagner, Solieer, 
Beral, Robredo, 2 &c. 2. Intestinal worms, against which it 
appears to act like other drastics. 3. Obstructed menstruation: 
on this subject, however, farther trials are needed. When it ope- 
rates as an emmenagogue, it is probably altogether like cathartics 
that act more especially on the lower part of the bowels, that is, 
by contiguous sympathy. 4. M. Francois has recommended it 
highly in catarrhus vesicas, but the experience of others has not 
confirmed this. 3 It may be mentioned, that, in its native country, 
it is used for rheumatic pains ; in a peculiar kind of pica expe- 
rienced by the negroes of South America ; and, as already re- 
marked, against the bites of serpents. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Cainca is given in various forms — powder, infusion, and 
decoction; and, besides these, a tincture and an extract have 
been made of it. A syrup and a wine have also been recom- 
mended. To form the latter, one ounce of the powdered root is 
infused in a pint of wine: the tincture is made with one part of the 
root and eight parts of alcohol at 20°. The alcoholic extract 
is considered to be the most uniform in strength, and has, there- 
fore, been preferred by many. The syrup is formed by dis- 
solving 3iiss. of the extract in a little alcohol, mixing this with a 
pint of hot simple syrup, and allowing it to boil for some time, in 
order that the alcohol may evaporate. The dose of the powder is 
from 9j. to 5ss. in the twenty-four hours. It appears, however, 
to be the most objectionable form, and to give rise to unfavourable 
symptoms more frequently than the others. Opinions vary as to 
whether the infusion or the decoction should be preferred. Ac- 
cording to Caventou and Pelletier, boiling extracts very well the 
efficacious parts of the root, and there are cases in which the decoc- 
tion has rendered essential service after the infusion had been admi- 
nistered without success. Of the decoction, from f 3j. to f 3iij. are 
given in the day. Of the extract, the dose, in the twenty-four 
hours, is from twenty to thirty grains; of the tincture, f 3j. to f 3ij. 4 

The decoction used by Spitta and others was made as follows: 

Decoctum radicis caincse. 
Decoction of cainca root. 
R. Caincae rad.gij. 
Coque cum aquae Oiss. ad dimidiam partem, et cola. 

Dose. — A table-spoonful three times a day. 

Von Langsdorff 5 §• Francois, 

1 Hecker's Litterar. Annal. iv. 396. 

2 Journal dela Academia de Medicina de Megico, Oct. 1836; cited in Brit, and For. 
Med. Review, p. 562, Apl. 1838. 

3 Bulletin General de Therapeulique, No. 13, Juillet, 1837. 

4 Journal de Chimie Medicale, Mai, 239-242. Paris, 1827. 
s Hufeland und Osann's Journ. B. lxii. St. 2. 



.150 CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. 

By others, the following form has been employed : 
R. Cainc. rad. ^j. 
Aquae Oij. 
Coque ad dimidiam partem et cola. 

Dose. — Two table-spoonfuls three or four times a day. 

Engler. 

Dr. John H. Griscom, 1 of New York, considers there is a re- 
markable analogy between cainca and apocynum cannabinum. 

The Aciduni cahincicum, described above, is said to possess 
tonic, cathartic and diuretic powers, and has been used success- 
fully in some cases by Franc, ois, in the dose of six grains gradually 
increased to fifteen. 



XLIX. CALEN'DULA OFFICINALIS. 

Synonymes. Calendula Sativa, Caltha Sativa, Verrucaria, Chrysanthe- 
mum, Sponsa SoliSj Single Marigold, Garden Marigold. 

French. Souci, S. Ordinaire. 

German. Ringelblume, Gemeine Ringelblume, Tod- 
t e nbl um e. 

This plant belongs to Family Synanthereae ; Sexual System, 
Syngenesia Necessaria. It is much cultivated in the gardens of 
southern Europe more especially, and grows wild there. The 
whole plant has a feeble aromatic smell, which is not, however, 
unpleasant. The taste is bitter and somewhat pungent. It was 
examined chemically by Geiger and Stoltze, 2 who found in it a pe- 
culiar glutinous matter, readily soluble in alcohol, insoluble in 
ether, and in ethereal or volatile oils, and but little in water : to 
this they gave the name calendulin. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The term officinalis indicates, that the calendula was formerly 
received into the lists of the Materia Medica as an "officinal;" 
but it had become entirely obsolete, when Westring, 3 a Swedish 
physician, in 1817, recalled attention to it. He recommended it 
particularly in cases of cancer of the breast and uterus, having 
noticed its good effects by accident. Visiting an aged female, 
who had suffered for a long time under an extremely painful indu- 
ration of one mamma, he found she was able to allay the burning 
pain by the application of the fresh plant. This induced him to 
try it in several cases of cancer, and from the results he was led to 
infer, that it is perhaps the best agent that can be employed in 
that frightful malady. He never, however, employed it alone, but 
associated with it other active remedies, so that but little attention 

1 Amer. Journal of the Medical Sciences, for May, 1838, p. 55. 

2 Berlin. Jahrb. d. Pharmac B. xxi. S. 282. 

3 Erfahrung iiber die Heilung der Krebsgeschwiire, u. s. w. Translated from the 
Swedish into German, by K. Sprengel. Hal. 1817. 



CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. 151 

was paid to his recommendation; — a great portion of the efficacy 
of the agents employed, being — it was thought probable— ascriba- 
ble to the associated articles. 

Some time after Westring's publication, the remedy was used 
by others, and his observations were confirmed. Rudolph 1 em- 
ployed it with advantage internally, in a case of induration of 
the mamma in a young female; but the acetate of iron was at 
the same time applied externally in solution. Fehr 2 found it 
highly useful not only in incipient, but in advanced scirrhus: 
Stein praises it in cancer of the integuments, (Hautkrebs.) 
He forms the expressed juice of the young plant and flowers into 
an ointment with fresh butter, and applies it once or twice a day 
by means of lint, having previously washed the ulcers with a de- 
coction of the plant. Internally, the calendula is prescribed in the 
form of decoction, made with milk or water, or of a mellago pre- 
pared from the fresh juice, dissolved in an aromatic water; or 
made into pills. When the salve is applied, a sense of burning 
arises, which speedily becomes absolute pain. This soon, how- 
ever, abates, and almost wholly disappears; and if it be too vio- 
lent, more butter may be added; the ichorous discharge becomes 
improved; the offensive odour corrected, and in from fourteen to 
twenty-one days, the ulcer is converted into one of a benign and 
readily cicatrizable character. 

Rust, also, frequently administered the extractum calendula 
in cancerous ulcers, and as a discutient in chronic indurations, 
in combination, however, with other efficacious agents. Schnei- 
der affirms, that he prescribed the extract with the best effects in 
induration of the stomach, and in tumefaction and decided 
induration of the glands and uterus. He employed a decoc- 
tion of the flowers and plant in cancer of the uterus, and found 
it an excellent soothing and discutient agent. Muhrbeck 3 used 
the extract with eminent success in chronic vomiting ; Carter 4 
in extremely obstinate vomiting; and De Camp in a case of car- 
dialgia, where the excitability of the stomach was so great, that 
every remedial agent was rejected before it had opportunity to act. 
Fehr also extols it in amenorrhoea, in which disease it was ce- 
lebrated with the older physicians; but, as Riecke 5 has remarked, 
the amount of experience with calendula is yet small — too small 
for us to pronounce whether it merit a fixed place in the lists of the 
materia medica. 

' Hufeland und Osann's Jour, der prakt. Heilk. B. Iviii. St. 1, S. 119. 

2 Verhandlungen der verein. arzllich. Gesellschaft. der Schweiz. Jahrg. 1831, and 
Dierbach, in Heidelberger Annalen, B. x. H. 4, S. 501. Heidelberg, 1834. 

3 Hufeland 's Journal der prakt. Heilk. B. lxii. St. 5, S. 128. Rust's Magazin. der 
gesammt Heilk. B. xi. S. 350. 

4 London Med. Rep. April, 1820, p. 347. See. also, Link und Osann, in art. Calen- 
dula, in Encyc. Worterb. u. s. w. B. vi. S. 520. Berl. 1831. 6 Op. eit. S. 101. 



152 CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The extraction calendula is contained in the Hanoverian and 
Saxon Pharmacopoeias; in the latter it is directed to be prepared 
in the following manner: — 

R. Calendul. officinal, part. j. 
Aquas part. viij. 

Macerate for twenty-four hours ; then boil for a quarter of an 
hour, and strain forcibly; boil the remainder with four parts of 
water; mix the two liquors, and, after twenty-four hours' rest, 
evaporate to the proper consistence. 1 

The dose of the extract is different according to different obser- 
vers. Muhrbeck gave four grains five times a day. Fehr allows 
3ij to 3vj. Phobus directs the dose of the extract, prepared ac- 
cording to the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, to be from eight to sixteen 
grains, gradually increasing it to 3ss and more, from two to four 
times a day. It may be given either in the form of pill or mixture. 
Externally, the extract is used in solution, to moisten the dressings 
of ulcers, and to form ointments. The dose of the decoction of the 
fresh plant is f gj. to f §ij. 

The Sardinian Pharmacopoeia has a Corner va flomtm calen- 
dula, made by beating together one part of the flowers and two 
parts of powdered sugar. It has, also, an Jicetum florum calen- 
dula, made of one part of the petals digested in four parts of vi- 
negar ; and the Wirtemberg Pharmacopoeia has an Unguentum 
florum calendula, made of four ounces of the petals boiled in a 
pound of fresh butter, until the mixture is entirely evaporated. 
This is used as an emollient and resolvent. 

Pilulae calendula. 

Pills of calendula. 

R. Ferri subcarb. 
Calend. pulv. 
Extract, calend. aa gj. 
Mucilag. acac. q. s. ut riant pilulse xc. 

Dose. — Five to eight, three times a day, as a soothing agent in 
cancerous ulcers. Rust. 

R. Hydrarg. chlorid. mit. 7)ss. 
Antim. sulphur, aur. J}j. 
Extr. calendul. 
conii, aa 9ij. M. f pil. pond. gr. ij. sing. 

Dose. — Five pills, three times a day, as a discutient in chronic 
indurations. Rust. 

Lotio extracti calendula;. 
Lotion of the extract of calendula. 
R. Extract, calend. 

anthemid. aa gij. 

1 Pharmacopee Universelle, &c, par Jourdan, ii. 53G. 



CALX CHLORINaTA. 153 

Solve in 

Aq. lauroceras. f ^ij. 
Adde 

Tinct. opii f gj, 

As a dressing wash (Verband wasser) in cancerous ulcera- 
tions. Rust. 

It is obvious that the precise agency of the calendula cannot be 
tested in any of these formulae, the substances associated with it 
being themselves active agents. In this country, it is never per- 
haps used. 



L. CALX CHLORINATA. 

Stnonymes. Calcis Chloridum seu Hypochloris, Oxychloruretum Calcii, 
Protochloruretum Calcii, Chloru return Oxydi Calcii, Bichloruretum 
Calcii, Oxymurias Calcis, Calx Oxyrrmriatica, Calcaria Chlorata seu 
Chlorica seu Chlorinica, Chlorum Calcariae, Chloretum Calcariae, Chlo- 
rinated Lime, Chloride, Chloruret, Hypochlorite, Chlorite or Qxymu- 
riate of Lime, Tennant's Bleaching Powder. 

French. Protoxichlorure de Calcium, Oxichlorure de Chaux, Chlorure 
d'Oxide de Calcium, Bichlorure de Chaux, Oximuriate de Chaux, Mu- 
riate Suroxigene ou Oxigene de Chaux, Chlorate ou Souschlorate de 
Chaux, Poudre de Bianchement, Poudre de Tennant. 

German. Kalkchlorid, Chlorkalk, Chlorigsaurer Kalk, Chlor- 
calciumoxyd, Oxydirt Salzsaurer Kalk, Bleichpulver . 

Chlorinated lime is a compound of chlorine and oxide of cal- 
cium. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

It may be prepared either in the dry or moist way. In the 
former case, chlorine is made to act on hydrate of lime in a pul- 
verulent form ; in the latter, chlorine, in a gaseous state, is passed 
into lime water. For technical purposes, the latter is most used ; 
for pharmaceutical, the former. In the London Pharmacopoeia, it 
is directed to be prepared as follows : — Take of hydrate of lime 
a pound ; chlorine, as much as may suffice ; send in the chlorine 
to the lime in a proper vessel, till it is saturated. Chlorine is very 
easily evolved from binoxide of manganese, mixed with chlorohy- 
dric acid, by a gentle heat. 1 It is generally, however, prepared 
in large chemical establishments for the use of bleachers, and is 
therefore in the list of the Materia Medica in the Pharmacopoeia 
of the United States, (1842.) 

Chlorinated lime has the appearance of a white, loose powder, 
of a sour, bitterish and somewhat biting taste, exhaling a marked 
smell of chlorine, and dissolving with tolerable facility in water, 
at the same time giving off much chlorine gas. 2 Its nature and 

1 Brande's Dictionary of Materia Medica, p. 1 35. Loud. 1 839. 

2 Link, Art. Chlor, in Encyc. Worterb. der Medicin. Wissenschaft, vii. 579. Berlin, 
1831. 



154 CALX CHLORINATA. 

composition are a subject of dispute, and hence the term " chlori- 
nated lime," which has been adopted by the London, Edinburgh, 
and United States Pharmacopoeias, in place of chloride of lime. 

M. Hunoux Desfontenelles' affirms, that having prepared pills 
of chlorinated lime, extract of opium and honey, they experienced 
a spontaneous combustion a short time after they were prepared ; 
and he states, that the reaction took place at times whilst the mix- 
ture was being made. He found, that powdered marsh mallow 
root and liquorice, when united with chlorinated lime and honey, 
produced the same result. It would hence appear that chlorinated 
lime and organic substances ought not to be associated in the same 
prescription. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The action of chlorinated lime is generally esteemed to be ana- 
logous to that of liquid chlorine ; Hufeland, however, assimilates it 
to that of chloride of calcium. The data have been considered as 
scarcely, perhaps, sufficient to determine its precise operation. It 
appears, however, to act mainly by means of its chlorine, which, 
being loosely combined, is readily disengaged, — all acids, even the 
carbonic, occasioning its separation. It is not much employed in- 
ternally; but, according to Cima, it occasions slight pains in the 
abdomen, burning in the stomach, and at times diarrhoea. 

As to its internal administration, Cima gave it in cases of scro- 
fulous swellings. By Cloquet, it was used both internally and 
externally in gangrenous ulcers ; and by Grafe, Deschamps, 
Graves, 3 and the author in fcetor oris. In a case of pectoral dis- 
ease, with great fcetor of the breath and expectoration, it was ad- 
ministered by Drs. Graves and Stokes with remarkable benefit — a 
pill of three grains with one of opium being given three times a 
day, and the quantity being increased to twelve grains a day: the 
bed was also sprinkled with a solution of it. It has been used with 
advantage by the author in a similar case; and in gangrene of the 
lungs. By Reid, 3 it was prescribed in dysentery, and in a bilious 
typhus occurring in summer; by Copland 4 in the last stage of 
typhus fever, when the evacuations were highly offensive, given 
in draughts of aromatic water with mucilage. Dr. Pereira 5 also 
states that he can bear testimony to the good effects of it in bad 
cases of fever ; but the same results were not observed in the fever 
of Edinburgh* It was likewise given by Groh, Cohen, and 
Schlesier 7 in phthisis, and by Grafe in gonorrhoea. In none of 

1 Jour, tie Chimie Medicale, and Soubeiran, Jour, de Pharmacie, Fevrier, 1842, p. 121 . 

3 Dublin Hospital Reports, vol. v. 

3 Transactions of the Association of Fellows and Licentiates of the College of Physi- 
cians in Ireland, vol. v. 1838. 

* Houlton's Appendix to translation of Magendie's Formulary, p. 163. 

5 Elements of Materia Medica, &c, 2d edit. p. 503, Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit, 
by Carson. Philad. 1846. 
' 8 Christian, Dispensatory, p. "--12. Edinb. 1H42 

1 Casper's Wochenschrifl ftlr die gesammte Heilkunde, iNo. 37, 1838. 



CALX CHLOEJNATA. 155 

these cases is it presumable, that chlorinated lime possesses virtues 
not contained in liquid chlorine. 

For external use it has been adopted in various cases, and espe- 
cially in ulcers. According to Trusen, an aqueous solution is 
proper for torpid ulcers of almost all kinds — the phagedenic, the 
scrofulous, &c. In syphilitic ulcers, it appears to be of use when 
the chancre is sloughing, and eats deeply into the flesh. 1 Trusen 
employed a solution formed by rubbing from oiij- to 3iv. with a 
pint of water, pouring off the supernatant fluid after it had stood 
a quarter of an hour, and applying it by means of pledgets of lint 
to the ulcer, renewing the application whenever the lint became 
dry. In this way, he found the profuse ichorous secretion from old 
ulcers diminish, the offensive odour abate, and fresh and healthy gra- 
nulations spring up. By the same kind of treatment, phagedenic, 
herpetic and scrofulous ulcers generally cicatrized speedily and per- 
manently. 2 Trusen employed, at the same time, crude antimony 
with cathartics; and in all cases he directed strict repose, and re- 
gulated diet. 

Trusen's observations have been confirmed by many modern 
physicians, amongst whom may be mentioned Labarraque, Lis- 
franc, Ekl, Lemaire, Heiberg, and Kopp. In ozcena, good effects 
were observed from it by Horner, 3 Awl, 4 Heron, 6 Detmold,' 5 
and Strathing: and a solution of it, in the form of injection, was 
found serviceable in fistula, by Trusen and Ricor*d. In cancerous 
ulcers, recourse has been had to it by Heiberg, Labarraque, Du- 
parcque, Martinet, <fcc, and, in all cases, it corrected the offensive 
odour, and, at times, the ulcer itself assumed a more favourable 
appearance. Dr. Frohlich 7 used it with advantage in a cancerous 
affection of the face, in the strength of one part to sixteen parts 
of water. In such cases it has been recommended, in order to 
have the concentrated action of the chloride, that it should be 
formed into a paste by admixture with water, and be applied in 
this manner. 

It has been prescribed, also, in cases of ulceration of the mouth, 
by Kopp, Angelot, Heiberg, &c, applied either in the form of so- 
lution or of a soft paste. In cases of wounds^ the application of a 
solution of it has been recommended by many, as by Trusen, Ekl, 
Lisfranc, 8 to promote cicatrization after the inflammation has sub- 
sided. In . a case of punctured wound received in dissecting, 
and when the inflammation was proceeding up the arm with alarm- 

1 Mene, in Gazette Medicale, Feb. 11, 1832. 

* See, also, Houlton's Appendix to Magendie's Formulary, p. 162. 

3 Amer. Jour, of the Medical Sciences, No. xi. 

4 Ibid. No. xxii. for Feb. 1833, p. 543. 6 Ibid. Nov. 1836, p. 271. 

6 Holscher's Annalen, 1840, Bd. v. Heft. 1 ; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Rev., Oct. 
1841, p. 549. 

1 Medicin. Jahrbucher des k. k. bsteerreich. Staaten. B. xvii. S. 168. Wien. 1S34. 
8 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Juillet, 1838. 



i 



156 CALX CHLORINATA. 

ing rapidity, and the pain and tension were extreme, the patient 
experienced immediate relief from a solution employed as a lotion, 
combined with the free use of leeches. 1 

Gubian- has proposed to apply it to prevent pitting from small- 
pox. The maturated pustules are to be opened, and washed with 
a weak solution; desiccation takes place very promptly, and, it is 
said, no marks or pits are left. 

On account of its antiseptic properties, it has been applied in 
cancrum oris, by Labarraque, Richter, Berndt, and numerous 
others, and in sloughing affections of the female organs of gene- 
ration, of an analogous nature, by Labarraque and Ekl; in hos- 
pital gangrene, by Percy, Labarraque, Siedmogrodzki, Delpech, 
and Renard ; and in gangrene of the scrotum, as well as in ordi- 
nary gangrene, by Heiberg and Trusen; in all of which it was 
of decided efficacy. 3 In such cases it may be applied either in the 
form of the paste above mentioned, or in strong solution — §ij to 
Oj of water. 

In burns of the second and third degree, when they are not 
spread over too great a surface of the body, a solution of chlori- 
nated lime, according to Trusen, markedly diminishes the pain, 
moderates the too great suppuration, and excites, especially in the 
second degree, sound granulations; in the third, speedy separation 
of the dead portions, and in both cases a smooth and firm cicatrix. 
Either a solution united with mucilaginous substances, or a liniment 
prepared of it, may be applied. 

Lisfranc's observations 4 entirely accord with those of Trusen. 
He applies compresses spread with cerate over the burnt parts; 
the compresses having holes in them so that the burnt surfaces are 
exposed ; they are then covered with lint soaked in a solution of 
chlorinated lime, which is kept in situ, and moistened as it be- 
comes dry. A solution of it, as w T ell as of chlorinated soda, may 
be applied, indeed, with advantage in the first stage of a burn or 
scald; and Mr. Holt 5 affirms that he knows nothing so efficacious 
in a "black eye." Dr. Chopin, 6 too, affirms, that in wounds pro- 
duced by contusion, laceration, or by the explosion of gunpowder, 
where there is much 'pain, speedy and certain relief is produced by 
keeping the dressings constantly wet with a solution of it: he found 
it, as well as chlorinated soda, very serviceable in cases of sore 
nipples. 

In chilblains, it has been used in the form of solution and of 
liniment with advantage, not only in ulcerated chilblains, but 
where the skin was unbroken, by Trusen, Lisfranc, Grafe, and 

1 Alcock, Essay on the Use of the Chlorurets, &c. London, 1827. 

2 Journal de Chimie Medicale, vi. 315. 

* Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel,u. s. w. Stuttgart, 1837. 

* Gazette Medicale, Mars 21, 1835. See, also, Bulletin General de Therapeutique, 
Juillet, 1838; and Clinique Chirurgicale de l'Hopital de la Pitie, Paris, 1841. 

* Lancet, April 6th, 1834. 6 Gazette Medicale, Oct. 31, 1835. 



CALX CHLORINATA. 



157 



others. In many cases, however, it has been found advanta- 
geous to diminish the inflammation first by the application of 
leeches. In cases of deeper frost-bites it has likewise proved be- 
neficial. 

In salivation caused by mercury, it has been valuable, 1 espe- 
cially when administered at the beginning of the increase of secre- 
tion. When the ptyalism has proceeded to a greater extent, 
Trusen uses, at the same time, sulphureous baths. A collutory of 
chlorinated lime not only diminishes the excessive secretion from 
the salivary glands, but speedily mitigates the sense of burning 
in the mouth, induces the healing of the erosions of the mucous 
membrane, and corrects the mercurial fcetor. In such cases, the 
author has frequently employed it w T ith advantage, although the 
affection is not much under the control of medicine. 

In offensive odours from the mouth, arising from carious teeth, 
Regnard employed a solution of it, but it excited the salivary 
glands in a disagreeable manner. On the other hand, E. Grafe 
recommends it strongly in this very case, and even in caries, both 
inwardly and externally, as a collutory and tooth powder. In the 
latter form, it is said to remove speedily the tartar and yellow de- 
positions on the teeth. By Chevallier and Kluge, it is strongly 
recommended for cleansing the mouth. The latter gives a formula 
for a collutory, which will be found amongst the prescriptions at 
the end of this article. It effectually cleanses, whilst it does no 
injury to the enamel of the teeth. 

In scarlatina, a solution of chlorinated lime may be employed 
most advantageously as a gargle, and in the form of ablution to the 
surface. 2 

In scrofulous swellings of the glands, according to Cima, it 
may be applied with advantage in the form of ointment; and by 
Grafe it is recommended in swellings of the joints. It has like- 
wise been used successfully by Werneck in goitre. 

In several chronic eruptions, it has been much extolled — as 
in herpes, by Kopp; in itch, by Heiberg, Derheims, 3 Cluzel, Fan- 
tonetti, 4 Hospital, 5 Wittzack, 6 and Napoli. 7 Dr. Christison 8 
affirms, that he never uses any other remedy in itch; — a solution, 
containing between a fortieth and a sixtieth part of chlorinated 

1 Elliotson, in Houlton's Appendix to translation of Magendie's Formulary, Amer, 
edit. p. 162. Philad. 1834. 

a Copland, in the Appendix to Houlton's edition of Magendie's Formulary, p. 163, 
S. Jackson, of Northumberland, (now of Philadelphia,) in Amer. Journal of Medical 
Sciences, xii. 261 and 550, and Ibid, for May, 1838, p. 56. (Dr. J. uses chlorinated 
soda.) 3 Journal de Chimie Medicale, ii. 575. 

4 Bulletin de Therapeutique, 1833; and American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 
August, 1833, p. 533. 

s Amer. Journal of the Medical Sciences, Nov. 1834, p. 240 (extracted.) 

6 Casper's Wochenschrift, Feb. 4, 1837, S. 79. 

1 Journ. de Chimie Med., cited in Amer. Jour, of Pharmacy, July, 1841, p. 172. 

8 Dispensatory, Amer. edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 302. Philad. 1848. 

11 



158 CALX CHLORINATA. 

lime, applied five or six times a day, or continuously with wet 
cloths, allays, he says, the itching in the course of twenty-four 
hours, and generally accomplishes a cure in eight days. He has, 
also, found the same lotion useful in most other eruptions attended 
with itching, which symptom it allays even where it does not re- 
move the disease. In pruritus pudendi muliebris, it has been 
advised by Darling; and in tinea, by Trusen, Roche, Cottereau, 
Kopp, and Ebermeier. In the last disease, it is applied in the 
form of liniment; in the others, in solution ; but in the itch often 
also in the form of ointment. Michaelsen recommends the follow- 
ing method of treating itch: Take of chlorinated lime from two to 
four ounces, according to the degree in which the disease exists, 
and the length of time it has been in the system; put this in a 
common flask or. bottle full of rain or river water, so that as much 
as possible may be dissolved. In using it, the patient must shake 
the bottle well, in order that some of the undissolved lime may be 
taken up. With this he washes the parts affected three or four 
times a day. Every third or fourth day, when the skin becomes 
somewhat rough or irritated, he is made to take a tepid bath, or 
to wash himself with warm soap and water; and this until the cure 
is accomplished. The internal management is the same as in other 
plans of treatment. In the case of young children, the mixture 
must of course be weaker — about one ounce to a pint of water* 
By this plan, the patient, it is said, is entirely cured, without any 
unpleasant concomitants, in from seven to ten days. 

Chlorinated lime has likewise t>een applied in purulent ophthal- 
mia, Varlez 1 cured contagious blennorrhea of the eye, by 
dropping upon it a solution of it. Colson, Delatte, and Reynaud 2 
also saw good effects from it, both in acute purulent ophthalmia, 
and in chronic ophthalmia with granulations, obscurity of the 
cornea, and especially in copious secretion from the Meibomian 
glands. Guthrie 3 applied a solution successfully in three cases 
of ophthalmia neonatorum; and Pereira 4 advises a weak solu- 
tion in the same cases. Farvagnie used it beneficially in scro- 
fulous and catarrhal ophthalmia* 

Dr. Radclyffe Hall 6 has treated purulent ophthalmia, both in 
the adult and in children, with success, by a saturated solution. 
His plan of using it is as follows. The eyelids are slowly and 
gently separated, until the cornea can be seen, when that is prac- 
ticable; and all secretion is wiped away with a fine, soft sponge. 
A large, bushy camel's hair pencil, charged with the strong solu- 

' Cited in American Journal of Med. Sciences, i. 459. 

2 Journal fur Chirurgie, u. s. w. B. xiv. H. 4, 

3 Medical and Physical Journal. Nov. 1827. 

4 Elements of Mat Med. 2d edit., i. 593, Lond. 1842; or, 2d Amer. edit, by J. Car- 
son. Philad. 1846. 

* Verhandlung. der vereinigt. arztlich. Gesellschaft. der Schweiz. Jahr. 1829. Zurich, 
1830. 6 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Dec. 1S44. 



CALX CHLORINATA. 159 

tion, is then insinuated beneath the upper eyelid, and swept round 
the front of the eye; the pencil is again charged with the solution, 
and applied to the lower eyelid everted. Unless plenty of the 
fluid be thus applied, it will be less effectual, but equally painful. 
There is considerable pain, of a smarting, burning character, for 
half an hour or longer, and the already swollen eyelids become 
still more tumid. In a few hours, a serous discharge oozes out 
from between the eyelids, and the swelling partially subsides. 
This is followed by a secretion of matter; but, after two or three 
applications of the solution, it is in perceptibly diminished quan- 
tity, and the discharge gradually loses its characteristic yellow 
colour, and is seen in flakes on opening the eyelids. After three 
or more applications, the eyelids no longer swell, and the pain is 
much less. As the inflammation lessens, the eyes must be kept 
clean with warm water, and matter must never be suffered to 
collect beneath the upper eyelid; a little spermaceti ointment is 
smeared on the edges of the eyelid, and the strong solution is ap- 
plied once in every twenty-four hours, until the secretion ceases to 
be in the least degree puriform. The longest period required for 
the cure was a month; the shortest, four days. 

It has likewise been employed advantageously in other hlen- 
norrhoeas besides the one mentioned, and especially in the gonor- 
rhoea!? Grafe, of Berlin, 2 affirms, that he succeeded with it 
when copaiba and cubebs had failed. He used it both in the form 
of pill, made as described hereafter, and of injection — the injection 
being made by dissolving gr. xxiv. in f ^vj. of water, and add- 
ing £ss. of wine of opium. His observations are confirmed by 
Dr.Radclyffe Hall, 3 who observes, that in the treatment of diseases 
attended with a contagious discharge, it is desirable not only to 
lessen the inflammatory action which causes the secretion, but, at 
the same time, to alter the contagious character of the matter 
secreted; and he advises chlorinated lime as capable of fulfilling 
these indications. In the first stage of gonorrhoea , before the 
discharge has become completely puriform, or the scalding great, 
a single injection of about two fluidrams of a saturated solution 
in water, will always, he says, put a stop to the disease. In the 
second stage, w 7 here there is a considerable discharge of pus, and 
more pain, several injections are required. In gleet, also, pro- 
vided the discharge be not kept up by some structural change 
in the urethra, the strong injection is useful, but not to so 
striking a degree. The effects of injecting this strong solution 
are, — sharp pain, and often erection for the moment; slight puffi- 
ness and eversion of the orifice of the urethra, and tenderness 

1 Alcock, Essay on the Use of Chlorurets, &c. Lond. 1827. 

2 American Journal of Medical Sciences, and Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, 2d series, 
vol. ii. 86. Philad. 1838. See, also, M. Roussf, Bulletin General de Therap.Janv. 1842 

" Op. cit. 



160 CALX CHLORINATA. 

on pressure, with a feeling of unusual firmness for two or three 
inches down the corpus spongiosum, where these did not already 
exist. In a short time the pain subsides, and in a quarter or half 
an hour, a serous discharge issues from the mouth of the urethra. 
Occasionally, oedema of the prepuce, with its attendant sense of 
numbness in the part, ensues. There is scalding, but, usually, not 
to any very great degree, for the first two or three times of pass- 
ing the urine, which may be, in a great measure, obviated by in- 
jecting a little oil of almonds a short time previously. In about 
eighteen or twenty-four hours, the lips of the urethra are found 
to be separated by a clot of firm, yellow pus. This is removed 
by the stream of urine, and may, or may not, form a second time. 
If the disease be only in its first stage, it will now, according to 
Dr. Hall, be cured; but if more established, the injection will 
have to be repeated as often as the peculiar tingling sensation and 
gonorrhoeal secretion reappear. In this case, the small, firm clot 
is not formed; but, in its stead, there is a discharge of more fluid 
pus. The number of injections, and, consequently, the length of 
time required for cure, depend chiefly upon the anterior duration 
of the disease. In the acute stage of a first attack, where both 
pain and discharge are considerable, Dr. Hall has never seen any 
harm from employing this strong injection, — using, at the same 
time, mild aperients, tartrate of antimony and potassa and opium 
internally, enjoining perfect rest and abstinence, and frequently 
washing out the urethra with some weak, astringent solution, as 
that of acetate of zinc, formed by the double decomposition of sul- 
phate of zinc and acetate of lead. On the contrary, the course of 
the disease has appeared to be materially shortened. When the 
inflammation is subacute, but the discharge still purulent, as in 
persons habituated to the disease, or after a certain period of a 
first attack, copaiba or cubebs have been given in the usual way, 
but the injection has been manifestly of service. In gleet, a sin- 
gle injection has sometimes cured, after the failure of almost every 
other kind of injection. More frequently, several injections have 
been required. In a few instances, the chlorinated lime has 
wholly failed ; but, in these cases, no other injection has succeeded 
afterwards. 

But one of the most important of the applications of chlorinated 
lime is as an antiseptic and disinfecting agent. 1 It is admirably 
adapted for preventing and checking putrefaction, and for cor- 
recting the offensive odour of parts already putrefied:' 3 and hence 
its application is most useful in anatomical investigations. 3 Some 
time before dissection, the body may be enveloped in a cloth 
wetted with a solution of it, {Calc. chlorin. §ss., Jlqax Oj.,) 
which must be kept wet by sprinkling it from time to time: in 

1 Labarraque. on the Use of the Chlorides of Soda and Lime, translated by Jacob 
Porter. JNew Haven, 1629. 3 ^Alcock, Op. cit. * Magendie, Formulaire, &c 



CALX CHLORINATA. 161 

this manner the offensive odour is speedily corrected. It is 
equally well adapted for purifying the air of the wards of hospi- 
tals, jails or ships; a little of the solution being sprinkled, from 
time to time, on the floors; or shallow vessels, containing it, being 
placed in different parts of the room. It is used, moreover, for 
neutralizing contagious miasmata dispersed in the air, or contained 
in clothing, furniture, &c, care being taken, in all these cases, 
that due ventilation be practised. It has been properly doubted, 
however, 1 whether its use be productive of any advantage in pre- 
venting the spread of infectious, contagious, or epidemic diseases. 
It has been affirmed, indeed, to be positively injurious, by dete- 
riorating the atmosphere, and in this there may be truth, unless 
the precautions, mentioned above, be taken. In various cases, in 
which such diseases have prevailed, it has destroyed all offensive 
odour, — acted, in other words, as an antibromic or deodorizer, — 
but the extension of the malady has not been prevented. 3 
MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Chlorinated lime has been given internally both in the form of 
pill, solution and troches, the dose being from gr. ij. to gr. vj. 
four to six times a day. Externally, it is generally applied in 
solution of different strengths, (from 3j. to giv. to eight ounces of 
water) — being decanted to remove the particles of lime from it, 
unless where it is considered advisable to employ the turbid solution. 
In cases of very offensive evacuations from the bowels, ten or 
fifteen grains may be added to a common enema. It is, likewise, 
applied in the form of ointment, and of liniment, and also of paste 
made by admixture with water. 

The following forms have been given for its administration : 3 
Troehisci ealcis chlorinate, 
Lozenges of chlorinated lime. 
K. Calcis chlorin. gij. 
Sacchar. ^viij. 
Amyl. %). 
Tragac. £j. 
Carmin. gr. iij. 
M. Fiant troehisci. pond. gr. iij. sing. 

One of these to be taken three or four times a day, and allowed 
to dissolve in the mouth, in cases offostor oris. Deschamps. 
Mistura calcis chlorinate. 
Mixture of chlorinated lime. 
R. Calcis chlorin. ^j. 
Mist, amygd. f |;vij. 
Syrup, acaciae f ^j. M. 
A table-spoonful every three hours in gonorrhoea. — E. Grqfe.* 

1 Observations on the Chlorides and Chlorine as " disinfecting agents," and as Preven- 
tives of Cholera, by H. Bronson. Boston, 1832. See, also, American Journal of the 
Medical Sciences, for Feb. 1833, p. 481 ; Alters, in London Med. Gaz. viii. 410, (as 
to its inefficacy in cholera;) and Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med., &c, 2d edit., i. 591. 
Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit., by Dr. Carson, Philada. 1846. 2 Pereira, Ibid. p. 592. 

8 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 94. * Journal fur Chirurgie, u. s. w. B. xiv. St. 2. 



162 CALX CHLORINATA. 

Pilnlse calcis chlorinate. 

Pills of chlorinated lime. 
R. Calcis chlorin. gj. 
Ext. opii gr. ix. 
Mucilag. acac. q. s. 
Divide in pilulas liv. 

Dose. — One, every two or three hours, in gonorrhoea, gra- 
dually increasing the dose until eight, ten or twelve are. taken 
every hour. Grafe. 

Collutorinm calcis chlorinate. 

Collutory of chlorinated lime. 

R. Calcis chlorin. grs. xv. ad £ss. 
Mucil. acac. f £;}. 
Syrup, aurant. f ^ss, M. 

A little of this solution to be applied by means of a mop of 
charpie to nicer s in the mouth. Angelot. 

R. Calcis chlorin. giij. 
Aquas destillat. 
Alcohol, aa. f ^ij. 
01. rosse g u - iv. 
Solve et filtra. 

Chevallier. 

A tea-spoonful of this solution is mixed with a glass of water, 
and used in fcelor oris. According to Riecke, 1 an analogous 
nostrum has been sold at a high price under the name — Pneu- 
mokatharterion. 

R. Calcis chlorin. ^j. 
Solve, leniter terendo. in 

Aquas destillat. Ovj. 
tunc adde 

Alcohol. (.830) f gviij. 
Mist, reponatur in loco frigido per horas xxiv.; tunc filtretur et reserv. 
in lagena. bene obturata.. (" Let the mixture be put aside in a cold place 
for twenty-four hours; then let it be filtered and kept in a well stopped 
vessel.'") 

It has been recommended that the mouth should be rinsed with 
this after the teeth have been brushed. — Freyburg von Kluge. 
R. Calcis chlorin. ^ss. 
Solve exactiss. trituratione in 

Aq- f gij. 
et post limpid, clarificat. admisce 
Alcoholis f 3 ij. 
01. rosse g»- iv. M. 

The mouth is rinsed, in cases of salivation, with a mixture 
made by adding a tea-spoonful of the solution to a glass of water. 

Trusen. 

The Pharmacopoeia of Sweden has an antiscorbutic collutory, 
called Linctus ad stomacacen seu oxymuriatis calcici, which 
is formed as follows : 

1 Op. cit. S. 94. 



CALX CHLORINATA. 



163 



R. Solat. calcis chlorin. gss. 
AqusB ? 
Mellis, aa. gvj. M. 

Dentifricium calcis chlorinate. 
Dentifrice of chlorinated lime. 
R. Calcis chlorin. in pulv. gr. iv. 
Corallinse rubrae gij. M. 

A new tooth-brush should be slightly wetted, then dipped in 
this powder, and rubbed over the teeth. Employed to give their 
natural colour to teeth. Magendie. 

Solutio calcis chlorinate. 
Solution of chlorinated lime. 

R. Calcis chlorin. ^iij. 

Solve in 

Aquae destill. Oj. 

Adde 

Tinct. opii crocat. vel 

Vini opii f gj. ad f gij. M. 

Applied to frost-bites. Trusen. 

R. Calcis chlorin. gss. 

Tere invicem et sensim aliunde 

Aq. (seu Aq. rosae) Oj. 
Et post clarificat. limpid, admisce 

Mucil. acac. (seu sem. cydon.) ^ij. 

Applied, by means of linen rags, in cases of burns. — Trusen. 
R. Calcis chlorin. £ij. ad giij. 
Aquae Oj. Solve. 

To be applied, by means of rags kept constantly wet, in cases 
of hospital gangrene; the mixture being shaken. 

Rust Sf Kluge. 

R. Calcis chlorin. giij. 
Aquae destillat. Oj. 
Solve et cola. 

Used as a lotion in cases of itch on the thighs, legs and arms, 
twice or thrice daily. In general, six or eight days are sufficient 
to effect a cure. Magendie. 

The disinfecting liquor of Labarraque, Liqueur desinfec- 
tante de Labarraque, is made by adding ten parts of water to 
one part of chlorinated lime divided in a mortar; suffering the 
solution to settle, and then filtering. 

Collyrium calcis chlorinate, 

Colly Hum of chlorinated lime. 
R. Calcis chlorin. gr. iv. ad vj. 

Vin. opii Tr^x. 

Mucilag. acac. f giss. 

Aq. rosae f gij. M. et filtra. 

To be dropped on the eye, in cases of catarrhal and scrofu- 
lous ophthalmia. Farvagnie. 



164 



CANNABIS INDICA. 



Injectio calcis chlorinate composita. 
Compound injection of chlorinated lime. 
R. Calcis chlorinat. gij. 

Decoct, kramer. f gxiij. M. 

Half an ounce of this to be injected into the nose three or four 
times a day, in cases of ozsena. Detmold, of Hanover. 

Cataplasma calcis clilorin atse . 

Cataplasm of chlorinated lime. 
R. Calcis chlorin. 

Sodii chlorid. aa. gss. 

Aqua3 destill. Oss. 

FarinaB sem. lin. q. s. ut fiat cataplasma. 

Used in cases of scrofulous swelling of the joints. Grafe. 

Ungnentnm calcis chlorinate. 

Ointment of chlorinated lime. 

R. Calcis chlorin, gj. 

Adipis gj. M. et fiat unguentum. 

To be rubbed in, in cases of scrofulous swellings. Cima. 
R. Calcis chlorin. gss. 

Adipis §j. M. et f. unguent. 
Used in goitre. Werneck. 

R. Adipis 3j. 
Sodae borat. 
Calcis chlorin. aa. gj. M. exactissime. 

In cases of chilblains. Trusen. 

R. Sulphuris ^iss. 

Calcis chlorin. bene tritur. ^ij. 

Adipis gx, M. 
In itch, morning and evening. Hospital. 

Linimeutum calcis chlorinate. 
Liniment of chlorinated lime. 
R. Calcis chlorin. £ss. 
Tere in mortario vitreo et sensim aliunde 

Aq. rosae (seufontanae) f gj. 
Et post, limpid, clarificat. admisce 
01. amygd. f gj. 

To be applied, by means of a pencil, in cases of tinea capitis. 

Trusen. 



LI. CANNABIS INDICA. 

Synonymes. Indian hemp, Gunjah, Haschisch. 
French. Chanvre Indien. 
German. H a n f . 

Cannabis, which grows in India, and has been described by 
some botanists under the name Cannabis lndica, does not appear 



CANNABIS INDICA. 165 

to possess any specific differences from the common hemp, Canna- 
bis saliva; and accordingly by many botanists they have been re- 
garded as identical. 1 

The term "Indian hemp" has long been assigned, in the United 
States, to Apocynum cannabinum : this has given occasion in Eu- 
rope, and occasionally in this country, to confusion in regard to 
the two articles, which are very distinct in their natural and me- 
dical characters. 3 

The narcotic effects of cannabis have been long known to the peo- 
ple of Southern Africa, South America, Turkey, Egypt, Asia Mi- 
nor, India, and the adjacent countries of the Malays, Burmese, and 
Siamese, by whom it is used in various forms to induce intoxica- 
tion. It is, likewise, extensively employed in popular practice in 
various diseases. In Western Europe its use is unknown, and it 
is questionable, whether the hemp of that region or of this coun- 
try be possessed of the same properties. Dr. O'Shaughnessy, of 
Calcutta, states, that the extraordinary symptoms produced by the 
oriental plant depend upon a resinous secretion with which it 
abounds, and which seems to be wholly absent in the European 
plant. The absence of the resinous secretion, and consequent want 
of narcotic power, he ascribes to difference of climate. M. de 
Courtive 3 .has submitted to analysis cannabis procured from Al- 
giers, or from Indian seeds reared in France. He finds the active 
principle to reside in resin, which he extracted by a complicated 
process of maceration and the action of alcohol. From 9 to 10 
parts of this resin — cannabine — were procured from 100 parts of 
the plant: the Algerian article furnishing it in greater abundance; 
and he affirms, that a grain and two-thirds, or even half the quan- 
tity, produced in some temperaments an equal effect with half a 
dram of the thick extract. The Cannabis sativa of Italy fur- 
nished an active but much weaker resin. The resin obtained by 
M. de Courtive is of a deep greenish-brown colour, of an aromatic 
but nauseous odour, and of a hot, acrid, and enduring taste. It is 
soluble in cold ether, alcohol, and volatile oils; insoluble in water 
and dilute alcohol. 

The Messrs. Smith, of Edinburgh, satisfied themselves that the 
resin concentrates in itself the whole properties of the plant. The 
following is their mode of preparing it. Digest bruised gun j ah 
in successive portions of warm water until the expressed water 
comes away colourless, and again for two days at a moderate heat 
in a solution of carbonate of soda, in the proportion of one part 
of the salt to two of gunjah. Colouring matter, chlorophyll and 

1 Royle, Mat. Med. and Therap., Amer. edit, by J. Carson, p. 551. Philad. 1847, 
and Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica, 2d edit. p. 1066. Lond. 1842. 

2 Farre, in Lond. Med Gaz., May 5, 1843, p. 209. 

3 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1849. p. 52. Paris, 1849; and Ran- 
king's Half yearly Abstract, viii. 214, Amer. edit. Philad. 1849. 



166 CANNABIS 1NDICA. 

inert concrete oil, being thus removed, express and wash the resi- 
duum, dry it, and exhaust it by percolation with rectified spirit. 
Agitate with the tincture milk of lime containing an ounce of 
lime for every pound of gunjah; and, after filtration, throw down 
excess of lime with a little sulphuric acid. Agitate with the fil- 
tered liquor a little animal charcoal, which is afterwards to be 
removed by filtration. Distil off most of the spirit: add to the 
residual tincture twice its weight of water in a porcelain basin, 
and let the remaining spirit evaporate gradually. Lastly, wash 
the resin with fresh water till it comes away neither acid nor bit- 
ter ; and dry it in thin layers. Dry gunjah yields six or seven 
per cent, of it; and its strength as a narcotic corresponds with 
this proportion. 1 

In certain seasons and in warm countries, a resinous juice ex- 
udes, and concretes on the leaves, slender stems and flowers of 
cannabis. This constitutes the churrus of Nipal and Hindoo- 
stan, and in it resides the pow ? ers of all the preparations of hemp. 
This resin — cannabine, has c his chine 2 — is very soluble in alcohol 
and ether; partially soluble in alkaline, but insoluble in acid, solu- 
tions. When pure it is of a blackish-gray colour; it is hard at 90° 
of Fahrenheit, but softens at higher temperatures, and fuses readi- 
ly. It is soluble in the fixed and in several volatile oils. Its odour 
is fragrant and narcotic; taste slightly warm, bitterish and acrid. 
The dried hemp plant, which has flowered, and from which the 
resin has not been removed, is called Gunjah or Haschich. It is 
made into bundles of 24 plants each. These bundles are 2 feet in 
length, and 3 inches in diameter. 3 It yields to alcohol twenty per 
cent, of resinous extract, composed of the resin — churrus — and 
green colouring matter. The Gunjah is used for smoking. The 
larger leaves and capsules, without the stalks, constitute Sidhee, 
Subjee, or Bans;, which is used to form with water an intoxi- 
cating drink. When the plant is distilled with a large quantity of 
water, traces of volatile oil pass over, and the distilled liquor has 
the powerful narcotic odour of the plant. 4 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Cannabis Indica, raised in India, appears to have the greatest 
activity. Mr. Donovan made numerous experiments with hemp 
cultivated by himself, and was satisfied that domestic hemp is des- 
titute of the principle " which renders the Indian plant so desira- 
ble an extract to the voluptuous people of the East." 

The effects of this remedy would appear to have been well 
known to the Arabian and Persian physicians of both modern and 

1 Christison, Dispensatory, Amer. edit. p. 973. Philad. 1848. 
a Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1&50, p. 10. 
* Ballard and Garrod, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap., p. 413. Lond. 1845. 
4 For the history of the Haschisch, see Moreau, Louradour and Bouchardat, in Bou- 
chardat, Annuaire pour 1847, p. 11. Paris, 1847. 



CANNABIS INDICA. 167 

ancient periods; but the first person, who seems to have well 
tested its properties was Dr. O'Shaughnessy. 1 In his various ex- 
periments, he did not observe the least indication of pain, or any 
degree of convulsive movement. They all, he affirms, " Jed to 
one remarkable result, — that while carnivorous animals and fish, 
dogs, cats, swine, vultures, crows, and adjutants invariably and 
speedily exhibited the intoxicating influence of the drug, the gra- 
minivorous, —such as the horse, deer, monkey, goat, sheep, and 
cow, — experienced but trivial effects from any dose that was admi- 
nistered." Encouraged by these results, he felt no hesitation as 
to the perfect safety of giving the resin of hemp an extensive trial 
in cases in which its apparent powers promised the greatest degree 
of utility. The general effects observed on man were alleviation 
of pain in most cases, remarkable augmentation of the appetite, 
aphrodisia, and great mental cheerfulness. The more violent ef- 
fects w T ere a peculiar form of delirium, and a cataleptic state. 

Under the influence of fourteen grains of the resinous extract 
taken at bed-time, Mr. Donovan 2 awoke early in the morning, with 
a rush of strange sensations through his head, accompanied by a 
crackling and singing noise, and a vibratory motion through the 
whole body. These gradually subsided, and whilst dozing off, he 
thought an explosion took place in his head, followed by the same 
rushing noise and vibration as before, and afterwards by a strange 
metallic sound. Various other noises succeeded. His sense of 
touch and feeling had gradually become more and more obtuse, 
until at length he lost all feeling, unless he pinched himself se- 
verely. " The effects," says Mr. Donovan, " were now 7 at their 
height, and the consequences w T ere surprising. I absolutely lost 
the consciousness of having a body, and my corporeal existence, 
appeared to be comprised within the head, and a small portion of 
my chest near the throat: in these spots I felt as much alive as 
ever, but all other parts w 7 ere without feeling, and, to my percep- 
tion, annihilated. My intellect was not in the least disturbed; 
memory was as good as ever. I reasoned well enough; was con- 
scious of external objects as in perfect health ; but I had some no- 
tion that if I gave way to sleep, I should never wake in this world ; 
yet, strange to say, I felt perfectly resigned to this sudden termi- 
nation of existence." Similar phenomena have appeared in others 
from a much smaller dose. 3 

On trying an alcoholic extract, sent to Dr. Christison* by Mr. An- 
drew Robertson of Calcutta, 5 for toothache, he found, that about 

1 On the Preparations of Indian Hemp, or Gunjah, (Cannabis Indica,) &c, Cal- 
cutta, 1839; and Brit, and For. Med. Rev., July, 1840, p. 2'24. 

2 Dublin Journal of Med. Science, Jan. 1 845. 3 Op. cit. 

8 See the author's General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. 4th edit. i. 380. Philad. 1850. 

4 Op. cit. p. 973. 

5 For an account of this extract, see Pharmaceutical Journal, cited in American Jour- 
nal of Pharmacy, for August, 1847, p. 195. 



168 



CANNABIS INDICA, 



four grains, taken at three A. M., caused, in an hour, cessation of 
pain, a pleasant numbness in the limbs, giddiness, a rapid succes- 
sion of unassociated ideas, and impossibility to follow a train of 
thought, frequent intervals of sleep, and slight increase in the force 
of the pulse. Next morning there was an ordinary appetite, much 
torpidity, great defect and shortness of memory, extreme apparent 
protraction of time, but no peculiarity of articulation or other ef- 
fect, and these symptoms lasted until two P. M., when they en- 
tirely ceased in a few minutes after taking lemonade. The results, 
however, of different observers, in regard to this agent, are by no 
means in accordance. Whilst some believe it capable of replacing 
opium, where the latter disagrees, others have found it fail where 
opium had failed. Dr. Lawrie, of Glasgow, 1 has reported its ef- 
fects in twenty-six cases, from which he drew the following con- 
clusions. First. It seems to belong to that class of narcotics, 
which rapidly induce excitement and intoxication, followed by 
sleep — neither sound nor refreshing. Secondly. In a full dose it 
acts powerfully on the heart, causing palpitation, and a rapid, 
weak, intermittent pulse; and on the nervous system, producing 
delirium, coma, convulsions and dilated pupils. Thirdly. Its ef- 
fects are generally transitory. In one case, however, the intoxi- 
cation and dilatation of the pupils lasted nearly forty-eight hours. 
Fourthly. It is a very uncertain agent, in some cases producing 
the most violent and seemingly dangerous symptoms; in others, 
being nearly inert. Fifthly. It very frequently causes vomiting, 
which, whether it occur spontaneously, or from emetics, very 
speedily relieves its unpleasant, and perhaps dangerous effects. 
Sixthly. Applied around the eye, it does not dilate the pupil. 
Seventhly. It exerted little influence on the few patients to whom 
it was given in the form of enema. Eighthly. He does not think 
it a valuable addition to our narcotic medicines. In very few cases 
did it act as an agreeable soporific and anodyne. In none did it 
succeed when opium had failed ; and in one case only was it pre- 
ferred to opium. He does not think it is to be trusted to. 
Ninthly. So far from acting generally as an anodyne, its effect 
was so disagreeable, that the majority of those who took it once, 
only did so a second time on compulsion, and this was the more 
remarkable, as the patients on whom he experimented belonged to 
a class to whom stimulants of all kinds were familiar, and who 
would greedily swallow opium and spirits to an unlimited amount. 
Tenthly. It seemed useful in two cases of subacute rheumatism; 
and, lastly, it caused an immediate craving for food, and, in a few, 
permanently increased the appetite. 

Professor Miller, 2 of Edinburgh, believes cannabis to be compa- 
ratively valueless as an anodyne, as well as hypnotic, in ordinary 

1 Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Nov. 1844, p. 497. 
3 Ibid. Jan. 1845. 



CANNABIS INDICA. 169 

circumstances. Its virtue seems to him to consist in a power of 
controlling inordinate muscular spasm. This it exhibited in a 
case of traumatic tetanus reported by him. Many cases have 
been published, in which its anti-convulsive power was confirmed. 
In opposition, however, to Professor Miller, Dr. Clendjnning 1 has 
no hesitation in affirming, that its exhibition has usually, and with 
remarkably few substantial exceptions, been followed by manifest 
effects as a soporific or hypnotic, in conciliating sleep; as an ano- 
dyne, in lulling irritation; as an antispasmodic, in checking cough 
and cramp; and as a nervine stimulant, in removing languor and 
anxiety, and raising the pulse and spirits; and these effects have 
been observed by him in both acute and chronic affections, in 
young and old, male and female. 

Dr. Corrigan 2 believes, that the action of cannabis is primarily 
on the motor nerves; its influence he inclines to think being trans- 
mitted along these to the sensorium, and nerves of sensation. 
Speaking of its peculiar advantages as a sedative, he affirms, that 
even in over-doses it does not produce the dry tongue, or the de- 
rangement of the digestive organs, which occasionally follows the 
use of opium. Its effects on different persons, however, he re- 
marks, are very different. In the case of a lady who had long 
suffered from neuralgia of the face, neck and head, twenty drops 
of the tincture caused temporary loss of power in almost all the 
muscles, followed by sleep; while a similar dose has been taken by 
other patients three times daily, for weeks, with impunity and 
advantage. 

Dr. Pereira 3 experimented on some specimens of Gunjah and 
Nipalese churrus, which were sent to him by Dr. O'Shaughnessy. 
He tried them both on animals and man, and gave specimens of 
them to medical friends; but their effects were found to be com- 
paratively slight. "Whether," — says Dr. Pereira, — "this be 
owing to the preparations having undergone some deterioration in 
their passage, or to the comparative phlegmatic temperament of 
the English, I know not. My experiments on animals were made 
in the lecture-room of the London Hospital before the students of 
the Materia Medica class; and the trials on the human subject 
were made in the wards of the hospital." 

Messrs. Ballard and Garrod 4 state, that when the dose was large, 
they have observed the urine acquire an odour something like that 
evolved when the tincture is mixed with water, and in part like 
that of the Tonquin bean. 5 

1 Provincial Med. and Surg. Jour., May 27, 1843, and Med. Chirurg. Trans., xxvi. 208. 

2 London Med. Times, cited in Med. Examiner for Sept. J 845. 

3 Elements of Mat. Med. 2d edit. ii. 1098. Lond. 1842. * Op. cit. 

5 For the experiments of M. Lieautaud and Brierre de Boismont/ and of M. E. de 
Chaniac, see Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1845, p. 29, Paris, 1845, 
and Ibid, pour 184G, p. 13. See, also, Lieautaud, cited in Ranking's Abstract, p. 342. 
Amer. edit. iNew York, 1846. 



170 CANNABIS INDICA. 

Indian hemp was prescribed by Dr. O'Shaughnessy in various dis- 
eases. In rheumatism, acute and chronic, the results were not 
very satisfactory. In one case, the most marked catalepsy super- 
vened along with the usual intoxicating effects. In a case of hy- 
drophobia, the soothing influence of the remedy was very great; 
but the disease terminated fatally. In cholera, he considered its 
agency to be " promising, and to deserve the attention of the prac- 
titioner;" and since then it has been extolled in that disease by 
MM. Aubert-Roche, Chaniac, Willemin, 1 Gastinel, Legroux 2 and 
others. 

The testimony is strongest in regard to its influence in traumatic 
tetanus" of which Dr. O'Shaughnessy refers to fourteen cases ; of 
these, nine appear to have recovered. It is well remarked, how- 
ever, by Messrs. Ballard and Garrod, 1 that it is no easy matter to 
determine the claims which a medicine holds forth to control teta- 
nus; and that we should be cautious of advancing statements in 
reference to the subjugation of such a formidable disease unless on 
the most unexceptionable evidence. " Tetanus has been occasion- 
ally recovered from under a variety of treatment, and hence the 
disappearance of it in a few cases during the treatment by this 
drug must not rashly be used as a decided evidence of its curative 
capabilities. Of two cases lately treated with it in the University 
College hospital, one died, and the other recovered: the former 
was traumatic ; the latter idiopathic. However, it is difficult to 
say how far it influenced the favourable termination ; inasmuch as 
full and repeated blood-letting and colchicum were also employed." 
This difficulty exists in most of the reported cases. In but few- 
has cannabis been given alone. It is proper, too, to add, that in 
the hands of Mr. Stafford, 5 Mr. Potter, 6 and Dr. Babington, 
it failed, or, at the most, afforded only temporary relief, although 
the utmost care was taken to obtain the article in a state of purity. 8 
From the results of his cases, Dr. O'Shaughnessy concludes, that 
the resin of hemp, given boldly and in large doses, is capable of 
arresting effectually the progress of that formidable disease, "and 
in a large proportion of cases, of effecting a perfect cure ;" — and 
further; "that in hemp the profession has gained an anti-convul- 
sive remedy of the greatest value." 

The commendations of Dr. O'Shaughnessy gave occasion to the 
employment of cannabis by many practitioners. Mr. Ley pre- 
scribed it with advantage in various spasmodic diseases, — chorea, 
sciatica, &c, which gave him the most perfect confidence in its 

1 Bouchardat. Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 51. 

2 Ibid, pour 1850, p. 10. 

3 See, also, cases by Lev, Lond. Lancet, April 1, 1843, and Isaac Heister, Bost. Med. 
and Surg. Journal, June 17, 1846, p. 394. * Op. cit. p. 414. 

5 Lond. Med. Gaz.. April -2 ( .>, 1845. 6 Lond. Lancet, Jan. 11, 1845, p. 3G. 

-■ Ibid. Dec. It, 1^44, p. 352. 

* Charlton, Retrospective Address, in Transactions of the Provincial Med. and Surg. 
Association, xiv. 20. Lond., 1840, 



CANNABIS INDICA. 171 

power to produce relaxation of the muscles, heavy sleep, and 
during its action, abatement of pain; 1 and Wolff 2 and Ruhbaum, 3 
found it valuable in neuralgic affections. Mr. Lynch 4 likewise 
prescribed it with success in a case of neuralgia above and around 
the right orbit ; and in an epidemic neuralgia of the head, but 
especially of the jaw, which prevailed around Rathenow in the last 
quarter of the year 1847, Ruhbaum 5 found great benefit from 16 
to 20 drops of the tincture of cannabis, which contained about a 
grain of the alcoholic extract. It has also been given in mania 
with advantage, by M. Moreau. 6 Dr. Conolly, it appears, in a 
clinical lecture upon mental disorders, remarks, that he believes 
there is very little of the genuine Indian hemp now in Europe. 
He thinks, that if his observation of its effects in the Hanwell 
Asylum be not altogether erroneous, it must become an important 
article of commerce. After some careful trials of the tincture, he 
feels justified in speaking well of it. It is chiefly useful, he thinks, 
in chronic cases. A dram and a half, and sometimes two drams, 
have frequently been given in chronic cases of recurrent mania, 
and although generally with good effects, sometimes without any 
whatever. 7 By Dr. Corrigan, cannabis has been administered with 
great success in chorea, in the Richmond Hospital, Dublin. 

With such evidence in its favour, it is certainly important, that 
Indian hemp should be subjected to a full and fair trial; and even 
admitting that it may fall short of the character given of it by Dr. 
O'Shaughnessy and others, it can scarcely fail to be an important 
addition to our Materia Medica. 

Dr. Churchill 8 speaks favourably of the powers of cannabis in 
checking uterine hemorrhagic discharges, from his own experience, 
as well as from that*of others. The largest class of cases in wmich 
he found it of the most unqualified benefit was of menorrhagia, 
where the discharge, although excessive, is fluid, and but little 
mixed with clots, and when the uterus is not enlarged. In many 
such cases, five drops of the tincture, three times a day, arrested 
the flow in from twenty-four to forty-eight hours. In several 
cases of threatened abortion, when employed sufficiently early, it 
succeeded remarkably well. He prescribed it, too, in three cases 
of cancer uteri, at a tolerably early period, on account of conti- 
nued draining of blood; and he thought temporary relief was 
afforded. It appeared to him to exert an astringent power in 
hemorrhages from mucous surfaces, and to have a sedative or ano- 

1 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., Aug. 20, 1842. 
3 Schmidt, Op. cit. s. 155. 

3 Schmidt's Jahrbucber u. s. w., No. 9, Jahrgang, 1848, S. 277. 

4 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., April 1, 1843. 

5 Schmidt's Jahrbucher der gesammten Medicin. Jahrgang, 1848, No. 1 1 ; S. 155. 
K Du Hachischet de l'Alienation Mentale, Etudes Psychologiques ; Paris, 1845. 

Noticed by Dr. Pliny Earle, in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, April, 184G, p. 423. 
1 Amer. Journal, loc. cit. 8 Medical Times, May 12, 1849. 



172 



CANNABIS INDICA. 



dyne effect. The preparation he invariably used was Mr. Dono- 
van's tincture of the resin, with which he begins in the dose of 
five drops, three times a day, increasing it, in a few cases, to ten, 
but seldom more. The effects are very soon seen, generally in 
twenty-four or forty-eight hours; often much sooner. In some 
cases, indeed, the effect was instantaneous. 

In consequence of Dr. Churchill's belief, that cannabis possesses 
powers similar to ergot in arresting hemorrhage from the uterus, 
Dr. Simpson ] was induced to try, whether it is possessed of any 
oxytocic property; accordingly, he gave it in several cases of te- 
dious labour, and he states that parturient action seemed to be 
very markedly and directly increased after its exhibition ; but, far 
more extensive and careful experiments would be required before 
a decided opinion could be attained in regard to its possessing such 
powers, and their amount. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The preparations used by Dr. O'Shaughnessy are the follow- 
ing: — 

Extractum cannabis Indies alcoholicum. 
Resinous or alcoholic extract of Indian hemp. 

This is prepared by boiling the rich adhesive tops of the dried 
Gunjah in alcohol (-835) until all the resin is dissolved. The 
tincture, thus obtained, is evaporated to dryness in a vessel placed 
over a pot of boiling water. The mode of preparing the resin by 
the Messrs. Smith, of Edinburgh, is given before. The ordinary 
dose of the extract is from two to five grains; that of the pure 
resin of Messrs. Smith appeared to them to be active in the dose 
of two-thirds of a grain, although made with old gunjah. 2 

In hydrophobia, the resin in soft pill, to the amount of ten to 
twenty grains, is directed to be chewed by the patient, and to be 
repeated according to the effect. 

Tinctura cannabis Indies. 

Tincture of Indian hemp. 
R. Extract, cannab. Indie, alcohol, gr. xxiv. 
Alcohol, dilut. fgj. 

Of this a dram is given in tetanus every half hour, until the 
paroxysms cease, or catalepsy is induced. In cholera, ten drops 
given every half hour were often found to check the vomiting and 
purging, and bring back warmth to the surface. Dr. O'Shaugh- 
nessy's experience leads him to prefer small doses of the remedy 
in order to excite rather than narcotize the patient. 

1 Monthly Journal of the Medical Sciences, July, 18o0. 

9 See, on all this subject, Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1849, p. 51— 
60. Paris, 1849. 



CARBO ANIMALIS. 173 

Haustns cannabis Indies. 

Draught of Indian hemp. 
R. Tinct. cannab. Indie. n\ xv. 

Alcohol, -n^ xlv. M. ut f. haustus. 

Donovan. 
Mr. Donovan ] recommends that the patient should either swal- 
low the whole of this directly from the bottle, to avoid loss — or 
pour it into a little w T ater, and instantly swallow it off. If it be 
not taken instantly, the resin will be precipitated — will adhere to 
the vessel, and thus escape being swallowed, which always hap- 
pens when the prescriber directs water to be mixed in the draught 
by the apothecary; and Mr. Donovan says he has seen several dis- 
appointments in consequence. 



L1I. CARBO ANIMALIS. 

Synonymes. Carbo Carnis, Caro Vitulina Tosta, Animal Charcoal. 

French. Charbon Animal. 

German. Thierische Kohle, Flei schkohle, Thierkohle. 

Animal charcoal is an ancient remedy, which has been revived 
amongst us. The older physicians used several kinds, and recom- 
mended them in various diseases, but without having any fixed 
principle: the circumstances, indeed, that suggested their exhibi- 
tion, in many cases, are entirely unintelligible to us of the present 
day. In the old Wirtemburg Pharmacopoeia, we find the Erina- 
ceus combustus, or "burnt hedgehog," as an antihydropic; the 
Sericum tostum, or " burnt silk," and the Hirundines combustce, 
or "burnt swallows," as antiepileptics; the Lepus combustus, or 
" burnt hare," as an antilithic; the Reguliusti, or " burnt wrens," 
advised in nephritis and calculous affections; and the Talpce com- 
busta, or " burnt moles," at one time much extolled in erratic 
gout, lepra, scrofula, ulcers and fistulas! All have properly fallen, 
however, into oblivion with the profession, although there may 
yet be some who cling with pertinacity to these relics of ancient 
ignorance and superstition. The "cancer remedy" of Cosme, 
into the composition of which burnt shoe-soles entered, appears to 
have kept up the employment of animal charcoal, as well as the 
" burnt sponge," Spongia usta, in which, however, the charcoal 
is of but little efficacy compared with the iodine it contains. These 
were, perhaps, the only forms in which animal charcoal was used 
at the time when Weise, a German physician, revived its employ- 
ment; and many ph}'Sicians soon came forward to attest favourably 
in regard to it. 

1 Op. cit 



12 



174 CARBO ANIMALIS. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Weise gives the following method of preparing it: Cut ribs of 
veal, with the flesh attached, into small pieces, and put them into 
a drum for roasting coffee — turning the 'drum constantly whilst it 
is placed over the fire. When inflammable air begins to pass off, 
which is distinguished by the flame playing around the drum, the 
combustion must still be kept up a quarter of an hour longer. If 
it be continued as long as any inflammable air is disengaged, the 
preparation is inefficacious. The substance, most commonly met 
with under the name of " animal charcoal," is obtained by burning 
bones. The residue, when reduced to powder, is the well known 
substance bone black or ivory black. This generally contains more 
or less phosphate of lime, according to the kind of bone from which 
it has been procured. It is directed in the London Pharmacopoeia, 
and in the last edition of the Pharmacopeia of the United States 
(1842,) to be purified by digestion in dilute muriatic acid, as fol- 
lows : Take of animal charcoal, a pound ; muriatic acid and water, 
each twelve fluidounces. Mix the muriatic acid with the water, 
and gradually pour it upon the charcoal; then digest for two days 
in a gentle heat, occasionally agitating. Set aside, and pour off the 
supernatant liquor; then w T ash the charcoal with repeated portions 
of water till no traces of acid are perceptible; lastly dry it. 1 Char- 
coal, prepared in this way, should be a combination of carbon, car- 
bonate and phosphate of lime, hydrogen, and nitrogen. From an 
analysis, which Meurer made of animal charcoal, prepared accord- 
ing to Weise's formula, it contains, also, chloride of sodium and a 
little carbonate of soda, as well as a portion of iron. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

In the case of a young man of scrofulous diathesis, Weise saw 
a tumour, of the size of a hazelnut, and very painful, situate under 
the nipple, disappear under the use of animal charcoal. Accord- 
ing to him, its efficacy is strongly exerted on the uterus and mam- 
mae. Rothamel and Hohnbaura extol it in dyspepsia and gastri- 
cism, as well as in cases of diarrhoea. In obstinate chronic glan- 
dular indurations, especially of the mammary glands, Weise affirms 
it to be a certain remedy: he, at the same time, however, considers 
a regulated diet to be indispensable. Scirrhus of the lips, he says, 
also disappears under its use, and even scirrhous goitre, when the 
charcoal is associated w T ith burnt sponge. On cartilaginous 
polypi, it is said to have exerted a beneficial agency, and to have 
diminished the tendency of mucous polypi to return after opera- 
tion. Even open cancer, it is asserted, has been healed by it. 3 
On these recommendations of Weise, animal charcoal has been 

1 For the mode of preparation on the large scale, see Pereira, The Elements of Mate- 
ria Medica and Therapeutics. 3d edit. i. 312. Lond. 1849. 
a Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 104. 



CARBO ANIMALIS. 175 

used by several German physicians, especially by Wagner, Kopp, 
Pitschaft, Radius, Rothamel, Hesselbach, Gumpert, Hohnbaum, 
Fricke, Michaelsen, and Siebenhaar; and, as a general result of 
their observations, it would seem not to be devoid of therapeutical 
agency; although many of the experimenters failed in noticing 
any sanative effect from it. Fricke, for example, did not observe 
the least benefit in the very cases mentioned by Weise. He gave 
it, also, in the way of experiment, in several other cases, but 
without detecting the slightest influence on the organism. 01 her 
physicians saw advantages from its use in open cancer, but these 
were only transient. On the other hand, the experience of Wag- 
ner, Kopp, Michaelsen, and Rothamel would seem to show, that 
it was effectual in removing incipient scirrhus of the mammcs. 
Kopp employed it successfully in scirrhous goitre, and Pitschaft 
in a case of what he terms struma varicosa. Radius dispersed 
under its use a considerable swelling of the submaxillary glands. 
In scrofulous affections, especially in scrofulous indurations of 
the glands, it'is said to have proved useful in the hands of Kopp, 
Rothamel, Speranza, Kuhn, and others; but Baudelocque did not 
find it possess any therapeutical property. 1 Pitschaft, in a deli- 
cate, strumous woman, who was suffering constantly under ozcena, 
found it of eminent service after other remedies had failed. Radius 
thought it aided the absorption of a disintegrated cataract, and 
Siebenhaar saw good effects from it in induration of the pancreas. 
Riecke 2 suggests, that farther trials may show, that it might be 
used in the place of iodine, which it appears to resemble in its ac- 
tion on the economy, whilst it affects the organism less injuriously. 
It is doubtful, however, whether the properties of the two sub- 
stances can be regarded as at all analogous, and whether animal 
charcoal be possessed of any other properties than those usually 
ascribed to prepared charcoal — carho ligni. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Carbo animalis is given in doses of from half a grain to three 
grains twice a day — commonly in the form of powder with sugar, 
or with powdered liquorice root. Weise advises it to be sprinkled 
on the hard edges of cancerous ulcers, and Speranza extols an 
ointment made of charcoal, and oil, or simple cerate, as a discutient 
in scrofulous swellings. 

Pulvis carbonis animalis. 

Powder of animal charcoal. 

R. Carbon, animal, gr. ij. 
Glycyrr. pulv. gr. v. 
F. pulvis. 

1 Dubois (d' A miens,) Traite de Pathologie Generate, 2eme edit. p. 206. Bruxe'les' 
1835. M)p.cit. 



176 CARBONIS SESQUI-IODIDUM. 

A powder to be given morning and evening in induration of the 

mammae, Michaelsen. 

R. Carbon, animal, gr. vi. 
Spong. ust. gr. xij. 
Glycyrrhiz. pulv. £ss. 
M. f. pulv. in partes vi. aequales dividendus. 

A powder to be taken night and morning in scirrhous goitre. 

Riecke. 
R. Carbonis animal, gr. iv. 

Glycyrrh. pulv. £)iv, M. et divide in part. viij. 

One of these to be taken dry, morning and evening, a little 
water being drunk afterwards, in cases of scirrhous indurations 
of the mammce. After the eight powders have been taken, the 
dose may be increased gradually by half a grain, until it ultimately 
attains four grains. At the same time, unirritating and spare diet 
should be inculcated. 

Bolus carbonis animalis* 
Bolus of animal charcoal, 
R. Carbon, animal, gr. iij. 
Ammon. muriat. pulv. 9j. 
Ext. conii gr. ij. 
glycyrrhiz. q. s. ut fiat bolus. 

One of these to be given three times a day; — in cases of swell- 
ing and scirrhus ofthejwostate, and of the mucous membrane 
of the urethra. Magendie. 



LIII. CARBONIS SESQUI-IODIDUM. 

Synonymes. Carbonis Sesqui-ioduretum, Iodidum Carbonis, Ioduretum 
Carbonii, Carbonei ioduretum, Iodo^ormum, Iodoforma, Carbonium seu 
Carboneum iodatum, Sesqui-iodide or Sesqui-ioduret of Carbon, Iodo- 
form. 

French. Iodure de Carbone, Iodoforme. 

German. Iod kohlenstoff, Iodkohlen was serstoff, Iodatherid, 
Formylsuperiodid. 

This preparation is made by mixing concentrated alcoholic 
solutions of iodine and potassa until the former loses its colour. 
A solution is obtained, from which the addition of water throws 
down a yellow precipitate — the sesqui-iodide of carbon, which is 
soluble ir. alcohol and ether, but insoluble in water. The ethereal 
solution yields large yellow T crystals by slow evaporation. It has 
a sweet taste, and a strong, saffron-like odour. Mitscherlich 1 
considers the taste very disagreeable. M. Bouchardat gives the 
following form for its preparation. 3 Take, of iodine, 100 parts; 
bicarbonate of potassa, 100 parts; water, 750 parts; alcohol, 

1 Traite de Chimie, traduit par Valerius. 

2 Annuaire de Therap. pour 1844, p. 116. Paris, 1644; and Nouveau Formulaire 
Magistral, p. 333. Paris, 1845. 



CETRARINA. 177 

250 parts: mix the whole in a flask, which must be placed in a 
water bath, the heat of which must be gradually raised, to favour 
reaction. When the liquor has lost its colour {sera decoloree,) 
add, of iodine, 25 parts ; heat again ; renew the addition of iodine 
when the liquor has lost its colour; and, a short time after the 
point has been passed at which it no longer changes by heat, add 
a few drops of a solution of potassa, to deprive the liquor of 
colour. Filter, and wash the precipitate produced, which will 
consist of crystalline plates of iodoform, of a beautiful citrine 
colour. The evaporated liquor will yield a large quantity of 
crystals of pure iodide of potassium. 

According to M. Bouchardat, iodoform furnished by this pro- 
cess, will be as economical as any other product of iodine; and, he 
does not doubt, it will occupy a useful rank amongst the prepara- 
tions of iodine employed internally. 

Fifty grains, given by Dr. Cogswell, 1 to a strongly made terrier 
dog, proved fatal; and, on dissection, the large vessels were found 
congested; the inner membrane was closely corrugated, and the 
apices of the rugae were of a rose-red colour. M. Bouchardat 
gives it in the form of pill, united with extractum absinthii in 
scrofulous affections, and of lozenges. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

The dose of iodoform is one grain three times a day. Dr. 

Litchfield 3 used it with advantage in five cases of enlarged 

glands; in two of lepra, and three of porrigo, in the form of 

ointment composed of gss. of the powder to 3vj. of simple cerate. 

Pulvis earbonis sesqui-iodidi. 
Powder of sesqui-iodide of carbon. 

{Iodoform powder.) 
j£. Carbon, sesqui-iodid. 

Elseosacchar. Vanill. aa gij. 
Sacchar. pulv. ,§ij. M. 
Dose. — Fifteen grains, three times a day, in scrofula. 

Bouchardat.* 



LIV. CETRARINA. 

Svnonymes. Cetrarinum, Cetrarium ; Cetrarin, Cetrarine. 
French. Cetrarin. 

German. Cetrarin, Moosbitter, Flechtenbitter der Island- 
ischen Flechte. 

This substance was extracted from Cetraria Islandica, by M. 
Herberger, a pharmacien at Kaiserslautern. 4 

1 Essay on Iodine, p. 122. Edinb. 1837. 

2 Lond. Med. Gaz., Aug. 1836. 

3 Armuaire, &c, pour 1842, p 129. 

* Buchner's Repertorium, B. viii. H. 1, 1837. 



178 CETRARINA. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The coarse powder of cetraria is boiled for half an hour in 
four times its weight of alcohol 'at .883; it is then left at rest 
until vapours cease to be given off, to avoid the loss of the alco- 
hol; when it is strained and pressed. Three drams of muriatic 
acid, previously diluted with water, are now added to each pound 
of the moss; this is mixed with from four times and a quarter to 
four times and a half its bulk of water, and the mixture is left at 
rest for a night in a closed flask. The next day, the deep yellow 
fluid, which sw T ims above the copious deposite obtained, is poured 
off; this deposite is the impure cetrarin, the colour of which is 
more or less greenish. It is now collected on a filter (chausse,) 
left to drain as little as possible, and subjected to pressure. To 
purify it, it must be divided into small fragments, and washed, 
whilst still moist, with alcohol or ether, which deprives it of 
colour; it is then treated with two hundred times its weight of 
boiling alcohol, in which the inorganic matter, that has hitherto 
accompanied it, is scarcely soluble. The greater part of the 
cetrarin is gradually precipitated on the cooling of the alcoholic 
solution. The portion which still remains in solution may be 
separated by the evaporation of the alcohol. 

One pound of cetraria, according to Messrs. Ballard and Gar- 
rod, 1 yields about two drams and a half of cetrarin. 

Pure cetrarin is, at times, in the state of a white powder, re- 
sembling magnesia; at others, in small globules united in the form 
of arborizations, which do not present — even under the microscope 
— any crystalline texture. When gently compressed, it has a 
slight silky splendour. It is neuter, light, unalterable in the air, 
inodorous, and has a very intense, bitter taste, especially in the 
alcoholic solution. Its best solvent is absolute alcohol, one hun- 
dred parts dissolving 1.70 of it at the boiling temperature, but 
only 0.28 at 14° centie. (58° Fahr.) Alcohol, at .830 dissolves 
0.44 when boiling; 0.28 at 25° cent. (77° Fahr.,) and only 0.04 
at 14° cent. (58° Fahr.) It is still less soluble in boiling and in 
cold water, the essential oils, creasote, &c. It is somewhat more 
soluble in ether, but insoluble in the fixed oils. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Muller, of Kaiserslautern, 3 details two cases in which he has 
administered cetrarin. One of these was a quartan, the other, a 
tertian intermittent. The effects appeared to be exerted more 
sknvly than those of quinia, but it seemed to him not to affect the 
stomach as much.[?] Its price must be considerably less, as M. 

1 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap., p. 365. Lond. 1845. 

* Journal de Phartnacie, xxiii. 505. Paris, 1637; and Bulletin General de Thera- 
peutique, No. 18, Sept. 30, 1837. 

3 H. Bruck, in Bulletin General de Therapeutique, No. 17, 15 Sept., 1837. 



CHIMAPHILA. 179 

Herberger succeeded in obtaining, from a pound of cetraria, 135 
grains of very pure cetrarin. It has also been prescribed success- 
fully in intermittents, by Regatelli and Von Lippich. 1 

It has not been given, so far as the author knows, in this country. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Muller gave it in the form of powder, according to the following 
prescription : — 

R. Cetrarin. 

Acaciae aa. gr. ij. 

Sacchar. £)ss. M. et fiat pulvis. 

Dose. — One of these every two hours, during the apyrexia. 

Bruck, 3 suggests, that if dissolved in alcohol, its action may be 
incomparably more potent, and that it may more speedily arrest 
the paroxysms of an intermittent, than when given in powder. 



LV. CHIMAPHILA (FOLIA.) 

Synonymes. Chimaphilae vel Chimophilae Umbellatse Folia, Chimaphilae 
Corymbosse Folia, Pyrola ; Pyrolae Umbellatae Folia, Winter Green, 
Umbellated Winter Green, Pipsissewa. 

French. Herbe a pisser, Pyrole en Ombelle. 

German. Die Blatter des holdenbluhtigen Wintergriins, 
Wintergriin- Blatter. 

This plant is not new to us; but numerous trials have been 
made with it of late in Europe. It is admitted into the Phar- 
macopoeia of the United States, is a beautiful evergreen, and is 
indigenous in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. 
It belongs to the Natural Family EricineaB of Decandolle ; Pyro- 
laceae Lindley; Sexual System, Decandria Monogynia. A good 
description of it is given by Barton. 3 

The leaves have a bitter-sweetish taste, with some degree of 
astringency. The taste of the stems and roots is, in addition, con- 
siderably pungent. Boiling water and alcohol extract the virtues 
of the plant. The constituents, so far as ascertained, are bitter 
extractive, tannic acid, resin, gum, lignin, and saline matters. 
The active principle has not been determined. It probably resides 
in the bitter extractive — the resin and tannic acid, however, con- 
tributing to its effects. 4 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

The leaves of Chimaphila were long used by the Indians of 
this continent, and from them the American physician was induced 

1 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 71. Erlangen, 1848. 

2 Op. cit. 

3 Medical Botany, i, 17; see, also, Art. Chimaphila, in Wood and Bache's Dispensatory . 

4 Pereira's Elements of Materia Medica, &c., ii. 1333. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. 
edit., by Carson. Philad. 1846. 



180 



CHIMAPHILA. 



to employ them. The first regular treatise respecting the plant is 
said to have been a thesis of Dr. Mitchell, published in the year 
1803. ' In Canada, it is said to have been long used in diseases 
of the urinary passages, especially calculus; in dropsy, and in 
chronic gout and rheumatism; its effects appearing to resemble 
— but not to exceed — those marvellously ascribed to uva ursi. 2 
Somerville 3 and Barton extol it as an excellent diuretic in different 
forms of dysuria, and in dropsies, especially such as succeed to 
acute diseases; in nephralgia as a palliative, especially when the 
paroxysms are occasioned by gravel which has accumulated in the 
kidney; and even in vesical calculus. During its use, the appe- 
tite has improved, and the digestive powers have augmented ; the 
patients often experiencing — immediately after it was taken — an 
agreeable sensation in the stomach, and in the region of the' kid- 
neys. Radius* found it especially serviceable in dropsy, gout, 
and rheumatism; and in inordinate activity of the secretory 
function of the mucous membranes — chronic catarrh, phthisis 
pituitosa, &c. According to him, it is contraindicated where 
there is much fever, disposition to diarrhoea, gastricism, and great 
debility of the stomach. Heyfelder affirms, that it appears to be 
advantageous in the debility of the digestive organs attendant 
upon dropsy, but its diuretic effect is not considerable or enduring, 
so that it requires to be associated with more powerful agents. 

Experiments, w T hich have been made in the Burger-hospital, at 
Pesth, and which have been collected by St. Rochus, and pub- 
lished by Windisch, the director of the hospital, are extremely 
favourable to the chimaphila. Within two years, nearly two 
hundred dropsical cases are said to have been radically cured by 
it. Windisch recommends it most strongly to the attention of his 
colleagues; he asserts it to be one of the best diuretics we possess; 
that it does not impair digestion; moderately accelerates the cir- 
culation; gently encourages the action of the bowels, and power- 
fully augments the urinary secretion; that the patients willingly 
take it, and that it induces no nausea. It was administered with 
advantage in dropsies unaccompanied by fever, and not dependent 
upon organic mischief, upon " corruption of the humours or para- 
lysis of the lymphatic textures." In febrile conditions and inflam- 
matory diatheses, it is said to have been always injurious, as well 
as w T hen it was administered prior to the resolution of obstructions 
remaining after long protracted intermittents; but when these are 
removed, and no excitement exists, — more, according to Windisch, 
is to be expected from it than from any other agent, and he 

1 Barton's Collection, ii. 2. 

2 See the author's General Therap. and Mat. Med., 4th edit. i. 276. Philad. 1850. 
* Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, v. 340. 

4 Auserlesene Heilformeln zum Gebrauche fur praktische Aerzte und Wundirzte, 
u. s. w. S. 175. Leipz. 1836. 



CHIMAPHILA. 1 81 

strongly advises, that careful trials should be made with it in the 
proper cases. He advises, also, that its use should be persevered 
in, in order that good effects may be derived from it. 

The author has frequently administered chimaphila in public 
and private practice, and has found it serviceable, where a tonico- 
diuretic was indicated. It is probably owing to its tonic proper- 
ties, that it has been found occasionally serviceable in scrofula. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Chimaphila is given either in infusion, or, what is preferable, 
in decoction; the dose in the day being from half an ounce to an 
ounce of the drug. Where it does not act sufficiently on the 
bowels, Radius advises, that a few 7 senna leaves should be added. 
In affections of the chest, he found the addition of the spirit of 
nitric ether advantageous. Generally, however, he gave it alone. 
Windisch found a combination of it with tartrate of antimony and 
potassa, sulphuret of potassium, muriate of ammonia, squill, and, 
in very great weakness, cinchona and preparations of iron, ser- 
viceable. Radius often administered, also, the aqueous or spirit- 
uous extract. 

Decoctum chimaphilae. 

Decoction ofpipsissewa. 

R. Chimaphil. £j. 

Aquae Oij. (Oiss, Ph. U. S. and Lond.) 
Coque ad colatur. Oj. 

To be used daily in dropsy.' Somerville. 

Dr. Joy 1 adds to this two drams of Liquor Potassss Carbo- 
natis, and directs four table-spoonfuls of the mixture to be taken 
three times a day. He recommends it "in dropsy and chronic 
affections of the urinary organs" as if all these affections were 
identical or even analogous pathological conditions ! 

R. Chimaphil. ^ss. ad gj. 
Coque cum aquos f ^xij. ad reman, f ^vj. 
Coctione finita, adde 

Spiritus frumenti (gm, malt spirit or whisky) f ^ij. 

Digere frigide per horas vj. et cola. 

Dose. — Two spoonfuls, to be taken four times a day, in dropsy 
and gout. Radius. 

R. Chimaphil. gvj. 
Coque cum aq. f |xij. ad reman, f Sjvji 
Sub finem coctionis adde 

Fol. sennae ^ij. et cola. 

Dose. — A spoonful to be taken every two hours. Radius. 

A fermented decoction was used by Dr. Parrish, in the Penn- 
sylvania Hospital, in cases of strumous disease, particularly 
white swelling and similar affections of the joints. According 

1 Tweedie's Library of Medicine, 2d American edit. vol. iii. p. 692. Philad. 1842. 



182 CHLORINUM. 

to Dr. Carson, 1 it makes an agreeable beverage. A decoction or 
infusion is first formed with half a pound of cfdmaphila leaves, 
to a gallon of water: a pound of sugar or half a pint of molasses, 
half an ounce of powdered ginger, and some yeast are then added. 
This mixture is placed in a tight vessel, and kept in a warm place, 
until fermentation is accomplished. Instead of the ginger, or, in 
addition to it, essence of spruce may be used. 

The dose is half a tumblerful three or four times daily. 

J. Par risk. 



LVI. CHLORINUM. 

Svnonymes. Chlorinium, Chlorineum, Chlorum. Chlorine, Murigene, 
Acidura Muriaticum Oxygenatum seu Marinum Dephlogisticatum, 
Spiritus Salis Marini Dephlogisticatus, Dephlogisticated Muriatic Acid, 
Oxygenated Muriatic Acid. 

French. Chlore. 

German. Chlor, Chlorgas. 

Uncombined chlorine is employed medicinally not only in the 
gaseous but in the liquid state. Each of these will be treated 
in succession. The forms for evolving it in the gaseous state, as 
well as the gaseous chlorine itself, have had various names as- 
signed them expressive of their chemical or medical properties. 
They have been termed, respectively, Jicidum muriaticum oxy- 
genatum ad contagia ; Fumigatio muriatico-oxygenata ; 
Fumigatio Guyton-Morveauniana; Pulvis ad fumigationes 
muriaticus ; Species pro vaporibus superoxydi muriatici; 
Suffitus oxy muriaticus ; S. chlorini; Jilexiterium Chlori- 
cum, Fumigation de Chlor, F. de Guyton, F. Guytonienne, 
F. Hygienique, &c. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Chlorine is obtained from chlorohydric or muriatic acid. For 
this purpose, one part of well pulverized peroxide of manganese 
with five or six parts of concentrated muriatic acid, is put into 
a retort, to which heat is applied, and the gas received over water. 
Or, it may be obtained from a mixture of one part of peroxide of 
manganese, four parts of kitchen salt, two parts of concen- 
trated sulphuric acid, and four parts of water. 

Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas; of a peculiar, strong, disa- 
greeable, stifling odour. The flame of a lighted taper introduced 
into it becomes at first pale, afterwards red, and is ultimately ex- 
tinguished. It remains unchanged in the highest temperatures. 
It has a great affinity for hydrogen, so that it abstracts this gas 
from every substance that contains it, and forms with it chlorohy- 
dric acid. Hence it decomposes all the gases that contain hy- 
drogen, and all organic colouring matters, as well as — it is con- 
ceived by many — miasmata and contagious matters. 

1 Pereira's Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap., 2d Amer.edit p. 391. Phila. 1846. 



CHLORINUM. 183 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Chlorine, when diluted, and received into the lungs, occasions 
coughing, and symptoms of suffocation, to which a protracted ca- 
tarrh often succeeds: not unfrequently, too, we observe in those 
who are compelled to be exposed to it, bronchitis and pneumonia. 
Animals soon die when they are immersed in it. 1 In Mr. Brough- 
ton's experiments, mice exposed to it fell dead in less than thirty 
seconds. On opening them, the heart was found palpitating ; the 
peristaltic motion of the intestinal canal continued, and could be 
kept up by irritating it with a probe. The vessels of the brain 
were collapsed. The lungs were tinged with the yellow colour 
of the gas, and the peculiar odour of chlorine was perceptible 
throughout their structure. Coagulation of the blood took place 
as under ordinary circumstances. A rabbit, two or three weeks 
old, was immersed in it, and died in less than half a minute. On 
opening the thorax, the heart was found acting freely, and on 
puncturing the aorta, the blood jetted out forcibly to a con- 
siderable distance. The peristaltic motion of the bow r els was also 
going on. The vessels of the brain were in a collapsed state. The 
lungs were very much distended, tinged yellow, and, when re- 
moved from the chest to a distance, emitted the odour of chlorine. 
The right ventricle of the heart was distended with dark blood. 
The eyes were much glazed in each experiment. "It has been 
generally thought," adds Mr. Broughton, "that chlorine is inca- 
pable of passing the epiglottis" [the glottis] "but from the above 
observations it is evident that this gas enters the bronchial tubes 
in the act of inspiration. A portion of it probably circulates 
through the brain, suspending the cerebral functions without di- 
rectly destroying the action of the involuntary organs, — contracti- 
lity remaining long after the destruction of animal life, as is evinced 
by the activity of the heart and of the intestinal canal" 3 

These very facts, however, seem to show, that but little of the 
gas enters the lungs; probably no more than what passes imme- 
diately preceding the closure of the glottis by the forcible contrac- 
tion of the arytenoidei muscles. When inhaled in a dilute state, 
it is absorbed-; and, according to Mr. Wallace, the urine acquires 
bleaching properties. It would appear, also, that, in manufacto- 
ries, the chief consequences from exposure to an atmosphere of it 
are acidity, and other stomach complaints, which the men gene- 
rally remove by taking chalk: 3 this fact is confirmatory of the 
view, that acidity of the stomach is usually, if not always, depen- 
dent upon excess in the secretion of the gastric acids, the most 
important of which is the chlorohydric. When chlorine is inhaled, 

' See Christison on Poisons, Amer. edit. p. 152. Philad. 1845. 

2 Journal of the Royal Institution, from Jan. to June, 1830. 

3 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. &c, 2d edit. i. 228, Lond. 1842 ; or 2d Amer. edit, 
by Carson, Philad. 1846. 



184 CHLORINUM. 

it is reasonable to suppose that more of this acid may be secreted 
in the stomach. 

The irritating effects of chlorine become less and less, where 
persons are exposed to the fumes, and workmen are able to carry 
on their operations with impunity in an atmosphere impregnated 
with it, where one unaccustomed to such exposure could not re- 
main with impunity for more than a few minutes. 1 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
1. By inhalation. — In the way of inhalation, chlorine gas is 
never administered in a state of purity, but always diluted with 
atmospheric air; often, too, it is united with watery vapour. Gan- 
nal affirms, that the workmen in a bleaching establishment, who 
suffered under diseases of the chest, were visibly improved, and 
ascribed the amelioration to the inhalation of air containing it. 
He, therefore, instituted various experiments on consumptive in- 
dividuals, from w T hich good results, he conceived, followed. Sir 
James Murray 2 also mentions, that a friend of his had observed 
similar effects among his workmen who were exposed to the inha- 
lation of watery vapour strongly impregnated with chlorine. The 
experiments, however, which w T ere instituted at La Charite, in 
Paris, on this mode of treating phthisis, were by no means en- 
couraging; and the same may be said of those at the Hotel Dieu 
of that city, instituted by Rullier. 3 In many cases, indeed, the 
disease appeared to be aggravated. Bayle, likewise, thought the 
inhalation of it generally unfavourable, although he asserts that he 
cured a case of tubercular phthisis with it. Since then, it has 
been recommended by Cottereau. Professor Albers, 4 of Bonn, 
who administered it repeatedly, and carefully watched its effects, 
conceives, that it acts as a stimulant when applied to the mem- 
brane, but that, when it gets into the blood, its effects are anti- 
phlogistic; and he is of opinion, that when there is no haemoptysis 
or violent local irritation present, chlorine inhalations may be used 
in diseases of the lungs and air-passages. Its stimulant effect 
gradually diminishes, and, after a time, the mucous surfaces of the 
lung become less sensible to its exciting influence. In tubercles 
of the lung, chronic catarrh, chronic inflammation, and ul- 
ceration of the bronchial mucous membrane, and in dilata- 
tion of the bronchi, he found it of no service; and, in most cases, 
it could not be borne, in consequence of the irritation it induced ; 
but its operation was very salutary in pure ulceration of the 
lungs, or vomica. It had always, however, to be administered 

1 Christison, A Treatise on Poisons, 1st Amer. edit. p. 616. Thilail. 1845. 

3 A Dissertation on the Influence of Heat, &c, Lond. 1829; cited in the Dub. Jour, 
of Medical Science, for March, 1839, p. 96. 

3 See, also, Pereira, Op. cit. p. 229 ; and E. J. Coxe, Practical Treatise on Medical In- 
halation, p. 83. Philad. 1841. 

* Hannoversch. Annalen, 1836, cited in Brit, and for. Med. Rev. July, 1837, p. 215. 



CHLORINE* 185 

cautiously and experimentally. Dr. Stokes always found chlorine 
inhalations prejudicial in phthisis, as they produced, in every case, 
increase of bronchial irritation, dyspepsia, and arrest of the pul- 
monary secretion. In his trials of the remedy in gangrene of the 
lungs, 1 he found it decidedly beneficial, correcting the fcetor of 
the breath and expectoration, and, therefore, calculated to obviate 
not only the local but the constitutional symptoms. Sir James 
Clark 2 is of opinion, that the inhalation of chlorine has only pro- 
duced relief in persons whose lungs have been diseased to a very 
limited extent. Dr. A. T. Thomson 3 considers it "the best topi- 
cal expectorant, and the most salutary excitant to the mucous 
membrane of the lungs that has yet been inhaled;" and Dr. Chris- 
tison 4 affirms, that he has tried the practice repeatedly ; and al- 
though, like Dr. Elliotson, he has witnessed "such amelioration 
as he never saw before under the use of narcotics or any other 
means," he has not met with any instance where the amelioration 
was permanent. Such, likewise, has been the experience of the 
author. Dr Pancoast informed him, that a case of aphonia oc- 
curring in a young lady, in which there was but little voluntary 
power over the diaphragm, was cured by the inhalation of chlorine, 
after the galvanic plates and the electro-magnetic apparatus had 
been used in vain. 

Chlorine may be inhaled from a common dish or inhaling appa- 
ratus, by dropping any of the acids on a mixture of chlorinated 
lime, so that the gas may be disengaged slowly ; but the best me- 
thod of inhaling it, as well as iodine, is that recommended by Dr. 
Corrigan. 5 He properly remarks, that, in order for inhalation to 
have a fair trial, it is requisite, first, That the apparatus should 
be simple in its construction, and easily kept in order. Secondly, 
That it should be capable of keeping up a supply of vapour for 
any length of time, and that the evolution of the vapour should be 
steady and easily regulated. Thirdly, That it should also fur- 
nish a sufficient supply of aqueous vapour to prevent any irritation 
of the larynx, or lining membrane of the air-tubes ; and, fourthly, 
and most important of all, that its employment should entail nei- 
ther trouble nor fatigue on the invalid. 

1 Dublin Hospital Reports, vol. v. 

2 Treatise on Tubercular Phthisis, p. 84, Lond. 1834 ; also, Amer, edit. Philad. 1835, 

3 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 2d edit. Lond. 1835. 

4 Dispensatory, p. 312. Edinb. 1842. 

3 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, March, 1839, p. 94. 



186 



CHLORINE. 




To fulfil these objects, Dr. 
Corrigan advises the apparatus 
represented in the marginal fi- 
gure. It consists of a light open 
iron-wire frame, about eighteen 
inches high, at the bottom of 
which is a spirit-lamp, A: at the 
proper height above it is an eva- 
porating porcelain dish, about six 
inches in diameter, B: above 
this is a glass globe, C, with its 
neck downwards. In the neck 
of the globe is a cork, D, bored, 
and through the opening is 
drawn, moderately tight, a short 
plug of cotton wick, such as is 
used in a spirit lamp: in the glass 
globe at E, opposite the neck, is 
drilled a pin-hole, to allow air to pass in, according as the fluid 
within drops out through the neck. To use it, the porcelain dish 
is filled with hot water, the spirit lamp is lighted, and as soon as 
the water in the dish has begun to boil, the glass globe containing 
chlorinated lime, (if this be the substance used,) is placed as in 
the illustration. The rate,, at which the fluid in the globe shall 
percolate the cotton wick and drop into the hot water beneath, is 
easily regulated. If it should not drop with sufficient rapidity, 
one or two of the threads of cotton may be removed. Should it 
drop too rapidly, this is corrected by pressing in the cork more 
tightly, or introducing one or two additional threads of wick. 

Eight ounces of a saturated solution of chlorinated lime may 
be poured into the glass globe; and into the water of the porce- 
lain dish, two ounces of the diluted sulphuric acid of the phar- 
macopoeia. As the solution drops, the acid seizes on the lime, 
and the chlorine is evolved in connexion with aqueous vapour." 1 

Chlorine is but little used in this form, and can only be adapted 
for cases in which the pathological condition of the bronchial mu- 
cous membrane, or neighbouring parts, requires the exhibition of 
an excitant. 2 In this way, it may be occasionally serviceable in 
chronic bronchitis ; but its administration requires great caution. 3 
In cases of poisoning by hydrocyanic acid, as well as t>y sulphu- 
retted hydrogen, it is a most efficacious agent. Chlorinated lime 
may be used for this purpose. 

1 London Medical Gazette, April 6, 1839, p. 40. 

3 Toulmonehe, in Revue Medicale, Avril. 1834. See. on the various modes of inha- 
lation. Sir C. Scudamore, in Lond. Med. Gaz., Feb. 7, 1 840, and E. J. Coxe, Practical 
Treatise on Inhalation. Philad., 1 84 1 . . 

3 Archives Generates, Avril, 1834; and a communication on the excellent effects of 
chlorine vapour in catarrh, in Gazette Medicale de Paris. June, 1838. 



CHLORINUM. 



187 



2. By Fumigation. — Fumigations of chlorine have been par- 
ticularly recommended" by Dr. Wallace, of Dublin. 1 They appear 
to resemble, in their action, the nitrous and nitro-muriatic acid 
baths, and have been especially employed in liver diseases, un- 
accompanied by inflammation, but in which there is a disturbance 
of the biliary secretion. According to Wallace, they are more 
certain than ablutions and baths of nitro-muriatic acid, and have 
the advantage, that their application subjects the patient to less 
inconvenience. 2 The good effects of chlorine, in such cases, have 
likewise been tested by Zeise, 3 in his bathing establishment at 
Altona. When chlorine is brought in contact with the skin, in 
this way, it soon occasions a pricking sensation; increase of tran- 
spiration; great afflux of fluids to the surface of the body, and 
sometimes a pustular eruption; increased secretion of saliva, urine, 
and bile ; slight inflammation of the mouth and fauces, and im- 
peded respiration and circulation. Dr. Mettauer is disposed to re- 
fer the action of the compound, in every case, to the presence of 
chlorine, and to believe, with Dr. Scott, of India, who first intro- 
duced the nitro-muriatic acid to notice, about thirty-three years 
ago, (1817,) that a solution of chlorine in w T ater will answer, in 
all cases, as well as the acid. In the last edition of the Pharma- 
copoeia of the United States, the following formula has been intro- 
duced for the preparation of the Acidum Nitro-muriaticum. 
Take of Nitric acid, f ^iv., Muriatic acid, f gviij. Mix them 
in a glass vessel, and, when effervescence has ceased, keep the 
product in a well stepped glass bottle, in a cool and dark place. 

Dr. Wallace found chlorine fumigations serviceable not only in 
hepatic diseases ivith disordered secretion of the liver, but in 
several other morbid conditions, as hypochondriasis, cachexia, 
and in all affections in which a prolonged excitation of the skin, 
and a restoration of its suppressed or impaired functions are es- 
teemed serviceable, — hence, in old cases of syphilis, scrofula, 
chronic catarrh, and rheumatism. Generally, cathartics were 
combined with the fumigations, and the evacuations were con- 
stantly observed to present a highly bilious character. In chronic 
cutaneous affections , as in lepra, psoriasis, and scabies, these 
fumigations have been found useful; but, generally, fumigations of 
sulphurous acid are employed in preference, in consequence of the 
greater facility with which they can be prepared. 4 

Injections of chlorine gas have been employed for the radical 
cure of hydrocele by M. Deblois, of Tournay, and M. Deconde. 5 

1 Researches respecting the Medical Powers of Chlorine, &c. Lond. 1822. 

2 See. on the Nitro-Muriatic Mixture, as a remedial agent, J. P. Mettauer, American 
Journ. Med. Sciences, Feb. 1840, p. 291. 

8 Nye Hygea udgived af C. Otto, 1825, and Hufeland und Osann's Journ. derprakt. 
Heilkund. B. Ixiii. St. 1. 

* Green on Diseases of the Skin, American Library edit. Philad. 1838. 

* Bulletin Medical Beige, Janvier, 1836. 



188 CHLORINUM. 

The gas is contained in a bladder, to which is attached a pipe and 
stop-cock adapted to the canula of the trocar, into which it is fixed 
after the fluid is evacuated ; the stop-cock is then turned, and the 
bladder pressed so as to force the gas into the tunica vaginalis. 
When this is distended, the pipe and bladder are removed, and the 
thumb is placed over the mouth of the trocar, so as to prevent the 
issue of the gas for the space of two minutes; it is then allowed to 
pass, and two or three repetitions of the injection are made, which 
are sufficient for the cure. It would appear, that risk must be in- 
curred from the injection of such an acrid substance, but M. De- 
conde says not. 

Fumigations of chlorine, with the view of destroying the mat- 
ter of contagion, and of preventing the spread of contagious 
diseases, have long been used. 1 As long ago as the year 1773, 
they were proposed for these purposes; and were subsequently 
extensively used by Guyton de Morveau ; hence they have been 
called the "Guytonian" or " Guyton Morveau fumigations ." 
In fumigating the extensive general penitentiary at Milbank, 
Westminster, Dr. Faraday adopted the following method. One 
part of common salt was intimately mixed with one part of black 
oxide of manganese ; the mixture was placed in a shallow 
earthen pan, and two parts of oil of vitriol, previously diluted 
with two parts by measure of water, were poured upon it, — the 
whole being stirred with a stick. Chlorine was liberated for four 
days. The quantities of the ingredients employed were 700 
pounds of common salt, the same quantity of oxide of manganese, 
and 1400 pounds of sulphuric acid. 2 

Whatever may be the virtues of chlorine fumigations as an 
antibromic or smell destroyer, experience would seem to have 
shown that they are useless in preventing the spread of zymotic 
diseases. Possessed, as all the preparations of chlorine are, of po- 
tent antibromic virtues, it was natural to suppose, that they might 
equally destroy morbific miasmata, and therefore be valuable pre- 
ventives of cholera, and other zymotic maladies. In the fever of 
the Niger, they were fully tried and totally failed, and there is no 
reason to believe that they are more effective in other forms. 
Some years ago, chlorine was employed at the Small Pox Hospi- 
tal, London, with the view of arresting erysipelas in the wards. 3 
The offensive smell was removed as usual, but the propagation of 
the disease appered to be unaffected. During the progress of cho- 
lera on the continent of Europe, in 1831 and 1832, extensive 
trials were made with it, but without any beneficial result. 4 At 

1 Link, Art. Chlor. in Encyclopad. Worterb. der medicin. Wissenschaft. B. vii. S. 575. 
Berlin, lb31. a Fereira, Op. cit. p. 228. 

3 Pereira, Op. cit, 2d edit., i 371, Lond. 1849. 

* Dierrach, Die Neuestcn Entdcckungen in der Materia Medica, i. 411, Heidelberg 
und Leipzig, 1837. 



CHLORINI AQUA. 189 

a time when the Cholera Hospital at Moscow, was filled with 
clouds of chlorine, 1 the greatest number of attendants was attacked; 
and similar facts were noticed by distinguished observers in Ber- 
lin and elsewhere. 2 

When chlorine is evolved in the manner above described, it is 
liable, like all the acid gases, to the objection, that it is extremely 
irritating when respired. It cannot, therefore, be used in the sleep- 
ing apartments of the sick, although it may be employed benefi- 
cially after they have been withdrawn, and the object is to disin- 
fect the chamber. It ruins all polished surfaces, but this can be 
effectually obviated by painting them over with a compost of 
starch. The chlorides are not liable to the same amount of objec- 
tion, as they exhale the chlorine slowly. 



LVII. CHLO'RINI AQUA. 

Synonymes. Aqua Chlorinii seu Chlorinei seu Chlorata seu Chlorinica 
seii Chlori seu Oxymuriatica seu Oxygenata muriatica seu Oxygeno-mu- 
riatica, Liquor Chlori seu Chlorini seu Acidi Muriatici Oxygenati seu 
Alexiterius Oxygenatus, Chlorum liquidum, Solutio Chlorinii seu Alexi- 
teria Oxygenata, Solution of Chlorine, Liquid Oxymuriatic Acid. 

French. Chlore Liquide, Eau de Chlore. 

German. Chlorwasser, Wasseriges Chlor, Chlorfliissigkeit, 
Dephlogistisirte oder Oxydirte Salzsaure, Uebersaure 
Salzsaure, Oxydirt Salzsaures Wasser. 

This preparation is contained in many of the foreign pharma- 
copoeias. It is in those of Austria and Anvers ; and in the Bata- 
vian, Bavarian, Belgian, Danish, Dublin, Edinburgh, Parisian, 
Finnish, Hanoverian, Polish, Prussian and Swedish. 3 It has been 
more extensively administered on the continent of Europe than in 
this country or in Great Britain. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
The Prussian Pharmacopoeia directs chlorine gas, made after 
the manner before described, to be passed into the bottles of a 
Woulfe's apparatus filled with distilled water, until two-thirds 
of the water are displaced : the bottles are corked under water, and 
the water is agitated until it takes up the gas. The liquid is then 
drawn off into small bottles, which are well filled, and kept in a 
dark place. In this way, liquid chlorine may be kept for a long 
time undecomposed. In its preparation, some little chlorohydric 
acid is formed, so that it has at times to be purified by treating it 
with a solution of nitrate of silver. 

' Albers, Lond. Med. Gazette, viii. 40. 

2 Gerardin and Gaimard, Du Cholera-Morbus, 3 eme edit., p. 110, Paris, 1833, and the 
author, in Report of the Sub-Committee on Cleansing the city (Philad.,) p. 15, Phila. 
1849. 3 Pharmacopee Universelle, i. 405. Paris, 1626. 

13 



190 CHLORINI AQUA. 

The process of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia is similar to this. 
That of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia differs; and is as follows: 
Take of Chloride of sodium, sixty grains ; Sulphuric acid (com- 
mercial,) two fluidrams; Red oxide of lead, three hundred and 
fifty grains; Water, eight fluidounces. Triturate the chloride of 
sodium and oxide together ; put them into the water contained in 
a bottle with a glass stopper; add the acid, and agitate occasionally 
till the red oxide becomes almost white. Allow the insoluble 
matter to subside before using the liquid. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 
From experiments made by Orfila 1 on dogs, it appears, that 
considerable doses of a moderately concentrated solution of chlorine 
prove fatal by exciting, sooner or later, inflammation of the 
stomach, accompanied with great languor; and when death takes 
place very rapidly, signs of organic alteration are met with in the 
stomach. In its action on the economy, chlorine is closely allied 
to the acids, and especially to the chlorohydric. Introduced into 
the stomach in moderate doses, solution of chlorine excites an 
agreeable feeling of warmth, which soon spreads over the whole 
of the body : in strong doses, according to L. W. Sachs, a kind of 
intoxicating stupor is induced by it, soon succeeded by prostration. 
It has been conceived to act equably as a moderate excitant of 
the nervous system, and thereby to moderate inordinate action in any 
part ; and is, to a certain extent, antiphlogistic, without possessing 
any of the debilitating qualities of the antiphlogistics proper. 
In the opinion of some of the German pathologists, it powerfully 
stimulates the organic actions, especially the lymphatic and glandu- 
lar systems, moderating inordinate secretion. Its antiseptic pro- 
perties are likewise considerable. It would appear, however, that 
the number of observations has not been sufficiently great — 
although they have been by no means few — to allow of any com- 
prehensive appreciation of its exact modus operandi on the hu- 
man organism. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
Although solution of chlorine is properly no new remedy, it is 
only of late years that it has been frequently administered. At 
the present clay, in some countries, it is in common use. It is not 
long since Meurer maintained, that it is impossible to administer 
chlorine internally, and that in every case in which it was believed 
to have been given, the article really taken was chlorohydric or 
muriatic acid ; for, owing to the affinity of chlorine for hydro- 
gen, whenever any union takes place between it and organic mat- 
ters, the chlorine, he affirmed, disappears, and chlorohydric acid 
alone exists, as he had proved by repeated experiments. In this 

1 Toxicologic Generate, i. 141. 

Q Riecke, Die neuern Arzneiroittel, u. s, w. S. 30, Stuttgart, 1837. 



CHLORINI AQUA. 191 

assertion, however, he was opposed by many observers. Herzog 
and Barmann came forward with experiments, to show that Meu- 
rer had gone too far in his deductions ; and, from all the experi- 
ments, it would appear, that in prescribing aqua chlorini many 
mistakes had been, and — we may add — still are, committed. From 
Barwald's experiments, it would appear, that if water which has 
rested on aromatic or other vegetable substances be chosen for the 
dilution of the solution of chlorine instead of distilled water, a dif- 
ference is produced in the rapidity of the decomposition. In a 
mixture of aqua chlorini, distilled water, and simple syrup, the de- 
composition takes place tardily ; but if, in place of syrup, a muci- 
laginous juice be substituted — for example, the syrupus althaeee — 
acids are speedily formed; as well as when a decoction of althaea 
is substituted for distilled water; whereas a mixture of decoction 
of salep, (gr. v. to water gj.) syrup, and aqua chlorini, in well 
stopped bottles, remained undecomposed above twenty -four hours. 
In these experiments, however, the persistence of the smell and 
taste of the chlorine exhibited, that the whole of it had not been con- 
verted into chlorohydric acid. In the same manner as in the case 
of the decoction of marsh-mallows, the addition of infusum sennse 
and infusum Valerianae, as well as of the solutions of extracts, and 
especially of liquorice, destroyed the smell of the aqua chlorini in- 
stantaneously, even when the taste of chlorine could still be de- 
tected. When the solution was combined with remedial agents 
that contained much colouring matter, the decomposition took 
place with great rapidity. From the results of these experiments, 
Barwald advises aqua chlorini to be given in admixture with dis- 
tilled water and simple syrup, as in this way only can we be sure 
that the patient has taken the chlorine undecomposed. Herzog 
lays it down as a rule, that the solution of chlorine should only be 
mixed with colourless transparent substances — w T ater, simple syrup, 
gum Arabic or decoction of salep. 

In respect to its administration in disease, it may be well to 
speak first of its internal use, which, in several morbid conditions, 
seems to have rendered good, and in some cases eminent, service. 
The following are the diseases in which it has been chiefly recom- 
mended : — 

Irritative fever, — as in the violent irritative fever that occurs 
during the period of dentition; in which it has been administered 
with great success by Kopp, Mehlhausen, Goden, Trusen, and 
Riecke. 1 Dangerous determinations to the head have been, in 
this way, obviated, along with the unpleasant complications which 
are apt to be occasioned thereby. ToeP exhibited it in convul- 
sions during dentition, which were accompanied by too great ac- 
tivity of vessels ; and he affirms, that he has prescribed no remedy, 
which, in all respects, answered so well. 

1 Op. cit. S. 30. 2 Archiv. <]. med. Eifahrung. Marz und April, 1825. 



192 CHLORINI AQUA. 

Nervous fever, especially when tending to the putrid character. 
In the plague, according to Wagner, it is of no avail ; but in 
putrid fever, according to Kopp, it is highly useful. Spangenberg 
observed good effects from it in an epidemic tophus with hepatic 
derangement. It is likewise extolled in typhus by Wolf, Braun, 
Hufeland, and others; and by Sacco in the fever called petechial, — 
itself a typhus. Of late, it has been much used in Germany in 
typhus abdominalis, which corresponds to our typhoid fever, to 
oppose the origin and development of the intestinal ulcerations; 
but when the disease is farther advanced it has been found useless. 
It is especially recommended in this disease by Clemens, but he 
commonly premised the use of an emetic. Trusen considers the 
emetic unnecessary. He first applies leeches to the epigastrium, 
and then prescribes immediately aqua chlorini in considerable 
doses ; — in lighter cases, a dram every two hours ; and if the 
disorder of the head be already great, the tongue chapped and the 
peculiar expression of countenance present, he gives two drams 
every two hours. Bartels is less satisfied with the action of 
chlorine in abdominal typhus. It raises, he says, the sinking 
powers very speedily, but often excites the sanguiferous system, 
and not unfrequently increases the abdominal symptoms so palpa- 
bly, that the physician is compelled to have recourse to other 
agents. Riecke 1 thinks, however, that it may be of essential ser- 
vice in this disease, which so frequently mocks the best directed 
efforts of the practitioner; and he suggests, that farther experi- 
ments are highly desirable, especially as those instituted by Trusen 
and others are not free from objection, by reason of their having 
associated substances with chlorine that quickly decompose it. 

Carhunculus malignus (Milz bra ndkar bunkel.) — In the 
variety of malignant anthrax caused by handling the skins of cat- 
tle, the internal and external use of chlorine has been found of 
essential service by EttmiJller, Herbst, Stumpf, and Hoffmann. 
The benefit derived from its use externally, in this and similar 
affections, induced Dr. Cramer 3 to try its effects on bad furuncu- 
lous swellings, the progress of which was surprisingly expedited, 
and the extension of the ulceration much limited, compared with 
what occurs under the use of poultices. 

Scarlatina.— Pfeufer,Wendt, Kopp, and Trusen extol it highly 
in this disease for which, on theoretical grounds, it would seem 
to be appropriate, by reason of the great turmoil in the san- 
guiferous system, — indicated by rapidity of pulse and inordinate 
evolution of heat, which bear but little direct ratio to the degree 
of vital energy. Braithwaite, who, it is asserted, was one of the 
earliest, if not the earliest, that advised- chlorine in scarlatina, sup- 

1 Op. cit. S. 33. 
' 2 Casper's Wochenschrift, No. 8, cited in Brit, and Foreign Medico-Chirurg. Rev. 
July, 1850, p. 276. 



CHLORINI AQUA. 193 

posed that it acted as specifically as the bark in intermittent, or 
mercury in syphilis ! and Trusen asserts that it may be advan- 
tageously used in cases where other remedies have been found 
ineffectual. It is especially recommended by Braun and Spiritus 
in malignant scarlatina. Dr. Watson 1 says, that from several dis- 
tinct and highly respectable sources, chlorine has been strongly 
pressed upon his notice as a most valuable remedy in the severest 
forms of scarlatina. His informants have stated, that whereas 
they formerly dreaded to be summoned to cases of that disease, 
they now, having had experience of the virtues of chlorine, felt no 
misgivings in undertaking its treatment. Dr. Watson himself has 
not had opportunities enough for trying it to speak confidently of 
its sanative power, but presumes that its disinfecting properties may 
account in part for the good it does. It probably deprives the 
foul secretions of their noxious quality. The author has often used 
it, but, in highly malignant forms of the disease, like every other 
agent, it fails. He gives it internally ; sponges the surface with 
it ; and employs it, or a solution of chlorinated lime or chlorinated 
soda, as a gargle. Dr. Cramer saw great relief follow its applica- 
tion to the neck, in a case of this disease in a child, in which 
suffocation was impending. He kept compresses well soaked in it 
to the part. 

In other febrile affections — small-pox, measles, rubeola, &c. — 
it has been prescribed with advantage ; and Dr. Schneider 2 strongly 
recommends it as a gargle in small-pox and angina. He applies 
it diluted with water, and finds it exert a remarkable ectrotic effect 
over variola when affecting the tongue and throat; and over an- 
gina in general. In putrid dysentery, (faulige Ruhr,) it is 
extolled by Nysten and Kopp; and in intermittent, by Kopp and 
Kretschmar. Trusen recommends it in the irregular, and espe- 
cially in the anticipating forms, where danger exists of their be- 
coming continued. Under its use, he found the paroxysms become 
regular, with perfect apyrexia, so that the ordinary febrifuges could 
be given advantageously. In gastric fever, Trusen trusted to it 
solely for the removal of the disease ; he found that it corrected the 
morbid secretions from the mucous membrane of the digestive tube. 
Other physicians have also derived equally favourable results from 
its administration in that malady. 

In gastromalacia, it has been prescribed by Rhades, Blasius, 
and Winter, but as Riecke, 3 — from whom this detail of the expe- 
rience of the German practitioners has been chiefly taken, — properly 
observes, farther observation is necessary before we can decide as 
to its efficacy in such cases. 

In erysipelas, especially of children, it has been recommended 
by Kopp. 

1 Lectures on the Principles and Practice of Physic, 2d Amer. edit., p. 1024. Philad. 
1845. 

2 Cramer, Op. cit. 3 Op. cit. S. 34. 



194 CHLORINI AQUA. 

In inflammation of the liver, favourable results were obtained 
from it in the Children's Hospital at St. Petersburg; and it exhi- 
bited, in these cases, the analogy to calomel in its action, which 
has been pointed out by many observers. 

In hydrophobia, it has been used both internally and externally 
as a preventive, especially by the Italian physicians Brera, Previ- 
tali, 1 Ghisaldoni, Agliati, Arrigoni, Narcisi, and Anelli, whose 
experience is in its favour. Wendelstadt and Ruppius have like- 
wise published favourably regarding it. It is obvious, however, 
that much fallacy may arise as to the precise agency of reputed 
preventives. Every one, for example, who may be bitten by a 
mad dog is not attacked with hydrophobia; and, unless great cau- 
tion be used, any article may be regarded as a preventive. This 
is the main reason why we have so many preventives of this and 
other diseases. 

Solution of chlorine has been advised by Ruppius and Mertzdorf 
in dropsy, especially such as supervenes on the acute exanthemata. 

In the diathesis phthisica, it has been recommended by Goden, 
and has been affirmed to moderate the hectic in phthisis, and to 
make the remissions more marked. In these cases, it requires 
to be given in large doses, and to be exhibited for a considerable 
time. 

In many cases of chronic cutaneous affections with diminished 
plastic energy, it has been used with success by Kopp. 

In noma or cancrum oris, and in fcetor of the mouth, it has 
been recommended internally as well as topically; and, according 
to the experiments of Persoz, Nonat, and others, it renders emi- 
nent service in cases of poisoning by hydrocyanic acid. 

Externally, it is used either pure, diluted with water, or in com- 
bination with oil. Godier affirms, that he cured strumous swell- 
ings of the glands by a cerate of chlorine. Eisenmann, Culle- 
rier, and Blache recommend it — at times pure, at others diluted — 
in the way of injection, in gonorrhoea and leucorrhcea. It is em- 
ployed, also, in flabby, putrid, and offensive ulcers, in carbuncu- 
lus malignus, and in chronic cutaneous affections — as tinea capitis, 
itch (Deimann,) herpes (Alibert,) asthenic aphthce, &c. 

In large abscesses and in buboes, great advantage was derived 
by Mr. Cramer 2 from its external use. The matter was at times 
absorbed, and when this was not the case, the progress of the case 
was still very favourably influenced. 

Lastly: ablution with a solution of chlorine, or of the chlorides, 
has been advised as a preventive of venereal infection. In can- 
cerous ulcers, it corrects the unpleasant odour, and excites a new 
action in the part, causing the secretion of better pus: farther than 
this, we cannot expect much from it. Baths of it are recommended 
by Wagner as an excellent means for preventing the plague. 

1 Pratiche Osservazioni sulT Idrofobia, &c. Milan, 1820. 2 Op. cit. 



CHLORINI AQUA. 195 

Schonlein advises, that in scarlatina the whole surface of the body 
should be washed with a mixture of aqua chlorini and water, which 
he prefers to ablution with cold water. 

Finally : aqua chlorini is occasionally sprinkled in the sick cham- 
ber, to purify the atmosphere during the prevalence of contagious 
or other diseases. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

As already remarked, whenever aqua chlorini is prescribed, its 
facility of decomposition must be borne in mind. It is, for this 
reason, best to prescribe it, for internal administration, with water 
only, 1 or at most with the addition of simple syrup. For exter- 
nal use, water alone should be associated with it. As to the pre- 
cise mode in which chlorine is affected by fatty substances, we have 
as yet no accurate knowledge; it maybe calculated, however, that 
part undergoes decomposition. Such combinations have, notwith- 
standing, been found useful. 

The solution should never be prescribed in quantity larger than 
is necessary for twenty-four hours, as by frequently opening the 
vessel in which it is contained, decomposition readily ensues. The 
vessel should be put in a dark place, and be surrounded by black 
paper. 

The average dose for an adult, in the twenty-four hours, may be 
fixed at an ounce, although much larger quantities may be given 
without inconvenience. It is scarcely necessary to say that the 
precise dose must vary with the degree of concentration. 

Unguentum chlorini. 

Ointment of chlorine. 

Unguentum oxygenatum ex tempore parandum. 
R. Aquas chlorin. p. j. 
Adipis p. viij. M. 

Used in itch. Pharmacopoeia of Austria. 

Linimentum aquae chlorini. 

Liniment of chlorine. 

R. Aquae chlorin. f gj. 
Oleioliveef §j. M. 

Externally, in obstinate itch, tinea capitis, and herpes. 

Deimann 8f G. A. Richter. 

R. Cerse albse gij. 
Leni calor. liquef. adde 

01. amygdal. q. s. 
ut fiat linimentum cui refrig. adde 
Aq. chlorin. giss. M. 
Used externally in ulcers, Ludwig. 

i Lepage, Journ. de Chiraie Med. cited in Encyclop. des Sciences Med. Janv. 1842. 
p. 22. 



196 CHLOROFORMUM. 

Gargarisma aqnse chlorini. 

Gargle of chlorine. 

R. Tragac. pulv. gr. xij. 
Aquse f Jiv. 

Aquae chlorin. t 

Syrup, aa. f £ss. M. 
To be used as a gargle in ulceration and chronic inflammation 
of the mouth and fauces. Ratier. 1 



LVIII. CHLOROFORMUM. 

Synonymes. Chloroforma, Carboneum chloratum, Superchloridum for- 
mylicura, Chloroform, improperly called, by some, Chloric ether, 2 and 
Terchloride of Carbon. 

French. Chloroforme. 

German. Chloroform, Formylsuperchlorid. 

This preparation, which was admitted into the Supplement of 
the last edition of this work, has acquired fresh interest, in conse- 
quence of its introduction and extensive employment as an anaes- 
thetic in the same cases'as sulphuric ether ; which it has indeed, in 
the practice of many, wholly supplanted. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Chloroform was discovered separately and about the same period 
by Mr. Guthrie, 3 M. Soubeiran, 4 and Liebig. 5 It is obtained in 
the following manner, according to the process of Mr. Guthrie. 
Into a clean copper still put three pounds of chlorinated lime, and 
two gallons of well flavoured alcohol, s. g. -844, and distil. 
Watch the process, and when the product ceases to come over 
highly sweet and aromatic, remove and cork it up closely in glass 
vessels. The remainder of the spirit should be distilled off for a 
new operation. These proportions are not essential : if more 
chlorinated lime be used, the ethereal product will be increased ; 
nor is it necessary that the proof of the spirit should be very high. 
Mr. Guthrie says he " has commonly used the above proportions 
and proof, and has every reason to be satisfied with them." From 
the above quantity he has commonly obtained about a gallon of 
ethereal spirit. 

It may be obtained also in the following manner. 6 One part of 
hydrate of lime is suspended in 24 parts of cold water, and 
chlorine is passed through the mixture until nearly the whole lime 
is dissolved. A little more hydrate is then added to restore the 

1 Formulaire Pratique des Hopitaux Civils de Paris, 3eme edition. Paris, 1827. 
5 Dierbach, Die neuesten Entdeckungen in der Materia Medica, iii. 930, Heidelberg, 
und Leipzig, 1847. 

3 Silliman's Journal, xxi. 64, Jan. 1832. "*"" 

4 Annales de Chimie et de Physique, xlviii. 131. Paris, 1831. 
' Ibid. xlix. 146. Paris, 1832. 

« Fownes, Elementary Chemistry, p. 339. Philad. 1845. 



CHLOROFORMUM. 197 

alkaline reaction : the clear liquid is mixed with one part of alcohol 
v or wood spirit, and after an interval of 24 hours is cautiously dis- 
tilled in a very spacious vessel. A watery liquid containing a 
little spirit, and a heavy oil collect in the receiver ; the latter, 
which is the chloroform, is agitated with water, digested with 
chloride of calcium, and rectified in a water bath. 

The most fragrant form is obtained by the action of chlorinated 
lime on alcohol. Dr. Christison 1 gives the following mode of pre- 
paring the article, which he and others have used so successfully 
as an anaesthetic. One pound avoirdupois of bleaching powder, 
with three pounds of water and three ounces of rectified spirit, 
yields, by distillation in a roomy vessel, about nine fluidrams of 
crude chloroform of the density 1*220. After this, the residuum 
begins suddenly to froth up. The crude chloroform, which is 
covered in the receiver by a stratum of weak spirit, is purified by 
shaking with it half its volume of sulphuric acid, gradually added ; 
and water and alcohol being thus removed, the strong chloroform 
is freed of a little sulphuric acid by redistilling it from milk of 
lime or baryta. The product, which is pure chloroform, if the 
process be well conducted, amounts to about half a fluidounce. Dr. 
Christison has not found the quantity to be increased, as some 
have represented, by increasing the quantity of alcohol. 

Chloroform is a transparent, colourless fluid, of the specific 
gravity 1*480 ; of a peculiar, fragrant, ethereal odour, resembling 
that of apples; and of an ethereal, slightly acrid, intensely sweet, 
taste. It speedily evaporates; and boils at 140° Fahr. It is 
readily soluble in alcohol and ether, but only in 2000 parts of 
water. It dissolves volatile oils, camphor, caoutchouc, wax, and 
resins. Its most frequent adulteration is with alcohol, which is 
easily detected by the reduction of its density. 

Dr. W. Gregory, 2 however, ascribes the injurious effects of the 
chloroform in ordinary use to the presence of certain volatile oily 
impurities, which must be removed before it can be safely em- 
ployed. These oils contain chlorine, have a disagreeable smell, 
and, when inspired or smelt, cause distressing headache and sick- 
ness. The test recommended by Dr. Gregory for these impuri- 
ties is to agitate the chloroform with sulphuric acid, which should 
be quite colourless, pure, and of the full density of 1*840 at least. 
This, when agitated with impure chloroform, becomes yellow or 
brown, from its action on the oils, which it chars and destroys. 
Any change of colour is readily seen by the contact with the 
colourless chloroform that floats above. Pure chloroform gives 
no colour to the acid. Dr. Beatty 3 accords with Dr. Gregory in 

1 Dispensatory, Amer. edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 974. Philad. 1848. 

2 Monthly Journal of Med. Science, May, 1850, p. 414 ; or Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, 
Oct. 1850, p. 328. J 

3 The Dublin Quarterly Journal of Med. Science, August, 1850. 



198 CHLOROFORMUM. 

the belief, that we have thus in our power a very simple means of 
testing and purifying chloroform before employing it. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The medical properties of chloroform are like those of sulphuric 
ether, than which, when sufficiently diluted, it possesses a more 
agreeable taste, so that it is readily taken even by children. Dr. 
H. Hartshorne 1 experimented with it on himself and others when 
in health. He found that seventy-five drops gave him a sensation 
of general diminution of consciousness and sensorial capacity. 
Sight, hearing, and touch w 7 ere made less impressive ; but no feel- 
ing of exhilaration or perversion occurred. He was drowsy. 
The pulse was not at all accelerated; it was, indeed, two beats 
slower in the minute ; and the same effects were observed in two 
other medical gentlemen, from two or three times the quantity. 
One took over two hundred drops. He became very heavy, and, 
in a short time, passed into a sound sleep. In all of them, the 
influence had departed after an hour or two. No one felt as if he 
had taken alcohol, and in none was the pulse increased ; and the 
conclusion with all of them was, that it is a direct sedative to the 
encephalic nervous system, — a sedative narcotic. 

Chloroform is said to have been used with advantage in asthma, 
spasmodic cough, atonic isthmitis, " and other diseases in 
which a grateful and composing medicine is indicated." 2 In cases 
of cancer it has been given internally in the dose of two or three 
drops by Mr. Tuson, 3 and has produced sleep and perfect ease. 
As a local application to the cancerous part its action was of a 
sedative character. He also gave it with advantage in uterine 
irritation or neuralgic affections of the uterus. In such cases, 
he prescribed it internally, but in others, attended with obstinate 
discharge, it ought to be injected as w T ell. In obstinate vomiting, 
three drops have " at once taken effect;" and in such cases Mr. 
Tuson has found benefit from applying it to the pit of the sto- 
mach. In cancer of the pylorus, "it has proved most efficacious 
in preventing the return of the food, and in relieving the pain and 
suffering of the patient." In sloughing ulcers, he has used it 
extensively, and he is not acquainted with a remedy more bene- 
ficial. " In phagedena, there cannot be a more useful local 
application ; but care should be taken to apply it only to the 
sloughing parts." "In fungoid disease, the application of the 
chloride of carbon has been very remarkable." Mixed with 
water, it is said to form a very useful gargle in foul ulcerated 
sore-throat, removing the fcetor, and giving the ulcers a healthy 
appearance. It is also, according to Mr. Tuson, of the greatest use 

1 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, p. 353, Oct. 1848. 

2 Dispensatory of the United States, 6th edit., p. 1242. Philada. 1345. 

3 Lond. Lancet, July 15, 1843, p. 553, and The Structure and Functions of the Fe- 
male Breast, p. 410. Lond. 1846. 



CHLOROFORMUM. 199 

in affections of the gums and teeth, " removing the unpleasant 
stinging pains produced by the exposure of some nervous filament; 
and its use not only gives ease, but removes any unpleasant fcetor 
from the breath." Such is a picture — doubtless overdrawn by 
Mr. Tuson — of the efficacy of chloroform as a remedial agent. 

As a narcotic, chloroform has been given internally in asthma? 
spasmodic cough, cancer, uterine irritation, hysteria, 2 neuralgia, 3 
chronic vomiting from nervous causes, such as that which occurs 
in pregnancy , and in short wherever sulphuric ether has been 
found of service. 

As a sedative and soothing external application it has been 
used in open cancer, sloughing ulcers, orchitis, 4 neuralgia, 5 neu- 
ralgic tooth-ache, 6 lumbago, 7 painful pelvic tumours; 8 and as a 
collutory in fcetor oris; and internally it has been prescribed in neu- 
ralgia, 9 flatulent colic; in cough, as an addition to pectoral mix- 
tures ; and by M. Delcoux, in intermittent fever, who ascribes to 
it febrifuge and antiperiodic virtues. Soon after its discovery, it 
was prescribed by the Doctors Ives, 10 of New Haven, in asthma, 
spasmodic cough, scarlatina, and atonic quinsy, and with favour- 
able results. 

But its most interesting and important application is as an 
anaesthetic agent administered in the way of inhalation. As long 
ago as the year 1832 it was employed in this manner by Professor 
Ives, 11 of New Haven, in a pulmonary affection attended with great 
debility and dyspnoea, which was effectually relieved by it; but no 
farther attention appears to have been paid to it until Professor 
Simpson, 12 of the University of Edinburgh, instituted trials with 
it, and other anaesthetic agents, and found it infinitely more effica- 
cious than any. In his first publication, after having tried it on 
upwards of fifty individuals, he detailed some striking cases of 
midwifery and surgical practice, in which it had been inhaled with 
the most satisfactory results. The main advantages which he 
conceived it to possess over sulphuric ether, were ; — that a much 
less quantity is needed ; that its action is much more rapid and 

1 M. Guillot, cited in Christison, Op. supra cit. ; and Dispensatory of the United States, 
8th edit., p. 1243. Philad. 1849. 

2 Formby, Christison's Dispensatory, p. 975. Philad. 1848. 

3 Mr. Tuson, Op. cit: also Wahu, Annuaire de Medecine, et de Chirurgie pratiques, 
pour 1850, p. 15. 

4 Buisson, L' Union Medicale, No. 4, cited in Brit, and Foreign Medico- Chirurg. Rev. 
July, 1850. 

5 Ranking, Half-yearly Abstract, ix. 219, Amer. edit. Philad. 1849. Tuson, Op. 
cit.; Hays and Bond, Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, vol. 2, 
No. 6; and Laroque, Bulletin de Th6rapeutique, Mars, 1849, p. 209. 

6 Pigeolet, cited by Wahu, Annuaire de Medecine, et de Chirurgie pratiques, pour 
1849. p. 247. 

1 L'Union Medicale, 21 Oct. 1848. 8 Ibid. 31 Octobre, 1848. 

9 H. Hartshorne, Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1848, p. 353. 

10 Silliman's Journal, xxi. 406. '* Ibid. 

12 Account of a new anaesthetic agent as a substitute for sulphuric ether in Surgery, 
Edinb. 1847. 



200 CHLOROFORMUM. 

complete, and generally more persistent ; its inhalation more agree- 
able and pleasant ; and that being required in much less quantity, 
it is more portable and transmissible than sulphuric ether ; — that 
recovery is usually more speedy, leaving fewer unpleasant feelings ; 
and that it does not excite irritation of the bronchial tubes, is 
pleasant to the taste, and does not leave a disagreeable taint of 
the breath. As soon as the discovery was promulgated by Dr. 
Simpson, the inhalation of chloroform was largely employed in all 
cases in which the inhalation of ether had previously been directed. 
Experiments were made by numerous observers, — by Dr. Simpson 1 
himself, Dr. Snow, 2 M. Sedillot, 3 Mr. Wakley, jun., 4 Mr. Gruby, 5 
MM. Dumeril and Demarquay, M. Amussat, 6 M. Gerdy, 7 M. 
Jobert, 8 Mr. F. Sibson, 9 M. Coze, 10 and others, to determine its 
physiological action ; from all of which it appears, that whilst 
chloroform is a much more potent agent than sulphuric ether, its 
action as an anaesthetic is essentially the same ; MM. Dumeril and 
Demarquay in their experiments on animals state, that ether and 
chloroform are rapidly fatal, when inhaled in very large quantity. 
Dogs were destroyed in thirty-five or forty-five minutes, and even 
in less time, by chloroform. When the inhalation of chloroform, 
like that of ether, is carried beyond a certain point, it is capable 
of producing death ; and if not to this extent, convulsions and 
profound insensibility. Certain persons appear, too, peculiarly 
susceptible to its influence, so that disagreeable, and even danger- 
ous phenomena may present themselves, when least expeeted. 
Many such cases have been recorded ; — the disagreeable effects 
being chiefly, — vomiting, especially when the inhalation has been 
used soon after eating ; headache, continuing for several hours ; 
hysteric or tetanic convulsions, and formidable depression of the 
heart's action. The ordinary effects are described by Dr. Chris- 
tison 11 as follows: — When inhaled in the dose of twenty or thirty 
minims from a handkerchief, it speedily occasions whizzing and 
pulsation in the head ; a change in the apparent colour of objects ; 
pleasurable ideas and visions; loss of consciousness, or a semi- 
conscious state, and either soft sleep, or tendency to laughter and 
jocularity, or propensity to incoherent talking, or boisterous tur- 
bulence ; and when this state passes off, which happens in five or 
six minutes at most, there is little or no recollection of what has 
passed, and no remembrance of pain, even although pain may have 

I Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Dec. 1847. 

3 Lancet, Feb. 12, 1848, and May 13, 1848. 3 Comptes rendus, p. 802. * Ibid. 
5 Bulletin des Academies. 6 Comptes rendus, Nov. 29, 1847. 

II Comptes rendus, p. 803. 

8 Ibid. p. 806. See, also, Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, July, 1848, p. 227. 

9 Lond. Med. Caz., Feb. 1848. 

10 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique. pour 1850, p. 38. 

11 Dispensatory,| Amer. edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 975, Philad. 1848. See, also, a let- 
ter from Dr. Christison to M. Dumas, in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 
1849, p. 76. 



CHLOROFORMUM. 201 

been expressed. These phenomena closely resemble in nature 
and variety the effects of the inhalation of nitrous oxide gas. The 
effect on the heart's action is variable. The most frequent devia- 
tion, witnessed by Dr. Christison, is, some increase in the frequency 
and diminution in the force of the pulse; but often no distinct 
change takes place, and occasionally the pulse is strengthened. 
When a dose of a fluidram or more is inhaled in the same man- 
ner, the most frequent effect is the rapid induction of coma, with 
complete relaxation of the muscles; slow and often stertorous 
breathing; upturning and fixing of the eyes, and total insensibility 
to agents which cause, in ordinary circumstances, the most acute 
suffering. The pupils are variously affected, but always contractile. 
Frothing at the mouth is not unusual. Slight convulsive twitches 
of the face and limbs are more rare. The insensibility may begin 
in fifteen seconds, and is rarely postponed beyond two minutes, if 
the chloroform be skilfully applied. It continues usually between 
five and ten minutes, but sometimes for two hours, if the inhala- 
tion has been kept up for some time by renewing the chloroform on 
the handkerchief. Sometimes quiet sleep succeeds; more generally 
a drowsy, dreamy state, but not unfrequently rapid, complete con- 
sciousness and activity. In general, no recollection is retained 
of any occurrence during the state of insensibility. For the most 
part, there is no remarkable subsequent effect ; no lassitude ; no 
headache; no sickness; no loss of appetite; but occasionally there 
is a little weariness or sickness. 

Such is the statement of one who is partial to the administration 
of chloroform. He admits, however, that other results have been 
observed, which he regards as anomalies, depending upon consti- 
tutional peculiarities or impurities in the chloroform. t "I have 
witnessed," he remarks, "violent tetanic spasm twice in the healthy 
state ; and once in delirium tremens, but without any ill conse- 
quence : hysteric agitations, contortions, and screaming, have also 
been witnessed, but without any ultimate harm ; and during both 
of these affections there has been no recollection afterwards of 
any uneasiness. Sickness and vomiting have sometimes occurred, 
chiefly, according to my observation, when "the remedy w T as used 
too continuously so as greatly to obstruct the breathing. Relaxa- 
tion of the sphincters is an untoward accident, which is not so 
frequent as might be expected. The only really formidable affec- 
tion is sinking of the pulse, as in the case adverted to above ; and 
this seems a rare occurrence." 

It is undoubted, however, that unpleasant and even alarming 
phenomena have been produced by it in the experience of Mr. 
Beales, 1 Mr. R. Stewart, 2 Mr. W. W. Gull, 3 Dr. Mitchell, 4 Dr. 

1 Lond. Med. Gaz., Dec. 24, 1847. 2 ibid. Jar]> 184a 3 Ibid> Dec# 1847# 

4 Ibid. Jan. 1848, from Dublin Med. Press, 



202 CHLOROFORMUM. 

Nevins, 1 Dr. Reed, 2 Mr. Tomes, Dr. Webster, 3 (insanity induced,) 
Dr. John Snow, 4 Dr. C. H. Cragin, 5 M. Michon, 6 Delarue, 7 and 
others, and fatal cases ascribed to its deleterious agency have been 
recorded by Mr. Meggison, 8 Dr. R. Jamieson, 9 Mr. Robinson, 10 
M. Gorre, 11 Dr. Anderson, 12 M. Robert, 13 R. O. Johnston, 14 M. 
Confevron, 15 and others. 16 

According to M. Gruby, during the inspiration of chloroform, 
the arterial blood retains its florid hue, and if, under asphyxia, it 
assumes the dark venous character, the red colour is speedily 
restored ; yet by others 17 a highly venous appearance of the blood 
issuing from the arteries has been noticed; and M. Robin 18 ascribes 
the anaesthesia induced by it and ether to their preventing the com- 
plete conversion of venous into arterial blood. Like ether, chlo- 
roform is capable of inducing local anaesthesia, 19 by dipping the 
part in it, or applying it externally by means of lint, — a fact, 
which was noticed before it was employed as an anaesthetic in the 
way of inhalation, and led to its use as a local agent by Mr. Tuson 
and others. Its influence in deadening the sensibility of a part 
has been recorded also by M. Gruby, 20 Mr. Nunnely, 21 Dr. Simp- 
son, 22 Mr. Spry, 23 M. Jules Roux, 24 Mr. Higginson 25 and others. 

No sooner were the anaesthetic properties promulgated by Prof. 
Simpson than it was employed in all the cases in which the inhala- 
tion of ether had been prescribed. It w 7 as given in the various 

Neuroses. In 

I Lond. Med. Gazette, Mar. .1848. 2 Lancet, April 29, 1848. 

8 Lond. Med. Gazette, Jan. 1850, and Psychological Journal, April, 1850. 
4 Edin. Med. and Surg. Journal, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, July, 
1850, p. 169. 8 Med. Examiner. April, 1848, p. 223. 

6 Archives Generates de Medecine, Juillet, 1850, p. 370. 
'Ibid. Sept. 1850, p. 105. 
8 Med. Times, Feb. 5, 1848. 9 Lond. Med. Gaz., Feb. 26, 1848. 

10 Medical Times, cited in Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, Amer. edit. viii. 220, 
Philad. 1848. 

II Lancet, July 4, 1848. See a fatal case, occurring in Cincinnati, in Western Lan- 
cet, Mar. 1848; and another at Hyderabad, in Scinde, in ibid., July 22, 1848. n Ibid. 

13 Cited in Medical Times, July 22, 1848. 

14 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, July 26, 1848. 
14 Cited in Lancet, Nov. 17, 1849. 

16 Lond. Med. Gazette, Jan.- 1849. See, on the injurious and fatal effects of chloroform, 
J. C. Warren, Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, April, 1849, p. 379; and Effects of 
Chloroform and of strong Chloric Ether, as narcotic agents, Boston, 1849; Dr. Snow and 
others, in Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, July, 1849, pp. 274-278; also, a Dis- 
cussion before the Academy of Medicine of Paris, on the action of Chloroform, by MM. 
Malgaigne, Amussat and Guerin, cited in Med. Times, Nov. 25, and Dec. 2, 1848, and 
Lancet, Feb. 2, 1849; and in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1849, p. 90. 

11 Provincial Med and Surg. Journ., Feb. 9, 1848. 

18 Archives Generales de Medecine, Fevrier, 1850, p. 238. 

19 Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1848. 

20 Lond. Med. Gazette, Dec. 24, 1847. 

21 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, June 28, 1848. 
23 Monthly Journal of Med. Science, 1847-48, p. 451. 

93 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Aug. 28, 1848. 
M Gazette des Hopitaux, 7 Nov., 1848. 
2* Lond. Med. Gazette, Jan. 1849. 



CHLOROFORMUM. 203 

Tetanus, successful cases were recorded by Mr. Geo. Sloman, 1 
Mr. R. L. Baker 3 and Dr. E. H. Clarke. 3 M. Forget 4 and M.Jules 
Roux 5 refer to seven cases of cure, against six of want of success. 
Dr. C. A. Worthington 6 has reported a case in which it afforded 
great relief, but did not prevent the fatal termination. 

Hydrophobia. One case of this almost intractable malady has 
been recorded in which it was successful; and others 7 in which 
it greatly relieved the intense suffering from the spasms; but on 
the other hand, in a case by Mr. S. B. Denton 8 it augmented them. 
A case of hydrophobic mania was treated happily with it by Mr. 
R. Y. Ackerley; 9 and one of presumed hydrophobia, under the 
care of Professor Jackson 10 of Philadelphia, is reported as having 
been cured by it. Dr. Jackson inclines to the belief that the case 
was one of true hydrophobia ; but the published details do not 
lead the author to the same conclusion. In 

Neuralgia, it was prescribed w 7 ith advantage, by Dr. Protheroe 
Smith, Mr. Sibson 11 Dr. D. Brainard, 12 and others; and in 

Chorea, by Mr. Harris 13 and Mr. Sibson. 14 

In delirium tremens, by Dr. P. Smith; and it was used with 
great success in inducing sleep, by Dr. Joseph Parrish 15 and Dr. 
Whiting. 18 

Insanity. Dr. M'Gavin 17 and Dr. E. B. Moore' 8 found it an 
excellent sedative and hypnotic; and in sick headache, Dr. P„ 
Smith prescribed it with advantage. It was also given with great 
benefit in typhus, as a sedative and hypnotic, by Dr.Fairbrother, 19 in 

Asthma, by Mr. Chandler, 20 Mr. Greenhalgh, 21 and Dr. Cra- 
gin; 22 in 

Hooping cough, by Dr. Protheroe Smith; in 

Colic, by the same gentleman, and by Dr. Cragin; 23 in 

Nephritic colic, by Drs. Bowditch and A. Stille; 24 in 

1 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., Sept. 5, 1849. 

2 Ibid., May 31, 1848, and Lancet, June 3, 1848. 

3 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, July, 1849, p. 75. 

4 Cited in Canstatt und Eisenmann's Jahresbericht, u. s. w. ira Jahre, 1849, v, 190, 
Erlangen, 1850, I 

5 Revue Medico-Chirurg. Nov. 1848, cited in Bouchardat,Annuaire de Therapeutique, 
pour 1849, p. 101. 6 Provinc. Med. and Sur^. Journ., April 19, 1848. 

I Rankings Half Yearly Abstract, &c, viii. 212, Amer. edit., Philad. 1848, and T. 
T. Smiley, Med. Examiner, April, 1848, p. 223. 

8 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., Oct. 31, 1849. 9 Lancet, July 29, 1848. 

10 Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia for January and April, 
1849. » London Med. Gazette, March 31, 1848. 

13 North- Western Med. and Surg. Journal, Sept. 1849. 

23 Lancet, June 3, 1848. 14 London Med. Gaz., Feb. 4, 1848. 

15 New Jersey Medical Reporter, July, 1848. 

16 Ohio Med. and Surg. Journ,, March, 1849, See, also, Zeitschrift filr die Gesammt. 
Medicin, April, 1850, No. 4, S, 553, 

II Report of Montrose Asylum, 1848, cited in Monthly Journal of Med. Sci., Oct. 1848. 

18 Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, April 4, 1849. 

19 Lancet, Jan. 28, 1848. M Provinc. Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan. 29, 1848. 
21 Lancet, Dec. 4, 1847. <*> Medical Examiner, April, 1848, p. 227. 9J Ibid. 

24 Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, vol. ii. No. 6. 



204 CHLOROFORMUM. 

Biliary calculus, by Dr. P. Smith; in 

Dysmenorrhea, by the same gentleman, and by Drs. J. H. 

Bennett 1 and Dr. Withers; 2 in 

Bronchitis, by Mr. Brown; 3 in 

Cholera morbus, it has been employed successfully by Mr. 
Brady and Mr. Plummer; 4 and in 

Cholera, by Dr. James Hill, Dr. Ferguson, 5 and Dr. A. Bour- 
nonville. R With others, however, as Dr. W. Robertson, 7 it has 
only succeeded in relieving the distressing cramps. Lastly, in 

Feigned diseases, it has been used in the way of detection ; 
but the same objections apply to it as to other anesthetics. 
(See page 71.) 

In regard to the employment of the inhalation of chloroform as 
an anaesthetic in surgical operations, the same remarks are appli- 
cable as were made on sulphuric ether. Wherever a powerful 
anaesthetic, anodyne and relaxant was needed, chloroform has 
been had recourse to, and the highest testimonials have been 
brought forward in its favour by the most distinguished surgeons 
of all countries. On this side the Atlantic, ether inhalation is, 
perhaps, more employed, and is generally considered safer; but 
there are many who prefer chloroform. 8 In obstetrical practice 
it has been largely administered; and the same objections have 
been urged against its employment in a natural process, as in 
the case of sulphuric ether. 9 Since its first introduction by Dr. 
Simpson, it has been extensively used in Edinburgh, to subdue the 
sufferings of childbearing; and it is impossible to extol any agent 
more highly than it has been. " Its effect," says Dr. Christison, 10 
" is perfect, and may be maintained uninterruptedly for many 
hours, without influencing the frequency or force of the uterine 
contractions, and without any eventual harm. It is only when 
the deepest coma, with suffocative stertor, is brought on, that the 
uterine contractions are apt to be arrested for a time; — a property 
which may be taken advantage of to facilitate the operation of 
turning." 

From a careful and dispassionate inquiry into its effects in such 
cases, Dr. Murphy 11 is of opinion, that it does not interfere with 

1 Lancet, Feb. 19, 1848. 2 Western Journal of Med. and Surg., Feb. 1849. 

3 Lancet, Dec. 4, 1S47. 

4 London Med. Gazette, Sept. 16, 1848. 5 Dublin Med. Press, Nov. 8 and 18, 1848. 
6 Medical Examiner, Aug. 1849. * Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Dec. 1848. 

I On the Value of Anaesthetics, and especially of Chloroform in Surgery. See Sur- 
gical Experience of Chloroform, by James Miller, F.R.S.E. Edinburgh, 1848. Prof. 
Lizars, Med. Gazette, June 8, 1849, and the Reports of the Committees on Surgery in 
Transactions of the American Medical Association, vols. Land hi. Philad. 1848-50. 

s See page 72, and Banking's Half-yearly Abstract, vii. 252. American edition. 
Philad. 1848, for the views of Drs. Ranking, Simpson, Roland, Tyler, Smith, and 
others; and Ibid. viii. 241. Philad. 1849. 

10 Dispensatory, edit. cit. p. 976. Philad. 1848. 

II Chloroform in the Practice of Midwifery, cited in Ranking, loc, cit., and Monthly 
Journal of Medical Science, Dec. 1849. 



CHLOROFORMUM. 205 

the parturient action of the uterus, unless given in large and un- 
necessary doses ; — that it causes greater relaxation of the passages 
and perineum, and a greater secretion from the mucous membrane 
of the vagina; subdues nervous irritation, caused by severe pain; 
restores nervous energy ; secures the patient perfect repose for 
some hours after delivery, — and that its injurious effects, when an 
ordinary dose is given, seem to be dependent upon constitutional 
peculiarities or improper management. 

Its value in natural labour and operative midwifery has been 
deposed to by numerous observers; — by Mr. Brown, 1 Dr.Nevins, 3 
Messrs. Clifford, Fearn, Wilson, M. Richet, 3 Dr. Protheroe 
Smith, 4 and by Drs. Keith, Moir, Malcolm, Thompson, Purdie, 
Cumming, and numerous others, cited by Dr. Simpson, 5 as well as 
by Dr. Denham, 6 Dr. Henry Bennett, 7 Dr. Geo. N. Burwell, 8 Dr. 
J. P. White, 9 Dr. Channing, 10 Dr. C. H. Cragin," Dr. Lindsly, 13 
Dr. Beatty, 13 Dr. Trask, 14 and others. 

In labours complicated with puerperal convulsions, good 
effects have resulted from it in the practice of Mr. W. J. White, 15 
Mr. Fearn, 16 Mr. Clifton, Dr. J. P. White, 17 Dr. Channing, 18 Dr. 
S. N. Harris, 19 Dr. Harding, 30 Dr. Keith, 21 and others. 

Dr. Ranking 22 has recently remarked, that if he may judge from 
the tenor of numerous private communications, there seems to be 
a growing indisposition, in England at least, to the employment 
of anaesthetics in natural labour, although he is not prepared to 
say, that the trouble attending the use of the agent has not some- 
thing to do with the objection. In instrumental and other forms 
of complicated labour, he believes they are still much employed 
by the leading accoucheurs of England; whilst, in Scotland, the 
withholding of them, even in natural labour, is almost the excep- 

» Lancet, Dec. 4, 1847. 2 London Med. Gazette, March, 1848. 

3 Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, vii. 255. Philad. 1848. 
* Lancet, Nov. 27, 1847. 

8 Monthly Journal of Med. Science, October, 1848; and Ranking, op. cit., viii. 242. 
Philada. 1849. « Dublin Quart. Journal of Med. Science, Aug. 1849. 

7 London Journal of Med., March, 1850. 8 Buffalo Med. Journal, Nov. 1848. 

9 Ibid. Sept. 1848. 10 Dr. Parkman, Amer. Joum. of Med. Sci., July, 1849, p. 41. 

11 Medical Examiner, April, 1848, p. 228. 

12 Ibid. June, 1848, p. 340; and Report of the Committee of Obstetrics, Dr. Lindsly 
Chairman, in Trans of the Amer. Med. Association, i. 228, Philada. 1848, and Sup- 
plement, containing the favourable Testimony of Prof Channing, Dr. E. J. Marsh, Dr. 
J. C. Bennett, Dr. M. B, Wright, Dr. Moultrie, Dr. Gross, Dr. Jas. Stewart, &c; also, 
Rrport of the same Committee, Dr. Gilman, Chairman, in Transactions, &c, ii. 24 L 
Philad. 1849. 

13 Dublin Quart. Journal of Med. Science, Aug. 1850, p. 341. 
* 4 Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, July, 1850, p. 341. 

15 Lancet, March. 1848. Ie Lond. Medical Gazette, Feb. 11, 1848. 

" Buffalo Med. Journal, Sept., 1848. 

18 A Treatise on Etherization in Childbirth, Boston, 1848. 

19 Charleston Med. Journal, Sept., 1848. 

20 Boston Med and Surg. Journal, Feb. 21, 1849. 

21 Monthly Journal of Med. Science, August, 1850. 

22 Half-yearly Abstract, &c, x. 266, Amer. edit Phila. 1850. 

14 



206 CHLOROFORMUM. 

tion. Dr. Rigby is satisfied, that a sufficient immunity from suf- 
fering may be attained without annihilating consciousness, and 
advises, that not more than ten or fifteen drops should be used at 
a time, by which the patient may have the sensations of pain 
much mitigated, and, at the same time, be perfectly conscious of 
its occurrence; and a similar view is entertained by Professor 
Lindsly, 1 of Washington, and by Professor T. E. Beatty, 2 of Dub- 
lin. It would appear, from the observations of Drs. Murphy and 
Beatty, that the first effect of a good dose of chloroform is to 
arrest uterine action for a short time, so that if the pains be slow 
and feeble, they may be more certainly interfered with; and to 
obviate this result, Dr. Beatty 3 associates with it ergot, which he 
has found to answer a valuable purpose. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose in which Mr. Tuson administers chloroform is from 
one to four or five drops; but others go as high as a tea-spoonful, 
diluted with water, or sugar and water, or mucilage. In neural- 
gic affections it appears to have given the greatest relief in the 
form of liniment, composed of linimentum saponis seu lini- 
mentum camphoras, f ^ij., chloroform, f gj., to be carefully 
rubbed over the affected part; or the chloroform may be applied 
by means of a rag wetted with it. 

As a wash, injection, and gargle, Mr. Tuson prescribed it di- 
luted with water, in the proportion of one or two drams to the 
pint; but as an application to the sound skin, it is generally used 
undiluted — being applied by means of lint or soft rags, covered 
with oiled silk to prevent evaporation. When employed un- 
diluted, it ought to be pure, as, according to Mialhe and others, 
when it contains absolute alcohol it acquires caustic properties, 
and excoriates the surface with which it is made to come in con- 
tact. Dr. Hayward, 4 indeed, ascribes such properties to the chlo- 
roform itself. 

The dose for inhalation is a fluidram at a time, which must 
be renewed in two minutes, if the desired effect be not induced. 
According to Dr. Christison, 5 there seems to be no limit to the 
safe repetition of it. Dr. Simpson has used eight fluidounces in 
thirteen hours, in a case of labour. The patient, he says, ex- 
periences least annoyance, and is least apt to show a precursory 
stage of excitement, when a full dose is used at once. Professor 
S. Jackson 6 has related the case of a lady, labouring under stricture 
of the upper portion of the rectum, with convulsions and peculiar 
spasms, who, by gradually increasing the quantity as the effects 

i Medical Examiner, June, 1848, p. 340. 

2 Dublin Quarterly Journal of Med. Science, Aug. 1850, p. 6. 3 Ibid. p. 8. 

4 Remarks on the Comparative Value of the different Anaesthetic Agents. Bost. 1850 

6 Dispensatory, American edit., by R. E. Griffith, p. 977. Philad. 1848. 

6 Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, vol. ii. No. 6. 



CHLOROFORMUM. 207 

diminished, inhaled, in the course of an evening, two ounces; then 
two ounces more, and another ounce in the course of the night — 
making five ounces, from 5 o'clock, p. m. until 10 o'clock the 
next morning. Dr. Jackson, having been sent for in consequence 
of the mother's alarm at the quantity of chloroform used, found 
her with a feeble pulse, diminished temperature of the body, and 
considerable mental excitement. She remained cold and nearly 
pulseless for forty-eight hours, when the effects disappeared. 

As in the case of the inhalation of sulphuric ether, various forms 
of apparatus have been invented for the inhalation of chloroform, 
some of which have been figured in another work. 1 They are all, 
however, admitted to be unnecessary. A small muslin or silk 
handkerchief, twisted into a hollow cone, or into the form of a 
bird's nest, moistened with chloroform, and held near the nose or 
mouth of the patient, is the arrangement adopted by Dr. Simpson, 
and most operators. In this way, a due admixture of atmospheric 
air may be insured, and the risk of apnosa avoided. When the 
effect produced is greater than is desired, the patient should be 
placed in the horizontal posture ; cold air be fanned across the face, 
and cold water be dashed or poured over the forehead and head. 
Ammonia may be inhaled; and, in more urgent cases, it has been 
advised, that the physician should blow into the mouth of the pa- 
tient for the purpose of artificial respiration, if no apparatus be at 
hand. It has been suggested, too, that it would not be an idle 
provision to have an electro-magnetic machine in operation. As 
soon as the patient is able to swallow, stimulants may be adminis- 
tered internally ; but under the apprehension that the respiration 
might otherwise be farther embarrassed, 2 it has been recommended 
that they should not be given until he has revived in some measure. 3 

Like ether, chloroform vapour has been administered per anum 
by Pirogoff, Bromme, Korner, and Seifert. 4 

Under the names concentrated chloric ether, and strong 
chloric ether, a compound of pure chloroform and nearly ab- 
solute alcohol, composed of one-third of the former to two-thirds 
of the latter has been employed by Dr. J. C.Warren 5 and others; 
but Dr. Bache 6 has properly suggested that, as the name chloric 
ether was originally applied by Dr. T. Thomson to the " Dutch 
liquid," or " chloride of olefiant gas," it would be well to abandon 
the appellation for either chloroform or its union with alcohol. 
Correct names, as he remarks, for the latter combination would 

1 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med, 4th edit. i. 386, Philad. 1850. 

2 C. H. Cragin, Med. Examiner, April, 1848, p. 227. 

3 Christison, Dispensatory, p. 977. 

4 Canstatt und Eisenmann's Jahresbericht, u. s. w. im Jahre 1849, v. 190, Erlansren, 
1850, 

s Effects of Chloroform and of strong Chloric Ethsr, as narcotic agents. Boston, 1849. 
6 The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 8th edit. p. 1245. Philad. 1849. 



208 



CHLOROFORMUM. 



be either alcoholic solution of chloroform, or tincture of chloro- 
form. 

By Dr. Warren, and others, this preparation has been regarded 
as safer than chloroform, and more agreeable than sulphuric ether; 
but if the unpleasant effects of chloroform be owing, as has been 
supposed by some, to its not being pure, it is not easy to see how 
the chloric ether can be safer than chloroform. 1 The preparation 
sold in London and elsewhere under the name "chloric ether," is 
said to be a weak tincture of chloroform, of variable quantity, con- 
taining at most but 16 or 18 per cent, of chloroform, and at times 
not more than 5 or 6 per cent. 

According to a Report of the Standing Committee on Surgery of 
the American Medical Association, of which Dr. Mussey was 
chairman, 2 there are two kinds of chloric ether — the chloric ether 
of commerce, consisting of one part of chloroform to fifteen of 
alcohol; the other, more concentrated, composed of chloroform 
one part, and alcohol nine parts — the latter, the one employed for 
anaesthetic purposes. It is a much weaker article than those 
above mentioned. Cases of the successful use of chloric ether, as 
an anaesthetic in surgical operations, are given by Dr. Warren; 3 
and Dr. Channing 4 employed it successfully in obstetric practice. 
Dr. Hayward, 5 however, states that he cannot divest himself of 
the belief, that chloric ether is an unsafe anaesthetic, when he con- 
siders that it is simply chloroform diluted with alcohol. " It is 
true," he remarks, "that as far as we know, no fatal effects have 
hitherto followed its inhalation; but it is also true, that it has as 
yet been used to a very limited extent, and in all the cases in 
which it has been exhibited, that have come to my knowledge, it 
has been managed with great caution and judgment. But I fear, 
that if it be used with the same freedom that sulphuric ether is, 
we shall soon have to record some very different results. We 
cannot feel confident that it will always be confided to skilful 
hands only, nor by any means certain that death, when not looked 
for, may not follow its exhibition." 

When it comes in contact with the unprotected skin, it acts 
upon it — Dr. Hayward says — in the same manner as chloroform. 
He thinks, too, that it is more apt to induce disagreeable encepha- 
lic disorder than ether. 



' Hayward, Remarks on the Comparative Value of different Anaesthetic Agents. Bos- 
ton, 1850. 

2 The Transactions of the American Med. Association, iii. 323, Philad. 1850; and 
Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, April, 1849, p. 379. 

3 Op. cit. and Transactions of the Amer. Med. Association, iii. 385. 

4 A Treatise on Etherization in Childbirth, illustrated by five hundred and eighty-one 
cases, Boston, 1848; and Dr. S. Parkman, Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, July. 
J 849, p. 42. 

6 Remarks on the Comparative Value of the different Anaesthetic Agents. Boston, 
1850. 



CHLOROFORMUM. 209 

A compound ether has also been employed, which consists of a 
solution of chloroform in sulphuric ether. It was formed on the 
suggestion that ether alone is too slow and uncertain, whilst chlo- 
roform itself is too rapid and hazardous in its effects ; and hence, 
the union of the two, it was conceived, might act more gradually 
and safely. Under its influence, amputations were performed by 
Dr. Cox at the Bellevue Hospital with favourable results. 1 

Sulphuric ether, chloroform, and chloric ether, and compound 
ether are the anaesthetics most frequently employed ; and it may be 
interesting to state the preferences of different practitioners for one 
or other of them, as enumerated in the Report of the Standing 
Committee on Surgery of the American Medical Association, of 
which Dr. Mussey, of Cincinnati, was chairman. 2 Dr. Hayward, 
of Boston, expresses a strong preference for sulphuric ether. It 
is preferred, too, by Dr. Horner, of Philadelphia. Dr. J. C. War- 
ren, and his son, Dr. John Mason Warren, Professor Knight, of 
Yale College, and Dr. A. L. Pierson, of Salem, Massachusetts, 
employ chloric ether exclusively. Dr. D. M. Reese, of the Belle- 
vue Hospital, New York, uses a mixture of one part of chloroform 
with two parts of sulphuric ether, by weight; and when the pa- 
tient is less impressible, chloroform alone. Dr. Pope, of St. Louis, 
employs either chloroform alone or in combination with ether. 
Dr. Brainard, of Chicago, uses pure ether, or three parts of ether 
to one of chloroform. Dr. Washington L. Atlee, two parts of 
ether to one of chloroform, liquid measure. Dr. Howard, of Co- 
lumbus, Ohio ; Dr. Xwitchell, of New Hampshire ; Dr. Eve, of 
Augusta, Georgia, now of Louisville; Dr. Gross, of Louisville, 
now of New York; Dr. Shipman, of Syracuse, New York; Dr. 
Hamilton, of Buffalo, and Dr. Mussey, prefer chloroform ; and the 
last gentleman remarks, that were he to employ any other anae- 
sthetic than simple chloroform, he would select the mixture of it 
with ether — one measure to two, as employed by Dr. Atlee; as 
from several trials he has made, he thinks the pulse is rather better 
sustained than under chloroform alone. 

It appears then that each of these anaesthetics has its advocates; 
and, perhaps, under careful management no decided preference 
need exist. 

The vapours of sundry other substances — of chlorohydric and 
nitric ethers, of bisulphuret of carbon, of chloride of olefiant 
gas, of benzin, aldehyde, light coal tar naphtha? &c. &c, 

1 Charming, a Treatise on Etherization in Childbirth, p. 30. Boston, 1848. 

2 Transactions of the American Medical Association, iii. 323. Philad. 1850. 

3 Professor Simpson, Monthly Journal of Medical Science, April, 1848. Bouchardat, 
Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 107— 11 1. H. J. Bigelow, Transactions of the 
Amer. Med. Association, i.197, Philad. 1848; and Report of the Committee on Surgery, 
Dr. N. R. Smith, chairman, Ibid. vol. 2, p. 213. Philad. 1849. 



210 CHONDRUS. 

have been inhaled, and produced anaesthetic effects analogous to 
those of ether and chloroform, but they are not employed. 1 



LIX. CHONDRUS. 

Synonymes. Fucus Crispus seu Irlandicus, Lichen Carrageen, Chondrus 
Crispus seu Polymorphus, Sphaerococcus Crispus, Ulva Crispa, Irish 
Moss, Carrageen, Carragaheen or Corigeen Moss. 

French. Mousse d ; Ir]ande, Mousse Perlee. 

German. Krauser Tang, Seetang, Carragaheenm oos, Ir- 
ian d i s c h Moos, Irlandisch Perl-oder Seemoos, Geperl- 
tes Seemoos, Krauser Knorpeltang. 

Although Carrageen or Irish moss has long been used in Ireland, 
it was but little employed in other parts of Europe, or in this 
country, until -within the last few years. Of late, it has been used 
precisely in those cases in which Lichen Islandicus or Iceland 
moss has been deemed appropriate. In Germany, the first trials 
were made with it in the year 1833, by Von Grafe of Berlin, and 
the results were given to the world in his report for that year, 3 of 
the Clinical, Surgical and Ophthalmic Institute, attached to the 
Frederick William University. 

Chondrus, which belongs to the Natural Family Algae, exists 
in the Atlantic Ocean, on the coasts of England, Ireland, western 
France, Spain, and Portugal, and as far as the tropics. It is also 
said to be a native of the United States. It is met with more 
abundantly, however, in Ireland, especially in Clare, where it is 
used by the poor as an article of diet. It is thrown on the shore 
by the waves, and is gathered at the time of the ebb. 3 

Irish moss, when fresh, is of a purple-brown or purple-red 
colour, and somewhat resembles Iceland moss; but when dried, as 
we meet with it in commerce, it is mostly yellowish or dirty white, 
but intermixed with purplish-red particles, and resembles laminae 
of horn : it is crisped, translucent, and frequently contains small 
shells, calcareous concretions, and grains of sand. It has not 
much taste; the smell seems to betray iodine, which, however, 
has not been detected in it. When the moss is chewed, it feels 
like so much cartilage, but, by the moisture and warmth of the 
mouth, it soon loses its brittleness. It contains a little chloride of 
sodium. 4 

The jelly obtained from it is transparent and colourless, its 

1 Amer. Joum. of the Med. Sciences, April, 1849, p. 528. Nunnele)^, Provincial 
Med. and Surg. Joum. March 7, J 849. 

2 Bericht Uber das klinisr.he chir. augen'arztliche Institut. der k. Friedr. Wilh. Univers. 
fur d. J. 1833. Berl. 1834. 

3 Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, ii. 874. Lond. 1842; or 
2d Amer. edit., by Carson. Philad. 184G. 

* E. Grafe in Art. Fucus. Encyclop'ad. Worterb.dermedicinischen Wissenschaft. xjii. 
S.l. Berlin, 1835. 



'CHONDRUS. 211 

taste is by no means disagreeable; it keeps several days, and is 
not converted by muriatic acid into mucus, like the jelly which 
is obtained from land plants. It exists in the proportion of 79.1 
per cent., and has been considered to consist of pectin in large 
proportion, and starch; but Dr. Pereira 1 esteems it a peculiar 
principle, and gives it the name Carrageenin. It is easy of di- 
gestion, is readily borne by weak and irritable stomachs, and ex- 
erts a soothing influence on the air-passages and the intestinal 
canal. In order to obtain it, the moss is cut small, carefully 
cleared from impurities, boiled with the selected vehicle, and 
strained. Von Grafe obtained from nine ounces of milk boiled 
with half a dram of the moss, five ounces of jelly ; and as much 
from a dram and a half of the moss and twelve ounces of water. 
The formula, commonly used by him, is given below. To this 
jelly may be added any dietetic or remedial agent, which may be 
considered indicated in the particular case. 2 

Chondrus is in the secondary list of the Pharmacopoeia of the 
United States, — cetraria in the primary; but the assignment ap- 
pears to be arbitrary, as one is perhaps as valuable an agent as 
the other. 3 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Chondrus is used in the affections that are considered to be 
benefited by Iceland moss. As a diet, it is given in consumptive 
cases, and wherever there is erethism in the respiratory or di- 
gestive apparatus. It is sometimes prescribed in diarrhoea, 
along with astringent or other remedies. The jelly has been ad- 
vised as a diet in scrofulous cases. Von Grafe affirms, that he 
has often found it serviceable in hoarseness, dry spasmodic 
cough, consumption, diarrhoea, and dysentery, in the intestinal 
pain which remains after inflammation and ulceration of 
these parts, and after poison has been taken; in diseases ac- 
companied by much emaciation, and in the prostration en- 
suing on serious diseases and operations. In similar affections 
it has been extolled by Hufeland. 4 On the other hand, Heyfelder 
affirms, that he, and many physicians of his acquaintance, have used 
the moss without either good or evil results in phthisis, as well as 
in erethism of the respiratory and digestive organs; and 
Riecke 5 remarks, that as it makes a very agreeable jelly, when 
boiled with milk, and with the addition of a little of the aqua lau- 
rocerasi, it may do for cases where we must prescribe " ut fecisse 
aliquid videamur." The truth is, that it can render no more 
service than other substances that contain a similar principle; and, 

1 Op. cit. 

2 L. Feuchtwanger, in Philad. Journ. of Pharm. vi. 204. Philad. 1833-4. 

3 See the author's General Therapeutics and Mat. Med., 4th edit. i. 253. Philad. 1850. 

4 Hufeland und Osann's Journ. der practisch. Heilkund. B. 77, St. 5, p. 135. 
& Die neuern Arzneirnittel. Stuttgart, 1837, S. 235. 



212 CIMICIFUGA. 

accordingly, but, few prescribe it with any other view than as a 
demulcent and nutritious aliment in cases where such is needed. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Decoctum chondri. 

Decoction of Irish moss. 
R. Chondri (elect, et eoncis.) £ss. 



Adde 



Lact. Tecent. f ^ix. 

Coq. ad remanent, colatur. f gv. 



Sacchar. gss. ad ^j. 

Aq. amygdal. amar. concentr. ^j. 

To be taken in the course of the day. Von Grdfe. 

R. Chondr. (elect, et eoncis.) giss. 
Coq. cum aq. font, f ^xij. ad remanent, colat. f ^v. 
Syrup, rubi idaei f ^iss. ad f ^ij. 
Aq. amygd. amar. concentr. ^j. 

To be used through the day. When employed as diet, Von 
Grafe allows from ten to eighteen ounces of the jelly in the day. 
R. Chondr. (elect, et eoncis.) gss. 
Coque cum aq. font. q. s. ad reman, f t ^vj. 
Colatur. adde 

Sodse phosphat. £iss. 
Syrup opii f gij. ad f giij. 

Dose. — A spoonful every two hours in cases of haemoptysis, 
between the attacks. Clarus. 

R. Lactis f gxxiv. 

Chondr. (elect, et eoncis.) 9iv. 
Sacch. §j. 
Cinnam. cont. 7}]. 
Coque per minut. x. leni igne ; filtr. et exprime. 

BSral. 
R. Chondr. (elect, et eoncis.) gij. 
Coque cum lactis Oj. ad consist, gelatin. 
Tere cum 

Sacch. %\j. 

Amygdal. amar. No. 2. 

To be used in the course of the day, and daily. Hufeland. 



LX. CIMICIF'UGA. 

Synonymes. Cimicifuga Racemosa seu Serpentaria, Actaea Racemosa, 
Macrotrys Racemosa, Black Snake-root, Cohosh, Bugbane, Cohort. 

French. Actee, Herbe Saint Christophe. 

German. Traubenformiges Christophskraut, Schwa rze 
Klapperschlangenwurzel. 

This plant is a native of the United States, growing in shady 
and rocky woods from Canada to Florida. Sexual System, 
Polyandria Di-Pentagynia ; Natural Order, Ranunculaceae. 
The root is the part used in medicine. It yields its virtues to 



CIMICIFUGA. 



213 



boiling water, and was found by Mr. Tilghman, of Philadelphia. 
to contain gum, starch, sugar, resin, wax, fatty matter, tannic 
and gallic acids, a black colouring matter, a green colouring 
matter, lignin, and salts of potassa, lime, magnesia, and iron. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Cimicifuga belongs to the class of acro-narcotics. Until re- 
cently, it is said to have been employed chiefly in domestic prac- 
tice, as a remedy in rheumatism, dropsy, hysteria, and in va- 
rious affections of the lungs, especially such as resemble con- 
sumption. 3 It is noticed here, however, chiefly in consequence of 
the encomiums that have been passed upon it, of late, as a remedy in 
chorea. Several cases of this disease, reported by Dr. Jesse 
Young to have been cured, were published some years ago; and 
at the same time it was stated, that Dr* Physick had known it 
prove successful in many instances. 3 Dr. Wood 4 also states, 
that he administered it in a case of chorea, which rapidly reco- 
vered under its use, after the failure of purgatives and metallic 
tonics. He also remarks, that he had derived the happiest effects 
from it in a case of convulsions, occurring periodically, and con- 
nected with uterine disorder. Dr. T. S. Kirkbride, 5 has pub- 
lished some cases of success, obtained in the same disease, from 
its administration, after free purging had been employed. In 
one successful case, in a girl, nine years old, whose mental 
faculties were much disordered, and who had lost nearly all 
power over both her left extremities, — there being, at the same 
time, irregularity of the bowels, headache, and pain frequently 
shooting down the left arm, cups were applied to the back of the 
head and neck once; stimulating pediluvia were prescribed, with 
friction with salt over the surface of the body, and she was mode- 
rately purged every day for a week before the Cimicifuga was 
begun with. Dr. Kirkbride refers to a very intractable case, that 
fell under the care of Dr. Otto, and that yielded ultimately to this 
drug. He always purges before he has recourse to it, and 
general frictions with salt or the flesh brush, and pustulation with 
croton oil over the spine, he believes to be of much value in 
chronic cases. Dr. Beadle of New York treated a case success- 
fully in a girl eighteen years of age. There was considerable 
gastric derangement, with suppression of the catamenia, for 
nearly five months, from pregnancy. She was put upon the use 
of Cimicifuga, five grains of the powder being given every three 

' Journal of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, vi. 20; and Wood, in Dispensatory 
of the United States, by Wood and Bache, Art. Cimicifuga. 

2 F. J. Garden, Amer. Med. Recorder, Oct. 1823. 

3 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, ix. 310. 4 Op. citat. 
5 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, February, 1840, p. 289. 

8 New York Journal of Medicine and Surgery, July, 1840, p. 191. See also C. C. 
Hildreth, Amer. Journ. of the Med. Science, Jan- 1843, p. 61; and F. J. Garden, Ibid, 
p. 247. 



214 CIMICIFUGA. 

hours, and no other remedy except an occasional dose of sulphate 
of magnesia. There was little improvement in her condition during 
the day, for nearly a week, after which she improved rapidly and 
was well in three weeks. The medicine produced no sensible 
effect. 

Allusion has been made to the employment of Cirnicifuga in 
popular practice, in cases of rheumatism. Like other narcotico- 
acrids, when pushed so as to produce catharsis, and even slight 
narcosis, it may unquestionably be of service in acute forms of the 
disease. 1 Dr. F. 1ST. Johnson has, at different times, selected 
more than twenty cases of acute rheumatism, including the se- 
verest forms, and treated them with cirnicifuga for the purpose of 
testing its powers in that disease. The results were in the highest 
degree satisfactory, " every vestige of the disease disappearing in 
from two to eight or ten days, without inducing any sensible 
evacuation, or leaving behind a single bad symptom." These trials 
were repeated by Dr. Johnson, Dr. N. S. Davis, and others, until 
they had no more doubt of the efficacy of cirnicifuga in the early 
stages of acute rheumatism than they had of the power of vacci- 
nation as a preventive of variola! Dr. Johnson found the most 
acute and severe cases yield to its influence not only more speedily, 
but more perfectly, and with less danger of metastasis to other 
organs, than to any other form of treatment. 2 The author has 
always classed it among sedatives ; and the observations of Dr. 
Davis are in favour of this. 

In some parts of the country, cirnicifuga has become a very 
popular remedy in coughs ; and Dr. E. G. Wheeler 3 affirms, that 
he has found it useful in several cases of severe and protracted 
cough ; especially in the chronic cough or bronchitis of old peo- 
ple. Dr. Wheeler states farther, that by some eminent physi- 
cians, it has been thought to be a good substitute for ergot in 
parturition, being dissimilar, however, in its mode of action, — 
relaxing the parts, and thereby rendering labour short and easy. 
This, however, requires confirmation. 

It has been advised by Dr. C. C. Hildreth 4 in " acute phthisis, 
uncomplicated with much inflammation in the vesicular structure, 
or pulmonary mucous or serous membranes ;" who states, that he 
has " often seen the most prompt action of the decoction alone, in 
throwing off febrile excitement or the hectic paroxysm, allaying 
cough, reducing the rapidity and force of the pulse, and inducing 
gentle perspiration." "In those intercurrent congestions and 

1 E. A. Anderson, and Alexander Vedder, in American Medical Intelligencer, vol. ii. 
p. 296, Philadelphia, 1839. Also, Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Oct. 2, 1839, 
p. 126. 

a Report of the Committee on Indigenous Botany; Dr. N. S. Davis, Chairman; in 
Transactions of Amer. Med. Association, i , 353, Philad., 1848. 

3 Boston Med. and Surg. Journal. Sept. 4, 1839, p. 65. 

4 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1842, p. 288. 



CINCHONIA. 215 

inflammations, so frequent in the second and third stages of 
phthisis, from atmospheric exposures," he states, that he has 
"often seen the same happy influence exerted ;" but the testimony 
in regard to its beneficial action in these cases is certainly wanting 
in precision. 1 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dried root of cimicifuga may be given in powder. Dr. 
Kirkbride administered it in the dose of a tea-spoonful; and Dr. 
Wheeler in the dose of 5j. from three to five times a day. Dr. 
Davis recommends it in the dose of from thirty to sixty drops of 
the tincture, or twenty grains of the powder repeated every two 
hours " until its effects are manifest." It is most commonly 3 
however, given in the form of the 

Dccoctum cimicifugSB. 

Decoction of black snake-root. 

R. Cimicifug. contus. ^j. 
Coque paulisper in 
Aquae Oj. 

Dose. — One or two fluidounces — two to four table-spoonfuls — 
several times a day. 

Tinctnra cimicifuga?. 

Tincture of black snake-root. 

R. Cimicifug. contus. ^iv. 
Alcohol. (.835,) Oj. 

Dose. — Twenty drops three or four times a day. An idea pre- 
vails, that the stronger the alcohol the better is the preparation ; 
but this may be questioned. 



LXI. CINCHONIA. 

Synonymes. Cinchonina, Cinchoninum, Cinchonin ; Cinchonine. 
French. Cinchonine. 
German. Cinchonin. 

Although Duncan, of Edinburgh, Reuss, of Moscow, and 
Gomez, 2 of Lisbon, had endeavoured to separate the active prin- 
ciple of the cinchonas, and had given the term cinchonine to a 
resinous extract obtained in their investigations, the honour of 
discovering both cinchonia and quinia, and of applying them to 
practical purposes, belongs to the French chemists — Pelletier and 
Caventou. 3 

Cinchonia is commonly obtained from the gray or pale varieties 

1 See the author's General Therapeutics and Mat. Med., 4th edit. ii. 196. Philad.1850. 

2 Richter's Specielle Therapie, B.x. S. 325, Berlin, 1828; and Magendie's Forraulaire. 

3 Annates de Chimie et de Physique, xv. 289 and 337. 



216 CINCHONIA. 

of cinchona; the yellow furnishing the quinia, and the red both 
cinchonia and quinia. It is an alkaloid strikingly analogous to 
quinia in its chemical and medical relations, but is not as much 
used. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Cinchonia is obtained by boiling cinchona in alcohol, until it 
loses all its bitterness; the alcoholic solution is then evaporated to 
dryness in a water bath; the extract, thus obtained, is dissolved 
in boiling water, strongly acidulated with muriatic acid; an 
excess of calcined magnesia is added, which, after a few minutes' 
boiling, will fix all the red colouring matter, and render the liquid 
clear. When cold, the liquid is filtered, and the magnesian pre- 
cipitate washed with cold water; it is then dried in a stove, and 
all the bitterness separated by repeated digestions in boiling 
alcohol; the alcoholic liquors are mixed, and the cinchonia crys- 
tallizes as the fluid cools. Cinchonia, thus obtained, still contains 
a green fatty matter, which may be separated by solution in a very 
weak acid. If the acid be too strong, it will dissolve a part of 
the fatty matter, and the intended object will thus be defeated. 1 

Cinchonia may also be obtained by treating pulverized pale 
cinchona by weak sulphuric acid, precipitating the solution by 
means of lime in excess; collecting the precipitate on a filter, 
washing, and treating it, after drying, with boiling alcohol. 2 

Cinchona is white, translucent, crystallizing in needles ; requiring, 
for its solution, 700 parts of cold water, according to Magendie; 
according to others, 2500 parts of boiling water. On account of 
its very sparing solubility in water it has but a slightly bitter taste. 
In alcohol, it is readily soluble, and the solution is extremely bitter, 
as well as the salts formed by its union with acids, which resemble 
the salts of quinia. It does not dissolve readily in fixed or vola- 
tile oils, or in ether. At a certain temperature, it volatilizes; a 
great part, indeed, is destroyed by the operation, yet a sensible 
portion escapes the decomposing power of the caloric. 

In medicine, pure cinchonia, as well as the sulphate and acetate, 
is prescribed. The sulphate is soluble in 54 parts of water, and 
in 6.5 parts of alcohol (s. g. .815:) it is not soluble in ether. It 
forms crystals and tastes bitter. The acetate, on the other hand, 
does not crystallize; and is less soluble in water than the sulphate; 
but an excess of acid facilitates the solution. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
It is not necessary to say much on the application of cinchonia 
and its preparations to disease, as they have been almost wholly 
superseded by quinia and its salts. It is a weaker article, and 

1 Magendie, Formulaire, &c. 

2 Pharmacop6e Universelle, L 414, Paris, 1828.] 



CINCHONIA. 217 

therefore requires to be given in larger closes ; Magendie and Git- 
termann assert that it has been found ineffective as an antiperiodic. 
Bally, 1 Chomel, 3 Mariana, 3 Wutzer, 4 and others, however, have 
exhibited it successfully. 5 Dufresne 6 frequently prescribed it, and 
he assigns it this claim to preference, that it is almost tasteless, or 
at least that the bitter taste is but tardily developed ; and that it 
need not be given in combination with acids, as the acid contained 
in the gastric secretions will render it soluble. 7 He gave it in 
intermit tents, during the apyrexia,in the quantity of from six to 
twenty grains, and found it of marked use in the cases of gastral- 
gia with formation of acid, which are so often met with in 
young females, and are not unfrequently associated with leucorrhcea, 
hypochondriasis, melancholy, &c. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The following formulae have been recommended, but, as before 
remarked, they are rarely used, the preparations of quinia being 
now almost universally prescribed. 

Sympns cinchonis. 

Syrup of cinchonia, 

R. Cinchonise sulphat. gr. xlviii. 
Syrup Oj. M. 

Used in the same cases as the Syrupus quinia ; a table-spoon- 
ful for a dose. Magendie, 
Vinum cinchonise. 



Wine of cinchonia. 

$L Cinchoniae sulphat. gr. xviij. 
Vini Maderens. Oij. M. 



Magendie. 



Tinctura cinchonioe. 

R. CinchonisB sulphat. gr. ix. 

Alcohol (34° or s. g. -847,) f gj. M. 

Magendie. 

Magendie recommends, that this tincture should be used for 
preparing, extemporaneously, wine of cinchonia, by adding two 
ounces of the tincture to a pint of Madeira wine. 



1 Nouv. Biblioth. Medicate, ix. 189. -_ 2 Nouv. Joum. de Medecine, Mars, 1821. 

3 Osservaz. sulla Pratica del Solfato de Cinconina, &c. 

4 Rust und Casper's K rit. Repert. B. xxi. and Bulletin des Sciences Medic. Sept. 1827. 
* Art. Cinchonine, in Merat and de Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. 

s Bibliotheque Universelle, Mai, 1831. p. 89. 

1 See, also, Ganz, in Bulletino delle Scienze Mediche di Bologna, Agosto et Settembre. 
1836, p. 121, 



218 CODEIA. 

Boli cinchoniff, 
Boluses' of cinchonia. 

Boli antifebriles. 
Febrifuge boluses. 
R. Cinchonise sulphat. gr. iij. 
Micas panis, 
Mellis, 
Glycyrrhiz. aa. q. s. ut fiat bolus. 

Dose. — One, every two hours. Brera? 

Mistnra cinchonise. 
Mixture of cinchonia. 
R. CinchonisB sulphat. gr. vi. ad xlviij. 
Potassee acetat. 
Sacchar. aa. ^ss. 
Solve in 

Aquae anthemid. §vj. 

Dose.— A table-spoonful every two hours, in intermit tents. 

Sundelin. 

For the iodide and other preparations of cinchonia, see the cor- 
responding preparations of Quinia. 



LXII. CODEIA. 

Synonymes. Codeina, Codeinum ; Papaverinum, Codeine. 
French. Codeine. 
German. Kodein. 

Although opium had been repeatedly examined by the chemists, 
and certain of its active constituents separated from it, it was not 
until within the last twenty years, that the article, whose name is at 
the head of this paragraph, had been obtained from it. It was 
discovered by Robiquet in 1832, 2 and as it has been exhibited as 
a therapeutical agent, it requires notice. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
According to Winkler, 3 this new alkaloid may be prepared in 
the following manner. Morphia is first thrown down from a solu- 
tion of opium, made in the cold, by means of ammonia; the me- 
conic acid is precipitated by the chloride of calcium; for the re- 
moval of the colouring matter, the fluid is then treated with the 
extract or subacetale of lead; and the extract of lead, contained 
in the fluid poured off from the precipitates, is afterwards decom- 
posed by sulphuric acid; the fluid, separated from the sulphate 

1 Ricettario Clinico di Brera. Padov. 1825. 

2 Journal dc Pharmacie, xix. 91 and 162. Paris, 1833. 

3 Buchner's Report, xlv. p. 459, cited in Journal de Pharmacie, xxi. 251. Paris, 
1835. 



CODEIA. 219 

of lead, is now treated with an excess of caustic alkali; the mix- 
ture is exposed to the air until the excess of free alkali has at- 
tracted carbonic acid from it: it is then agitated and digested with 
ether, and left to evaporate spontaneously, after which a yellow- 
ish, highly transparent, but not crystalline compound remains, 
which forms with muriatic acid a crystalline salt, and resembles 
exactly the codeia of Robiquet. 

Merck 1 procures codeia in a very simple manner. He treats 
morphia, precipitated by soda, with cold alcohol ; the spirituous 
tincture is carefully saturated with sulphuric acid; the alcohol 
drawn off, and the residue treated with cold water as long as it 
is turbid ; it is then filtered, and the filtered liquid evaporated un- 
til it has the consistence of syrup: on cooling, ether is poured 
over it in a large flask; caustic alkali is added in excess, and 
the whole strongly agitated. The ethereal mixture is then so sa- 
turated, that codeia crystallizes from it in a few hours. By eva- 
porating the ether, and treating the residue with alcohol, the co- 
deia is obtained, by degrees, wholly pure, and separated from an 
oily matter, which is a great obstacle to crystallization. 

Codeia, according to Pelletier, consists of 31 parts of carbon; 40 
parts of hydrogen; 5 parts of oxygen, and 2 of nitrogen. It is 
an alkaloid, soluble in water, alcohol and ether; but not so in al- 
kaline solutions. It unites readily with acids, and, with the chlo- 
rohydric especially, forms a salt, which crystallizes with great fa- 
cility. When the crystals of codeia are heated on a plate of pla- 
tinum, they burn with a flame without leaving any residue. 
Heated in a tube, they melt at about 150° centigrade; and, if al- 
lowed to cool immediately, form a crystalline mass; if, however, 
the heat be continued, the oleaginous fluid rises along the sides of 
the tube, appearing to shun the heat; but it does not volatilize. 
When dissolved in water, codeia communicates to it decidedly al- 
kaline properties. 1000 parts of water at 60° Fahrenheit, dis- 
solve 12-6 parts of it; the same quantity at 100°, 37 parts, and 
at 212°, 58-8 parts. If more codeia be added to boiling water 
than can be taken up, the surplus melts, and forms, like meconin, 
an oleaginous layer on the bottom of the vessel. This aqueous 
solution, by careful refrigeration, affords a translucent and uncom- 
monly well defined metal. Tincture of galls forms a copious 
precipitate with a solution of codeia, in which respect, the latter 
differs essentially from morphia, as it does in many other of its 
properties, — as in being soluble in ether, but insoluble in a solution 
of potassa ; in not decomposing iodic acid, nor forming a red com- 
pound with nitric acid ; whilst it is not precipitated from the dilute 
solution of its salts by means of ammonia. 2 

1 Journal de Pharmacia, cited in American Journal of Pharmacy, new series, i. 171 
Philad. 1835. 

2 Ballard and Garrod, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. p. 169. Lond. 1845. 



220 CODEIA. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

As morphia does not represent the whole of the activity of opium, 
Robiquet concluded, that other substances might concur therewith, 
and he conjectured that codeia might be one of them. Under this 
idea, Kunkel 1 instituted experiments with it on rabbits and dogs, 
from which he obtained the following results. First. Codeia dif- 
fers from morphia in this — that it does not, like the latter, paralyze 
the lower extremities. Secondly. It appears to exert a power- 
fully excitant action. It occasions convulsions of the limbs, and 
muscles of the neck, and when it produces death, this seems to 
be owing to its action on the cerebellum and medulla oblongata; 
twice, he noticed S3 r mptoms of backward progression under its use, 
and those parts after death were found turgid with blood. To 
judge from the condition of the heart and lungs, it affects likewise 
the circulatory organs. It occasions inflammation of the tissues, 
with which it comes in immediate contact. Its action is more ener- 
getic, when introduced into the areolar membrane, than into the 
stomach. It seems, also, to exhibit a special action on the urinary 
organs, for animals to w T hich it is given never evacuate their 
bladder as long as they are under its influence. Thirdly. Co- 
deia differs from the watery extract of opium, in not paralyzing 
the hinder extremities ; but it approximates it in this, that it 
acts, as has been said, more powerfully when introduced into 
the areolar membrane than into the stomach, and accelerates respira- 
tion and circulation. Kunkel, however, remarks upon the results 
of his experiments, that they demand repeated trials for confirma- 
tion, as he was only able to experiment with a very small quan- 
tity of the substance. Robiquet observes that Kunkel's experi- 
ments have led to the inference, that when codeia is combined 
with acids, it loses much of its efficacy — the very opposite, by the 
way, to the inferences of Magendie. 

Barbier 2 has taken considerable pains to fix the value of codeia 
as a remedial agent. He prescribed it in the dose of one or two 
grains in a syrup, prepared with the aqueous solution of the alka- 
loid, of such strength that a table-spoonful of half an ounce con- 
tained one grain of codeia. In his opinion, it exerts a peculiar 
agency on the nerves of the ganglionic system, whilst it appears 
to possess but little influence on the hemispheres of the brain, and 
to make no impression upon the spinal marrow. In the epigas- 
tric region, he remarks, its agency is powerfully manifested; 
and here in the centre of the ganglionic system, its effects may 
be investigated, and their extent and magnitude appreciated. 
If a spoonful, or, at an interval of from one to two hours, two 
spoonfuls of syrup of codeia be administered to one affected with 
the symptoms to be described immediately, it will be found, 

• Journal de Chimie Medicate, ix. 223. 3 Gazette Medicate, 8 Mars, 1834. 



CODEIA. 221 

that it exhibits a considerable and remarkable effect upon the 
economy. If the person complains of pain in the epigastric re- 
gion, beneath the lower extremity of the sternum, and stretching 
to the sides and back; and if, with these symptoms, there is com- 
bined a feeling of heat, with indescribable anxiety, marked debili- 
ty, paleness, decided alteration of the features, a sense of painful 
traction sometimes on one side, at others on the other, of the epi- 
gastric region, with tendency to syncope, frequent sighing, de- 
spondency, and more or less sensibility to pressure in the epigas- 
tric region, &c, Barbier considers the seat of the disease to be the 
epigastric nervous plexus; and in such cases, he says, he has found 
no remedy superior to syrup of codeia. He has observed it afford 
decided relief, where the coats of the stomach were manifestly in 
a state of degeneration. A common effect of codeia is sleep : 
w T hich is never accompanied by heaviness of the head, nor by de- 
termination of blood to the brain. When the persons awake 
from the sleep produced by it, the countenance is bright and lively, 
and there is a tendency to laughter. Barbier was led to believe, 
that it does not affect the nervous cords connected with the ver- 
tebral portions of the centre of the nervous system. In his obser- 
vations at the hospital of Amiens, he often noticed the neuralgic 
affection of the abdomen above mentioned to be accompanied by 
pains in the head, loins, and limbs, and whilst codeia relieved the 
abdominal uneasiness, it left the others untouched, — a singular cir- 
cumstance, if true, but requiring fresh observation before we can 
esteem it to be established. He remarks farther, that almost all 
the patients who were benefited by codeia had used laudanum un- 
successfully. Codeia, he adds, occasions no manifest change in 
the circulation and respiration: it does not disturb the digestive 
function; seems merely to diminish the feeling of hunger, and oc- 
casions no constipation. During its use, itching of the surface is 
frequently experienced. When applied to the skin, it induces no 
striking phenomena. When placed, in the quantity of two grains, 
on a blistered surface, it excites a painful sensation of burning, 
without any other change, — the neuralgic pains, for the removal 
of which it may have been thus employed, not appearing to be 
modified by it. 

Dr. W. Gregory made experiments upon himself and some of 
his pupils with nitrate of codeia. None of them experienced 
any effect from a dose of three grains and under; from four to six 
grains, however, occasioned striking symptoms — quickness of 
pulse, sense of heat in the head and face, remarkable excitement, 
like that following the use of intoxicating liquors; agreeable, and 
apparently permanent, stimulation, accompanied by considerable 
itching, which began at the head and extended over the whole 
body. To this succeeded, in the course of a few hours, a dis- 
agreeable sense of relaxation, with nausea, and often vomiting. 
15 



222 CODEIA. 

None of the experimenters felt the slightest inclination to sleep, 
until after the feeling of relaxation. Riecke 1 thinks that these ex- 
periments confirm Kunkel's observations, that codeia loses its 
efficacy when combined with acids. 

In the year 1834, M. Martin Solon, at one of the sittings of the 
Academie Royale de Medecine, when the experiments of Barbier 
with codeia were the subject of discussion, confirmed his views 
regarding its soporific property. It appeared to him to allay the 
cough of the consumptive. He remarked, however, that he had 
not observed the effects on the ganglionic nervous system, which 
Barbier had witnessed. 

Magendie 2 took a grain of codeia, dissolved it in a little water, 
and injected it into the jugular vein of a middle-sized dog, which 
w T as immediately thrown into profound sleep — readily broken, 
however, by any strong noise made in the vicinity of the animal ; 
but the interruption was of brief duration, — sleep soon recurring. 
This condition persisted for several hours without being accom- 
panied by any unpleasant symptoms. The effect was not the same 
with the muriate of codeia: a single grain of this salt, introduced 
in the same manner into the organism, suddenly induced deep 
sleep; but, after the animal had slept five or six hours, it died. 
Several similar experiments afforded a like result. Magendie ad- 
ministered codeia in the Hotel Dieu to different patients. He 
found that one grain, given once or twice, succeeded, in many 
cases, in inducing a quiet and soft sleep, to which no confusion 
succeeded the next day, as is commonly the case with morphia. 
As respects intensity of action, he compares one grain of codeia with 
half a grain of morphia. Two grains often excited nausea, and 
even vomiting. Magendie found the muriate to be decidedly 
stronger than pure codeia. Two grains commonly induced, be- 
sides sleep, vertigo, nausea, and even vomiting ; but this dose suc- 
ceeded like a charm, in cases of neuralgia faciei and in sciatica, 
that had resisted the most valued agents. 3 

Dr. Miranda, of the Havana, has published* the results of his 
experience with codeia in what he calls powerful nervous irrita- 
tions of the mucous membrane of the stomach, and he affirms, 
that he cured eleven cases by the syrup of codeia alone. He be- 
gan with a dram, night and morning, and gradually increased it 
to an ounce in the twenty-four hours. His success was so striking 
that he is induced to " regard the discovery of codeia to be fortu- 
nate for humanity, especially in climates like that of the Havana, 
in which gastrites are so multiplied." 

1 Die neuem Arzncimittel, u. s. w. S. 1 If). Stottgart, 1837. 

2 Fonnulaire pour la preparation et l'emploi de plusieurs nouveiux medicamens. Edit. 
9me. Paris. 1836. 

* Gully's Translation of the 8th edit, of Magendie's Formulaire. Lond. 1835. 

* Journal de Pharmacie, xxiv. 145. Paris, 1838. 



COLCHICUM. 223 

Sy ru p u s codeise. 
Syrup of codeia. 

This is directed by M. Cap 1 to be prepared in the following 
manner: — 

R. Codeise gr. xxiv. 

Aquae destillat. f giv. 
Sacchar. 3 viij. 

Reduce the codeia to an impalpable powder in a glass or por- 
celain mortar. Triturate with one-third of the water, allow it 
to settle and decant. Treat the residuum with another third of 
the water, and again with the remainder. Put the whole into a 
small mattrass, covering the opening with a piece of moistened 
parchment perforated with a pinhole. Heat in a water bath until 
the codeia has entirely disappeared. Remove the mattrass from 
the fire to add the sugar ; cover the opening again ; agitate, and put 
the vessel again in the bath, until the sugar is completely dissolved. 
Each ounce of the syrup contains two grains of codeia. 

M. Levrat, aine, 2 of Lyons, obtained excellent effects from the 
use of the syrup in the " ataxic form " of typhoid fever. He gave 
it to adults in the dose of two drams, and of one dram to a 
child. 

Muriate of Codeia has been used in this city, but it has not 
been found to possess any virtues which the salts of morphia do 
not; whilst its price has been enormous — as much, we are in- 
formed, as four dollars the dram. 



LXIII. COLCHICUM. 

Synonymes. Colchicum Autumnale, Meadow Saffron. 

French. Colchique, Tue-Chien ; Mort aux Chiens, Safran des Pres ; Safran 

Batard, VieilJotte. 
German. Herbstzeitlose , Zeitlose , Wiesensafran, Herbst- 

blume, Wilder Safran, Spin nblume. 

Meadow saffron is a well-known plant in the temperate parts of 
Europe, where it grows wild in moist meadows. It belongs to 
the Family ColchicaceaB: Melanthacese (Lindley;) and to Sexual 
System Hexandria Trigynia. It is avoided by cattle; and its 
active poisonous properties have been long known; fatal cases, 
indeed, still occur every now and then from its employment, not 
only in animals, but in consequence of its too free use in the 
treatment of gout. Reynolds, the inventor of the wine of Col- 
chicum, commonly called "Reynolds's Specific" is said to have 
killed himself by an overdose of it. A case is given of a man 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, xxiii. 418. Paris, 1837. 

a Archives Generates de Medecine, Mai, 1847, p. 112. 



224 COLCHICUM. 

who took, by mistake, an ounce and a half of the tincture, 
and died in forty-eight hours, after suffering much from vomit- 
ing, acute pain in the stomach, colic, purging, and delirium.' 
The cases of two children are also on record, who were poisoned 
by a handful of the seeds, and who died in the course of the day, 
death being preceded by violent vomiting and purging. Consi- 
derable redness of the mucous coat of the stomach and small in- 
testines was found: in other cases, no morbid appearance has been 
detected. 2 

A fatal case has been published by Dr. Blumhardt, from the 
papers of Dr. Neubrandt. The patient, a man aged thirty-two, 
took, by mistake, a decoction made of a large table-spoonful of the 
seeds to three pints of water. He was soon afterwards attacked 
by vomiting, purging, and died two days afterwards under symp- 
toms of narcosis and endo-enteritis. Another fatal case, which 
was caused by the leaves, 3 is referred to in the same Journal; 4 
and, more recently, one, from the administration of the tincture, 
has been published by Professor A. T. Thomson. 5 

Colchicum is not of modern introduction. It is the Hermo- 
dactyl of the ancients. It had, however, almost wholly fallen 
into neglect, when its use was revived in Great Britain, in the 
first quarter of the present century, as an excellent agent in rheu- 
matic and gouty affections. That it is highly esteemed as a the- 
rapeutical agent, is shown by the number of officinal works into 
which it has been admitted: amongst others, the Pharmacopoeias 
of the United States, Austria, Amsterdam, and Anvers, and in the 
Batavian, Belgic, Brunswick, Danish, Dublin, Spanish, Edinburgh, 
Paris, Ferrara, Geneva, Hamburg, Hanoverian, London, Lisbon, 
Russian, Saxon, Swedish, and Wirtemberg. 

Several chemists have investigated the composition of the plant. 
Pelletier and Caventou believed, that they had found veratria in 
it; but, from the examinations of Geiger and Hesse, it appears 
that the alkaloid, discovered by those gentlemen, was not veratria, 
but a peculiar principle, colchicia or colchicine, which is found 
in every part of the plant; crystallizes in slender needles; is in- 
odorous, and of a very bitter, and, afterwards, biting taste. In- 
troduced into the nose, it does not occasion sneezing like veratria. 
It has a feeble alkaline reaction; but neutralizes acids completely, 
and forms with them crystallizable salts, which have also a bit- 
ter, pungent taste. It dissolves with tolerable facility in water. 

For therapeutical purposes, the root or bulb, (cormus,) as well 

1 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, xiv. 262. 

Q Christison on Poisons, 3d edit. p. 791. Edinb. 1836. 

3 See a case of over-dose of Colchicum, by T. A. Henderson, in London Med. Gaz., 
Aug. 17. 1839, p . 763. 

4 Medicinisches Correspondenzblalt, 1840, cited in Encyclographie des Sciences 
Medicales, Mai, 1840, p. 402. 

5 London and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Med. Science, June, 1843, p. 537. 



COLCHICUM. 225 

as the flowers and seeds, have been administered. The fresh root 
has a somewhat disagreeable smell, and a bitterish acrid taste. 
When chewed for any length of time, it excites the secretion of 
saliva and thirst; destroys the sense of feeling in the tongue; 
causes a sense of burning in the mouth and lips; constriction of the 
fauces, hiccup, violent pains in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhoea, 
and discharge of blood upwards and downwards. 

By drying, the cormi lose somewhat of their efficacy. Dr. 
Houlton 1 recommends the following method to ensure their dry- 
ing spontaneously without being sliced. They are to be stripped 
of their loose, dry coats, and the bud or little bulb, the rudiment 
of the future plant, is to be carefully picked out. This part, ac- 
cording to him, has a high vital endow T ment; is very tenacious 
of life, and, unless removed, the cormi will not readily become 
dry: yet, when it is removed, and they are put in a dry place, 
they will dry without any trouble, and in a short time. 

The seeds have of late come much into use. They are inodo- 
rous, but of a very acrid taste. Their agency is like that of the 
bulb, and — some think — they are more equable in their effects. 
To ensure this, however, they must be gathered wholly ripe, when 
they first become entirely black. They have been highly recom- 
mended by Dr. Williams and others. 

The flowers are the mildest part of the plant. They have been 
successfully administered by several English physicians. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

In its effects, colchicum resembles digitalis in one thing, that it 
renders the pulse less frequent, 2 according to Thomson and Willis; 
but, in other, respects, Osann and Riecke 3 think it agrees more 
with squill. 4 In moderate doses, the different parts of the plant 
that have been mentioned act as diaphoretics, diuretics, and 
cathartics. On the digestive organs, they are conceived to pro- 
duce less debilitating effects than squill. 

Sir Everard Home ascribes much of the griping and nauseating 
effect which sometimes follows the use of the vinous and other tinc- 
tures of colchicum that have not been carefully filtered, to the 
sediment which forms in them, and which may be removed with- 
out injury to the desired effect of the medicine. 5 Sir C. Scuda- 
more, 6 however, found the sediment to be inert. Several experi- 
ments were made with colchicum on healthy individuals. In the 
first case, 160 drops of the vinous tincture of the seeds were taken 

1 Pharmaceutical Transactions, July 1, 1844. 

5 Art. Colchicum, Encyc. Worterb. der Med. Wissensch. viii. 136. Berlin, 1832. 

3 Op. cit. S. 142. 

* See the author's General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, 4th edition, i. 290. 
Pfailada. 1850. 

5 Brande's Dictionary of Materia Medica, p. 189. London, 1839. 

* Treatise on Gout, 3d edit. p. 513. 



226 COLCHICUM. 

in 24 hours, by a young man aged 18; — the first dose being 50 
drops, the last, 60. Seven copious evacuations were produced, 
with loss of appetite and debility for twenty-four hours. In the 
second case, a youth, 17 years old, took 170 drops in 9 hours, in 
doses of 70, 60, and 40 drops: nausea and vomiting, and six 
copious evacuations followed. Third case; a youth, aged lo, took 
130 drops in 10 hours, in 4 doses; the first, of 40 drops, and, the 
last three, of 30; vomiting and only one evacuation were the result. 
Fourth case; a youth, aged 12, took 60 drops in two doses, after 
an interval of eight hours : nine copious watery evacuations were 
produced. Fifth case; a youth, aged 17, took 40 drops at bed- 
time, 30 drops next morning, and 30 drops seven hours after, — in 
all, 100 drops in 19 hours: vomiting and faintness, and five copious 
evacuations were the result. The same boy afterwards took 70 
drops at one dose, which were followed by vomiting and headach, 
but not by purging. Sixth case; a boy, aged 10, took 80 drops 
in 24§ hours, in four doses, of 20, lo, 25, and 20 drops : great 
sickness and vomiting, and nine evacuations resulted. 

Dr. John Aldridge 1 states, that he has seen three cases in which 
profuse ptyalism followed the use of half a dram of the tincture of 
the seeds taken for some time thrice a day. In one of these cases 
at least, mercury had never been taken ; nor had the patient ever 
been salivated. They were' all cases of ophthalmia. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
The diseases in which colchicum is recommended, are as follows: 
In gouty and rheumatic cases, it has been supposed to be 
almost a specific. Numerous practitioners have testified to its 
valuable agency in such affections; among these, may be named 
Mr. Want, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Williams, Mr. Battley, Dr. Arm- 
strong, Sir Everard Home, Sir C. Scudamore, Mr. Haden, Dr. 
Copland, Dr. Graves, Sir Henry Halford, Dr. Wallis, Dr. Barlow, 2 
Mr. W T igan, 3 Dr. Holland, 4 Dr. Gairdner, 5 Dr. Seymour, 6 and 
others in England; and Locher-Balber,' Kahleis, Gumpert, Plasse, 
Weber, Klokow, Biermann, &c, in Germany." Colchicum is pre- 
sumed to be the active ingredient of the celebrated gout remedy — 
Eau mtdicinale d' 'Husson — which has been considered to be 
formed of two ounces of colchicum root, macerated in eight 
ounces of sherry wine; the dose being from twenty to eighty 
drops. 

1 Dublin Hospital Gazette, Oct. 1, 1S45; cited in Amer. Journal of the Medical 
Sciences, Jan. 1846, p. 2 15. 

3 Art. Gout, in Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine, Amer. edit. Philad. 1845. 

3 Lancet and Med. Gaz., June 30, 1838. 

* Medical Notes and Reflections, 2d edit, p. 124, Lond. 1840. 

s On Gout; its History, its Causes, and its Cure. London, 1849. 

6 Thoughts on the Nature and Treatment of several Severe Diseases of the Human 
Body, i. 93. London, 1847. 

1 Riecke, Op. cit, and Richter's Specielle Therapie, x. 180. Berlin, 1828. 



COL CHI CUM. 227 

Dr. R. B. Todd 1 considers colchicum to be chiefly applicable 
to the sthenic form of gout, which occurs in robust constitutions, 
and in the prime of life, and that it is almost inadmissible in per- 
sons advanced in years, who have had several attacks, and in 
whom the malady would seem to be too deeply rooted to be in- 
fluenced by the temporary administration of this remedy; and Dr. 
Seymour affirms, that " in gout, especially in gout originated 
from excess; in strong, violent, painful gout, it may be given not 
only without fear, in moderation, but with almost an absolute cer- 
tainty of relief, without any bad effects either immediately or 
remotely following its use." 

In acute rheumatism, as well as in various inflammatory 
affections, colchicum was proposed by the author's friend, Mr. 
Charles T. Haden, 3 as an excellent sedative to reduce excited 
organic action, which he conceived it capable of effecting to such 
an extent, that blood-letting might generally be rendered un- 
necessary in febrile and inflammatory disorders; 4 yet, in the very 
cases in which it was esteemed so appropriate by Mr. Haden and 
by Carminati, 5 it is regarded unadvisable by others. Thus, Riecke, 6 
speaking of its use in acute rheumatism, says, that it was at one 
time given in that disease under the most opposite circumstances, 
but that it was soon found necessary to restrict its employment 
within, narrower limits, and to pretermit it when any considerable 
febrile condition existed. 

The author has often exhibited the different preparations of 
colchicum in gout, and, frequently, with decided advantage ; but 
very often it has failed altogether. In his own person, it has 
never appeared to prevent or to modify the paroxysm. In acute — 
and the same may be said of chronic — rheumatism, its advantages 
have not been by any means clearly marked in his experience: 
many .physicians, however, testify most strongly in its favour. 
Like other acro-narcotics, as the cimicifuga, when pushed to the 
extent of slightly affecting the system, as shown by nausea, with 
some cerebral confusion, it has, at times, effected a revulsion, 
which has broken in upon the morbid chain in acute rheumatism. 
A severe case, under the author's care, yielded rapidly to it when 
pushed to the extent of inducing painful diarrhoea, accompanied 
by distressing tenesmus. In this case, twenty-five drops of the 
tincture of the seed were given three times a day. When the 
bowels become affected, the remedy must be discontinued altoge- 
ther, or the quantity be diminished. By attending to these rules, 
Dr. Christison 7 affirms, that he has never had occasion to observe 

1 Practical Remarks on Gout, Rheumatism, Fever, &c, p. 105. Lond. lb 43. 

2 Op. cit p. 93. 

3 Pract. Obs.on Colchicum Autumnale in Inflammatory Diseases. London, 1820. 

* See also Dr. Lewins, in Edinb. Med. and Surgical Journal, for April, 1837, or in 
Brit, and For. Med. Review, for Oct. 1837, p. 565. 

5 Memor. dell' Instituto del Regno Lombardo-Venet. 1819. 8 Op. cit. S. 43. 

1 Dispensatory, p. 355. Edinb. 1842. 



228 C0LCH1CUM. 

any unpleasant effects from its use, or any symptoms which a dose 
of opium did not readily subdue. He adds, that he has never 
seen a case of rheumatism essentially benefited, till the patient 
suffered from colic and diarrhoea, on the one hand, or from frontal 
headach and giddiness, on the other. The ill success which some 
practitioners have encountered in using colchicum, he thinks,, may 
have arisen from inattention to this circumstance. In chronic 
rheumatism, it has exhibited less marked results; yet there is no 
agent, perhaps, which is so much employed in rheumatic cases in 
general. In none of these, according to most observers, need any 
sensible evacuation be produced by it, although some, it has been 
seen, have affirmed — and such is the result of the author's obser- 
vation — that it is more efficient when it evinces its influence upon 
the alimentary canal. 1 Such, too, is the experience of M. Monne- 
ret, 2 who found that the powerful revulsion on the bowels, caused 
by the tincture in the dose of one dram to four drams in the 
twenty-four hours, given in* one, two or four divided doses, was 
sufficient to suspend or remove the disease, — the improvement 
always coinciding with the diarrhoea; and Dr. Wigan 3 asserts, that 
he gives colchicum powder in rheumatic gout in the dose of eight 
grains every hour, until " active vomiting, profuse purging, or 
abundant perspiration takes place, or, at least, until the stomach 
can bear no more," and, when thus administered, he pronounces 
it to be "the most easily managed, the most universally applica- 
ble, the safest, and the most certain specific [?] in the whole 
compass of our opulent [London] pharmacopoeia." Yet, Dr. 
Upshur 4 has recently declared, that, in chronic rheumatism, he 
thinks he has sometimes derived great benefit from it, but, in the 
acute form, never. He adds, that it may be he has been " so un- 
fortunate as always to get hold of an inferior preparation," — a 
qualification which, however, applies equally to the results of his 
experience in the chronic form of the disease. 

Mr. Anthony White, 5 himself a sufferer from gout, relies ex- 
clusively on a combination of colchicum and calomel, according to 
the formula given hereafter. He is of opinion, that " the main 
object to be pursued towards the effectual cure of the gouty 
paroxysm, by the removal of its immediate cause, is the restora- 
tion of the natural functions of the liver, as indicated by a copious 
discharge of bile through the bowels." On the other hand, Dr. 
Gairdner 8 maintains, that colchicum never more effectually re- 
lieves the patient than when it acts silently and peacefully, with- 
out producing any evacuation whatever, or in any way disturbing 
the patient's comfort and ease. It has been demonstrated, by 

1 See Wood and Bache's Dispensatory, Art. Colchicum; and Lewins, Op. citat. 
a Archives Generates de Med , Mar. 1844, cited in London Med. Gaz.. May, 1844. 
3 London Med. Gaz. June 30, 18:18. 4 Medical Examiner, Oct 1850, p. 580. 

1 London Medical Gazette, August 18, 1848. 6 Op. cit. 



COLCHICUM, 229 

Drs. Douglas Maclagan, Chelius and Lewins, that it causes a 
more copious discharge of urea from the system, and Dr. Gairdner 
found, in repeated investigations, that the increase of urea was 
attended by a great diminution of the urates in the urine. 

The vinous tincture of the seeds has been extolled in the 
tetanus of warm climates, by Dr. W. G. Smith, 1 of Port-au- 
Prince. He begins with 3ss. and increases the dose every half 
hour, repeating it until emesis or catharsis has been produced. 
It is then discontinued. 

In dropsy, colchicnm was used of old with good results; and 
it has. been employed in modern times. Carminati gives the de- 
tails of a case of dropsy supervening on scarlatina, and Plasse, 
one of hydrothorax, in which it was advantageously prescribed. 
In such cases, it may be well to push the remedy until it affects 
the bowels. In chronic bronchitis, it has been given with ad- 
vantage by many physicians, and especially by Drs. Armstrong 2 
and Hastings, 3 and Dr. Pereira 4 found it of great service in 
humoral asthma and other chronic bronchial affections, espe- 
cially when these complaints were accompanied with anasarcous 
swellings. By Drs. Eisenmann«and Ficinus, 5 the vinum colchici 
has been given in gonorrhoea. The latter prescribes from twenty- 
five to thirty drops three times a day, combined w T ith tinctura 
opii, low diet, the warm bath, &c. These means were attended 
with unprecedented success in the treatment of gonorrhoea and 
other inflammatory discharges from the urethra in the male, and 
from the vagina and uterus, in the female. 

By Ritton 6 it has been advised as an extremely efficacious 
remedy in leucorrhoza, in the dose of five grains of the powder 
three times a day; and in several spasmodic diseases it has been 
extolled by Raven. Tait 7 speaks in exalted terms of it in scar- 
latina — the dose, to children from four to six years of age, being 
three or four drops of the vinum colchici every three or four 
hours. Mr. Fosbroke advises it in ischuria; Elliotson saw 
favourable effects from it in obstinate prurigo; Bullock gave it in 
erysipelas; by Chisholm and Baumbach 8 it was exhibited success- 
fully against tape-wor?n, and Dr. Chapman 9 states that from ten 
drops of the tincture of the root repeated several times in the 

1 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, for Nov. 1835, p. 66. 

2 Pathology of Consumptive Diseases. London, 1822. 

3 Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Lungs, London, 1821. 

4 Elements of Materia Medica, &c, ii. 947, London, 1843; or 2d Amer. edit, by 
Carson, Philad. 1846. 

5 Casper's Wochenschrift, Aug. 26, 1848; cited in Lond. Med. Gazette. 

6 Lancet, Aug. 2, 1844. 

1 Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, May, 1838, p. 205. 

8 Rust's Magazin, B. xxi S. 270; and Osann, in Art. Colchicum, in Enc} T c. Wor- 
terb. der Medicin. Wissenschaft. B. viii. S. 136. Berlin, 1832. 

9 Lectures on the more Important Diseases of the Thoracic and Abdominal Viscera, 
p. 2!J9. Philad. 1844. 



230 COLCHICUM. 

twenty-four hours, and persisted in for some time, as much may 
be anticipated in functional constipation, with a view merely 
to the restoration of the lost susceptibility of the bowels, as from 
any thing else within his experience. He has rarely, indeed, 
seen it fail. 

Colchicum is sometimes applied externally as a liniment to 
rheumatic joints, in the form of the tincture of the seeds or bulb. 1 
It has been recommended by Mr. Wansborough in gout f- two 
drams of the tincture of the seeds being added to f ^iv. of a spirit 
lotion. It is affirmed, however, that the local use of morphia had 
the same effect, 3 — the part being bathed in hot water for a minute, 
and then lint applied, spread w 7 ith simple cerate, on which about 
three grains of acetate of morphia were distributed. 

Mr. Laycock 4 has advised the tincture of the root as an exter- 
nal application in rheumatism^ alone or combined with tinctura 
camp horse. It was used in the author's Clinic at the Philadel- 
phia Hospital, and often with advantage ; but whether much, or 
any of the benefit was produced by the colchicum, he was unable 
to decide. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Colchicum is not so frequently given in substance, although it 
is often prescribed in this form. The dose of the powdered root 
is from three grains to ten, several times in the day. The offici- 
nal preparations of this country and Great Britain are : — acetum 
colchici (United States and London;) oxymel colchici (Dublin;) 
syrupus colchici (Edinburgh;) vinum colchici radicis (United 
States and London;) and extractum colchici aceticum (London;) 
than which, Dr. Holland 5 affirms, he knows no preparation more 
certain in effect, or better capable of fulfilling the peculiar pur- 
poses of the medicine. These are made from the bulb. 

The officinal preparations from the seeds are tinctura colchici 
seminis (United States and Dublin;) and vinum colchici seminis 
(United States.) The London Pharmacopoeia has likewise a 
spirit us seminis colchici ammoniatus or tinctura colchici 
composita, which is much used by the English physicians, and 
is formed by macerating tw 7 o ounces and a half of bruised colchi- 
cum seeds in a pint of aromatic spirit of ammonia. Mr. Bat- 
tley recommends an extractum colchici e succo bulborum re- 
center expresso, and such a preparation is in the Pharmacopoeia 
of Austria. The dose is two grains every two hours. 

Dr. A. T. Thomson recommends a saturated vinous tincture, 
made by macerating an ounce and a half of the driedbulb in twelve 

1 Diet, de Matiere Medic, par MM. Merat and De Lens, ii. 361. 

Q Lancet. July 2!), 1837. 3 Ibid. Aug. 5, 1837. 

4 London Medical Gazette. March 16, 1339, and June 8, 1839, p. 388. 

5 Medical Notes and Reflections, 2d edition, p. 153. London, 1840. 
5 Jourdan, Pharmacopee Universelle, i. 436. Paris, 1828. 



COLCHICUM. 231 

ounces of white wine. From thirty to sixty minims are given to 
gouty patients when in pain. 

The dose of the powdered root or seed is, as w T as said, from 
three to ten grains; of the acetum colchici, from thirty minims to 
one fluidram; of the syrupus colchici, from one fluidram to half 
a fluidounce ; of the vinum colchici radicis, from fifteen minims to 
one and a half fiuidrams; and of the vinum colchici seminis from 
one to two fiuidrams. 

Dr. Copland 1 suggested the use of the fresh flowers in the form 
of vinegar, tincture, &c, as milder than the seeds or bulbs, and yet 
equally efficacious in rheumatic and other affections; but they are 
not employed. 

Haustus colchici et magnesise. 

R. Vin. rad. colchic. 9j. 
Magnesise 5ss. 
Mist, camphor, gx. M. 
Fiat haustus. 
To be taken twice a day in gout. 

Seymour. 

Mistura colchici. 

Mixture of colchicum. 

Scudamoreh mixture. 

R. Magnes. sulphat. gj. ad gij. 

Solve in 

Aquae menth. crisp, f ^x. 
Adde 

Acet. colchic. f 3J. ad f jfiss. 
Syrup, croc, f ^j. 
Magnes. gviij. M. 

To be well shaken. Three table-spoonfuls to be administered, 
so that from four to six evacuations may be produced in twenty- 
four hours. Given in paroxysms of gout. Sir C. Scudamore. 

Gnttae colchici composite. 
Compound drops of colchicum. 

R. Extract, aconit. 9j. ad gss. 
Solve in 

Vin. colchic. sem. f ^ss. M. 

Fifteen, twenty, thirty, or forty drops to be given three times a 
day. _ Weber. 

R. Tinctur. colchic. sem. 

guaiac. aa. f giij. M. 

Dose. — Thirty or forty drops three times a day in chronic rheu- 
matism. Blasius. 
R. Tinct. colchic. sem. 

digit, aa. f gij. 

Sp. sether. nitric, f gss. M. 

Dose. — Twenty drops, on sugar. Hildenbrand. 

1 Lond. Med. Repos. 1823. 



232 COLLODION. 

Pil nice colchici. 

Pills of colchicum. 

R. Colchic. pulv. gr. iij, 

Saponis q. s. ut fiat pilula. 

Dose. — Three daily, increasing the quantity to five or six. 

Ritton. 
Pilulec colcliici compositoe. 
Compound pills of colchicum. 

R. Extract, colchic. acet. gr. iij. 

Pulv. ipecac, corap. 

Ext. colocynth. comp. aa.gr. j— ij. M. 
et fiat pilula. 
In gout. Sir H. Halford. 

R. Ext. colchic. acet. 

Hydrarg. chlorid. mit. 

Aloes, aa. gr. j. 

Ipecac, pulv. gr. ij. M. 

Dose. — One every four hours in gout. Two or three are gene- 
rally enough " to produce a considerable disgorgement of the liver." 
This is assisted by one or two doses of compound decoction of aloes. 

A. White. 
Linimentum colchici et camphors. 
Liniment of colchicum and camphor. 

R. Tinctur. colchic. rad. 

■ camphors, aa. partes aequales. M. 

haycock. 



LXIV. COLLO DION. 

Stnonfmes. — Collodium, Ethereal Solution of Gun Cotton. 

Professor Schonbein appears to have first shown the solubility of 
gun cotton in sulphuric ether. He states, that long before it was 
employed in this country, he had recommended for surgical use a 
fluid, which he termed, " liquor constringens " and u ether glue;" 
and that it had been employed in Switzerland three years previous 
to any notice of it in America. 1 Specimens of the solution were 
exhibited by Dr. C. F. Jackson before the Boston Society for 
Medical Improvement, in December, 1846, or January, 1847, to 
illustrate its use as a brilliant varnish. Soon afterwards, Dr. H. 
J. Bigelow 2 prepared a bottle of the solution according to Dr. 
Jackson's directions, and whilst employing it as a varnish, he 
accidentally smeared it on a fresh wound of the finger. The 
smarting that resulted drew his attention to the wound, and he 
immediately endeavoured to rub it off, but it had dried almost 
instantaneously, and remained on ; the smarting soon ceased, and 

1 Lancet. Mar. 17, 1849. 

3 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. Mar. 22, 1848. 



COLLODION. 



233 



when the film was removed, union had taken place. Dr. Bigelow 
at once had recourse to it as a dressing for wounds, especially such 
as it is desirable to unite rapidly by the first intention. 

About the same time a young medical student, Mr. George P. 
Maynard, 1 of Boston, exhibited a similar liquid adhesive substance, 
which he had introduced as a substitute for the common adhesive 
plaster, over which it seemed to possess many advantages, and to be 
applicable to cases in which the latter is not; and in a letter to Dr. 
John D. Fisher, read before the Boston Society, Mr. Maynard 2 
stated, that he had used the adhesive liquid, and seen it used by 
his preceptor, Dr. Whitney, in more than one hundred cases of 
surgery, some of them serious, — and in all successfully. Mr. May- 
nard appears to have first used it surgically in January, 1847 : 
and it was, in consequence, known for some time under the name 
of " Maynard'' 's adhesive liquid ;" but, subsequently, it received 
the name Collodion — from xo\\a, ' glue;' — by which it is now 
known. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The formula generally adopted for the preparation of collodion 
is that of M. Mialhe. The plan recommended by Mr. Maynard 
was to treat cotton with nitric and sulphuric acids ; washing 
the substance thoroughly, and afterwards dissolving it inpure^/- 
phuric ether. Several French chemists, on repeating the process, 
failed to procure the cotton in a state in which it could be dissolved 
by ether, when M. Mialhe 3 ascertained, after many trials, that it 
was much more readily procured by using a mixture of nitrate of 
potassa and sulphuric acid. M. Mialhe's process is as follows : — 
Take of finely powdered nitrate of potassa 40 parts by weight ; 
concentrated sulphuric acid 60 parts, carded cotton, two parts. 
Mix the nitric with the sulphuric acid in a porcelain vessel ; add 
the cotton, and agitate the mass for three minutes by the aid of 
two glass rods. Wash the cotton, without first pressing it, in a 
large quantity of water, and when all acidity is removed, as indi- 
cated by litmus paper, press it firmly in a cloth. Pull it out into 
a loose mass, and dry it in a stove at a moderate heat. The 
compound, thus obtained, is not pure fulminating cotton — French, 
fulmicoton: it always retains a small quantity of sulphuric acid ; 
is less inflammable than gun cotton, and leaves a carbonaceous 
residue after explosion ; but it possesses, in a remarkable degree, 
solubility in ether, especially when mixed with a little alcohol. The 
collodion is made of this prepared cotton, 8 parts by weight ; 
rectified sulphuric ether, 125 parts ; and alcohol, 8 parts. The 
cotton is put with the ether into a well-stopped bottle, and the 
mixture is shaken for some minutes. The alcohol is added by 

1 Amer. Journal of the Medical Sciences, April, 1848. 

2 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Mar. 29, 1848. 

3 Lond. Med. Gazette, cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Jan., 1849, p. 42. 



234 COLLODION. 

degrees, and the mixture is shaken until it acquires a syrupy con- 
sistence. It maybe then passed through a cloth, the residue be 
strongly pressed, and the liquid kept in a well-secured bottle. 

Other modes of preparing it are given by Mr. J.B.Edwards, 1 and 
by Messrs. Charles S. Rand 2 and Edward Parrish. 3 Gun cotton will 
also dissolve in equal parts of ether and alcohol, and form as 
adhesive a solution as that in ether alone. It of course dries more 
slowly, and whilst it may not be as well adapted for holding the 
edges of incised wounds together as the latter, it may be preferable 
in certain cases, — as an application to abraded surfaces, for example. 

Collodion has been used extensively by the surgeon as a reten- 
tive adhesive compound in all cases of solution of continuity, — 
either applied directly to the part, by being brushed over with a 
camel's hair pencil, or spread on strips of cotton. On ulcers and 
abraded surfaces — as in superficial burns it acts as an excitant; 
the ether evaporates, and a film is left, which protects them against 
the irritating and desiccative influence of the air. 4 It was sug- 
gested in burns by Dr. Payne, dentist, of Montreal ; and Dr. Craw- 
ford 5 of that city employed it successfully, and since then its utility- 
has been confirmed by others. 6 M. Briquet 7 used it successfully in 
a case of erysipelas of the abdomen; and Dr. J. W. Freer, 5 of Illi- 
nois, in an epidemic erysipelas, which prevailed there in the spring 
of 1839, applied it, by means of a feather, over the affected part. 

By Mr. Erasmus Wilson 9 it was prescribed in various cutaneous 
diseases, and with advantage, — for example, in chronic ery- 
thema of the face, intertrigo, chapped nipples and chapped 
hands ; herpes labialis, h. prxpulialis, and h. zoster; lichen 
agrius ; lupus non exedens, and l.exedens; acne vulgaris, and 
several affections of the sebiparous organs. In these cases, it 
has the same action as in burns ; and besides by its contraction, 
during the evaporation of the solvent, pressure is exerted on the 
part, which may be of essential service. As elsewhere remarked 
by the author, 10 in cases of acne and follicular affections of the 
skin in general, he has seen advantage from it. Occasionally, it 
has induced an inflammatory condition of the follicles, and at 
first seemed to aggravate the affection; but, subsequently, good 
has resulted from the modified nutrition induced. As a protect- 

1 Lond. Pharmaceut. Journ.: cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, July, 1840, p. 233. ' 

9 Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, July, 184!). p. 209. 3 Ibid. October, 1849, p. 299. 

* For a summary of the surgical and other cases in which it had been until that time 
employed, see Bigelow and Maynard, op. cit., and Lond. Journ. of Medicine, Feb., 1849; 
or Rankings Half-yearly Abstract, Amer. edit, ix. 100, Philad., 1849. 

'British Amer. Journ., Aug. 1848. 

s Lambert, Gazette Mcdicale de Lyon; cited in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Thera- 
peutique, pour 18 0. p. 241; and Liman in Casper's Wochenschrift, Juli 27, 1850. cited 
in Keller und Tiedemann's Nord Amerikanischer Monatsbericht fur Natur— und Heil- 
kunde, S. 188, Nov. 1850. 

1 Bulletin de Therapeutique, xxxviii., 322 ; cited in Brit, and For. Medico-chirurg.. 
July, 1850, p. 275. 

* North Western Medical and Surgical Journal, Jan., 1850. 9 Lancet, Nov., 1848. 

10 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med., 4th edit., i. 497, Philad., 1850. 



COLLODION. JoD 

ing, supporting and compressing agent, it appears to have been 
applied with advantage by M. Caballero 1 over a large aneurismal 
tumour of the subclavian artery; and Dr. Brainard 2 used it with 
advantage for the cure of erectile tumours (ncevi) without opera- 
tion. Dr. John Evans, 3 disheartened by the general want of suc- 
cess in preventing suppuration in mastitis, and satisfied that the 
most prominent indication of cure is to overcome the freedom with 
which blood is sent into the mamma, and by compression cause the 
absorption of the effused plasma, employed a coating of collodion 
to obtain the benefit of its contraction; and he affirms, that in no 
Case, except one, had the slightest suppuration supervened. In 
every one, the relief was prompt, and no inconvenience resulted 
in any, except the slight smarting caused by its application. Mr. 
Wilson, as well as others, found that the film left by the eva- 
poration of the solvent is liable to crack from want of elasti- 
city, and consequently to peel off, a defect which is remedied by 
combining a certain portion of oil with it : by this means, the 
film is sufficiently elastic to follow the motion of the part to which 
it is applied, without separating into flakes. A farther improve- 
ment was considered to be effected by giving the solution a flesh 
colour. The coloured solution has been called collodium tindum. 

Dr. Simpson 4 employed it with perfect success in some cases of 
painful fissures at the base of the nipple. Having brought to- 
gether the edges, he applied the collodion, which formed a protec- 
tion against all irritating influences, and permitted the child to 
suck. The healing process took place rapidly. Equally good 
effects in cases of sore nipple were obtained by Mr. Brown. 5 

Dr. T. R. Mitchell 6 considers it superior in ulceration of the os 
and cervix uteri to nitrate of silver. It forms an artificial cover- 
ing to the ulcer, and permits the healing process to go on beneath. 
In cases of simple abrasion, three applications have proved suffi- 
cient; in more obstinate cases, he has employed caustics first, and 
then covered the eschar with collodion, and has in this way cured 
extensive ulcers in half the time required by other methods. He 
has likewise found it beneficial in inflammation of the vagina 
without ulceration. In cases of chancres, which have become 
clean, and are in process of reparation, H. Lippert has seen the 
cicatrization rapidly effected by the application of collodion, seve- 
ral times a day, by means of a camel's hair pencil. 7 

In bleeding from leech bites, the hemorrhage was restrained by 
Mr. Tucker, 8 by compresses of lint dipped in collodion, and it 

1 Wahu, Annuaire de Medeine et de Chirurgie pratiques, pour 1850, p. 215. 

2 North Western Medical and Surgical Journal. Sept., 18491 3 Ibid., Sept., 1850. 
* Monthly Journal of Med. Science, July, 1849. 5 Lancet, Dec. 24, 1848. 

6 Dublin Med. Press, Oct. 4, 1848. 7 Lancet, Dec. 9, 1848. 

'Casper's Wochenschrift, 10 Febr.. 1850, No. 7, cited in Keller und Tiedemann, 
Op. cit., Dec, 1850, p. 221. 



236 COLLODION. 

succeeded also with Mr. R. T. Wylde. 1 Dr. W. H. Ranking- ap- 
plied it advantageously with the same view in the incisions made in 
cupping. By Dr. Muirhead 3 it was employed with great benefit in 
bed sores: and by Dr. W. H. Ranking 1 it has been suggested as a 
valuable application to the face for the purpose of excluding the 
air, and preventing pitting in variola. Asa stopping for teeth, 
it was used by Mr. Ancell, and by Mr. J. Robinson, 5 dentist ; the 
latter of whom affirms, that he has frequently applied collodion in 
severe cases of toothache, arising from exposure of the nerve, with 
perfect success, where no persuasion could induce the patient to 
submit to extraction. 

By M. Hairion it has been employed to glue the eyelids to- 
gether, where it has been desirable, as in keratitis and conjuncti- 
vitis, to protect the inflamed surface from the contact of air, to 
prevent the movements of the eyelids over it, or to retain topical 
applications in contact with it. He usually applies it to the eyelids 
of one eye, and afterwards, if both eyes are diseased, to the other. 
The adhesion never continues longer than forty-eight hours. A 
little space may be left at the angle of the eye for the discharges 
from the inflamed surface to escape. In perverted states of the 
eyelids — as trichiasis, districhiasis, entropion, ectropion, &c, the 
ease wilh which the desired rectification can be secured renders it, 
M. Hairion considers, a most valuable palliative and even curative 
agent. 

In pharmacy, collodion has been employed as a coating for 
pills. The pill is placed on the point of a needle and dipped in 
the solution. M. Durden 7 employs one of the specific gravity 
.810, and two immersions are sufficient. Pills of # aloes and colo- 
cynth, thus coated, can be taken without the slightest taste of those 
nauseous articles being perceived. 

Cantharidal Collodion, Collodium vesicans seu canthari- 
dale ; French, Collodium cantharidal. Under this name, a vesi- 
cating agent has been proposed by M. Ilisch, 8 of St. Petersburg. 
It is prepared by exhausting, by the method of displacement, a 
pound of cantharides coarsely powdered, with a pound of sulphuric 
ether and three ounces of acetic ether. In this manner, a satu- 
rated solution of cantharides is obtained. In two ounces of this 
solution twenty-five grains of cotton powder are dissolved. It 
may be preserved unchanged in well-stopped bottles. 9 

1 Lancet, Jan. 6, 1849. "Ibid., January 13, 1849. 

3 Ibid.. Jan. 27. 1S49. « Op. cit. 5 Lancet, Dec. 30, 1848. 

•L'Union Medieale, Nov. 29 & 31 ; cited in Brit, and For. Medico-chirurg. Rev. 
July, 1649. 

: Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1850, p. 243. 

* Canstatt und Eisemnann's Jahresbericht iiber die Fortschritte in der Heilkunde im 
Jahre IS4!>. S. 178. Erlangen, 1850, and Pharmaceutical Journal, Mar. 1, 1850, cited 
in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, July. 1850, p. 229. 

9 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1850, p 101. 



COMPRESSIO. 237 

Mr. Charles S. Rand, 1 of Philadelphia, who has made many 
experiments with this preparation, confirms the statements of M. 
Ilisch in its favour. Some improvements, he thinks, might be 
made in his formula. The proportion of cantharides is unneces- 
sarily large, a tincture made with double the amount of ether being 
found to vesicate with equal power. 

In employing M. Ilisch's preparation, it is sufficient to paint the 
part with a camel's hair pencil dipped in it; and if, after desiccation, 
which takes place in less than a minute, it appears that the skin 
is not entirely covered, the operation must be repeated. A more 
certain and rapid action is obtained, if the part be covered with a 
little lard or simple cerate. No longer time is required for the 
blister to be produced than in the case of the Emplastrum cantha- 
rides; and it has the advantage of not being disturbed by the 
movements of the patient. 

According to Mr. Rand, the contraction induced by it, as in the 
case of simple collodion, is a serious objection, — owing to its not 
only causing pain in the sensitive vesicated surface, but retarding 
the necessary action; but the addition of Venice turpentine to the 
amount of about one per cent, effectually obviates this, " and 
renders the preparation perfect." When the blister is formed, the 
film of collodion loosens, and, curling at the edges, may, by a 
slight effort, be detached without rupturing the membrane beneath., 
If it be simply painted upon the skin, and the ether be allowed to 
evaporate, vesication does not take place sooner than with the 
officinal plaster; but if immediately on its application a piece of 
oiled silk be bound upon the part, and suffered to remain an hour, 
so as to prevent rapid desiccation, a blister will be formed in three 
hours, sometimes more quickly ; and in one instance it formed in 
one hour. 2 

The cantharidal collodion has been frequently employed, and has 
met with much favour. 



LXV. COMPRESSIO. 

Synonymes. Compression, Methodical Compression. 
German. Druck. 

This valuable method of modifying the condition of the capil- 
lary or intermediate system of vessels, and, through it, the function 
of nutrition, has become more extensively employed in the treat- 
ment of disease. As a sorbefacient, in various hypertrophies and 
dropsies, anasarca, ascites, ovarian dropsy, 3 chronic hydrocephalus, 4 

1 Amer, Journ. of Pharmacy, Jan., 1850, p. 20. 2 Rand, Op. cit. 

3 Mr. Isaac Brown, London Lancet, May 9, 1844, and April 5, 1845. 

4 Hirsch, Casper's Wochenschrift, cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. April 29, 
1843. Engelmann, cited from Gaz. Med. de Paris, Jan. 28, 1843, in Amer. Journ. oi 
the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1843, p. 458. 

16 



238 COMPRESSIO. 

&c, it has long been used wherever its agency was applicable, am' 
its effects have been decided. 1 Of late years, it has been proposed 
in inflammatory and other affections, in which it had been pre- 
viously esteemed inapplicable. Upwards of twenty years ago, it 
was highly recommended in rheumatic affections, by Dr. William 
Balfour, 3 of Edinburgh; and numerous cases were brought for- 
ward by him, and by others, to attest its efficacy. Since then, it 
has been advised by Guerin, 3 in the cases of phlegmonous erysipe- 
las of the extremities; by Velpeau, 4 in severe burns, and phlebitis, 
and in inflammation of the synovial apparatus ; 5 and Mr. James 
Allan 5 has related three cases of phlegmasia benefited by a simi- 
lar treatment — two were of erysipelas of the low 7 er extremities, 
and one of the face. In these, compression w T as of speedy and per- 
manent benefit — the pain caused by it being very transient. He 
states, moreover, that he has found the bandage of very great ser- 
vice in removing the pain and swelling of joints affected with 
acute rheumatism, after the more active degree of inflammation 
had passed away. 

In cases of external inflammation, compression acts probably in 
two ways, — first, by diminishing the circulation in the interme- 
diate system of vessels concerned in the pathological condition ; 
and, secondly, by restoring tone to the over-dilated vessels ; for it 
is in erysipelatous affections, in which this form of hyperemia 
more especially exists, that it has been found of greatest advantage. 
Numerous cases of erysipelas of the extremities have been treated 
by the author by compression, and with great benefit. He is con- 
stantly, also, in the habit of employing compression, under the cir- 
cumstances mentioned by Mr. Allan, in arthritic affections attended 
with great effusion, and with the most satisfactory results. 

From an observation of the good effects resulting from com- 
pression in analogous cases, it occurred to Dr. Fricke, 7 of Ham- 
burg, that it might be employed with advantage in cases of orchitis 
or swelled testicle (hernia humor alis ;) which is frequently very 
tedious, and requires means that are by no means easy of applica- 
tion. He, accordingly, had recourse to it, and the result w T as sa- 
tisfactory: he found, that " the disease could be removed by it in a 
simple, easy, and surprisingly rapid way." Dr. Fricke was not, 

1 Clinique M^dicale de l'Hopital Neckar, p. 247. Paris, 1835; or the authors transla- 
tion in American Medical Library, first year. See, also, the author's General Therapeu- 
tics,^ 228, Philad. 1S36; or his General Therap. and Mat. Med. 4th edit. ii. 285, Philad. 
1850; likewise, Morelli, Annali Universali di Medicin. Marzo, 1840, cited in Brit, and 
For. Med. Rev. Jan. 1841, p. 237. 

3 A new mode of curing Rheumatism and Sprains without Debilitating. Edinb. IS 17. 

3 Journ. Analvt. i. 90. 

4 Ibid, and Bulletin General de Therapeutique, No. 16, Aoi\t 30, 1836. 

5 Nouv. Bib. Med. Aout, 1826; and Merat and De Lens, Dict.de Mat Med., art, 
Compression. 6 British Annals of Medicine, Jan. 27, 1837 = 

1 Zeitschrift filr die gesammt. Medicin. B. i. H. 1, Hamburg, 1836. See, also, Brit, 
and For. Med. Rev. for July, 1836, p. 253. 



COMPRESSIO. 239 

however, the first to employ compression in this disease. It 
would seem, that as long ago as the year 1803, it was used at the 
Pennsylvania Hospital, by Dr. Physick, and by Dr. Hartshorne. 1 
Dr. Fricke is of opinion, that, generally speaking, compression 
may be employed in every kind of inflammatory engorgement of 
the testicle, whatever may have been its cause, and at all stages of 
the disease. In many cases, the pain was, at first, in some degree, 
increased ; and in some, especially when applied too tightly, it in- 
duced great suffering; but this never continued long — the patient, 
in a short time, finding himself so much relieved as to be able to 
leave his bed and walk about the room. In many cases of recent 
origin, a single application of the compression was sufficient; but 
when the disease was of longer duration, say from three to eight 
days, it was found necessary to repeat it two or three times. 
Swelling of the spermatic cord, if not very considerable, did not 
contra-indicate its use; nor did other coexistent local affections, as 
buboes, ulcers, &c. When a general febrile state accompanied the 
orchitis, compression was found to be the best means for removing 
it, where the vascular action was not too considerable; although, 
in extremely rare cases, such a state was the effect of the com- 
pression itself. When the pain was very severe, it was generally 
owing to the compression having been too strong, and the same 
was the case with certain signs of gastric derangement, that occa- 
sionally supervened. In these cases, it was necessary to suspend 
the remedy until the derangement was removed by the use of an 
emetic, or the application of a poultice to the stomach. Such 
cases were, however, extremely unfrequent. The good effects 
exhibited themselves very soon after its employment, and the 
speedy abatement of the pain was always the surest sign of its effi- 
cacy. If it continued for some hours in any considerable degree, 
a general disorder of the system might be looked for to explain the 
failure of success. 

In the summer of 1835, Dr. Fricke treated, in this manner, 
seventeen cases. Of these were cured, in one day, one; in three 
days, four; in four days, two; in five days, three; in nine days, 
one: and in ten days, two. The last three were severe and unfa- 
vourable cases. For the purpose of compression, he employed 
sticking plaster, made very adhesive, but not of too irritating ma- 
terials, and spread on strips of linen, of the breadth of the thumb. 
No preparatory measures, as leeches, cataplasms, &c, are required. 
In slighter cases, the patient may stand before the surgeon, lean- 
ing against the wall, or he may sit on the edge of a bed or sofa, 
so that the scrotum may hang freely down. If the scrotum and 
neighbouring parts are much covered with hair, it must be removed ; 
but, generally speaking, this is unnecessary. 

1 American Journal of the Med. Sciences, Jan. 1342, p. 258. 



240 COMPRESSIO. 

The following is the method adopted by Dr. Fricke for apply- 
ing the compression : — The surgeon takes the scrotum in one 
hand, and separates the diseased from the sound testicle; whilst, 
with the other, he gently stretches the skin of the scrotum over 
the former. The spermatic cord is isolated in the same manner. 
If the swelling of the testicle be considerable, it must be held by 
an assistant. The surgeon now applies the first strip over the 
isolated spermatic cord, about a finger's breadth above the testicle,, 
holding the end of the strip with his thumb, and passing it round 
the cord. He proceeds in the same manner wdth the second strip, 
which must cover the former either in part or altogether. The 
first part of the process must be carefully done ; the strips must 
compress the cord closely; for this purpose, the cord must be kept 
approximated to the skin, which must be tightly stretched over 
it; otherwise, when the other extremity of the testicle is com- 
pressed, the upper end will be apt to slip upwards through the 
loose rings of adhesive plaster, which will not only occasion pain, 
but render the whole operation abortive. In this manner, the 
surgeon proceeds, applying strip after strip, the last always lying- 
over its precursor by a third of its width, until the thickest part 
of the testicle, where it begins rapidly to decrease in diameter, is 
reached. The mode of procedure is now changed — the surgeon 
lays hold of the part of the testicle already covered, and passes 
his strips longitudinally from above downwards over the lower 
portion of the testicle. In this w T ay, the rest of the testicle is 
closely enveloped and compressed. The proper degree of com- 
pression will be indicated, in most cases, by the speedy disappear- 
ance of the pain which had previously existed. When both testi- 
cles are affected, they must both be included in the circular strap- 
ping — the testicle already covered serving as a point of support 
for the other, as there is not room enough for the application of 
the circular strips over the second, in the same way as over the 
first. In some cases, w T here the skin is irritable, ulcerations take 
place: small slits may then be cut in the plaster, and a Goulard 
lotion be applied. Generally speaking, the patient may leave his 
bed immediately after the strapping has been attached, and walk 
about the room; and, w^here the inflammation has not been great., 
he may even attend to light labour out of doors. When the strap- 
ping becomes loose, it may have to be reapplied, but often one ap- 
plication is sufficient. 

In orchitis, caused by blow 7 s or pressure, compression is re- 
garded by Dr. Fricke as the best agent. If the inflammation 
runs very high, he usually applies leeches, in the first instance, 
and keeps on poultices for a day or two ; but, in slighter cases, he 
lias recourse immediately to compression. The principal advan- 
tages which he considers this mode of treating orchitis has 
over others, are : First. The speedy removal of the pain ; Secondly. 



COMPRESSIO. 241 

The quick removal of the disease itself; Thirdly. The simplicity 
of the plan, and the slight trouble given thereby to the patient; 
Fourthly. Its small expense: and, Fifthly. The comparatively 
slight care and attendance required on the part of the surgeon. 
The last two points, as he properly remarks, are of considerable 
importance in hospital practice. 

Since this plan of treating orchitis was suggested by Fricke, it 
has been successfully employed by our hospital and other surgeons, 
although it has been by no means extensively adopted. Several 
cases, too, have been mentioned by M. Dechange, 1 of Liege, 
formerly chef declini que chirurgicale at the Hopital deBaviere. 
Of twelve cases of acute orchitis, thus treated, three were cured 
in three days; and the remainder before the seventh day. Mr. 
Langston Parker 2 has also extolled this remedy, not only in ordi- 
nary swelled testicle, but in chronic or subacute inflammation 
of the testes, whether dependent on syphilitic causes or not; and 
a more recent writer 3 affirms, that he has adopted the practice in 
many cases, and can speak most unequivocally in its praise. It 
may be employed, he remarks, in very acute forms ; and he has 
seen several instances, w>here the patients had not lain in bed an 
hour, "whilst under the ordinary antiphlogistic treatment they 
would have been confined from ten days to a fortnight." 

Methodical compression has been employed with advantage in 
mammary abscess ,by MM. Trousseau and Contour. 4 They found 
it frequently produce a cure when used at the commencement 
of the inflammation; relieve the pain when suppuration w T as esta- 
blished; and of great service after the abscess was emptied. The 
compression was made by means of strips of diachylon plaster, 
an inch broad, and several feet long, carried round the body, so 
as to produce regular compression of the whole breast. 5 

M. Brachet, of Lyons, 6 has reported four cases of spermator- 
rhoea treated by compression of the prostate gland. He states, 
that pressure cannot be employed indiscriminately in every case; 
often, by removing the cause we can cure the disease ; but he thinks 
it will succeed in all cases of atony produced by venereal ex- 
cesses, onanism or blennorrhagia. The effects produced by 
compression are, in his opinion, of two kinds. In the first place it 
keeps the seminal fluid in its reservoirs, which are thus accustomed 
to its contact and enabled to retain it longer ; and in the second 
place, it modifies the condition of the urethra, prostate, and semi- 
nal excretory ducts. The bandage is composed of a w^aist-band 

1 Bulletin Medical Beige, A out, 1838, p. 218. 

3 London Lancet, July 25, 1840, p. 640. See also, J. Dixon, Lond. Lancet, Dec. 5, 
1840. 3 Brit, and For. Med. Rev., Oct/1840, p. 393. 

1 Journal des Conn a i nances Med. Chirurg., Fevrier, 1841. See, also, J. Bell, Lond. 
Med. Gaz., or Med. Intelligencer, Dec. 1841, p. 121. 

5 See. also, Littre, Journal des Connaiss. Med. Chirurg., Janvier. 1S41. 

e Medical Times, May 24, 1845. 



242 COMPRESSIO. 

of leather, the extremities of which unite on the abdomen : from 
its centre behind a strap descends, which, on reaching the genital 
organs, bifurcates, and is finally buckled in front to the cincture. 
On the descending strap a small cushion is placed opposite the part 
on which pressure has to be made. Dr. Batchelder, 1 of Utica, 
affirms, that he has been in the habit of using compression of the 
perineeum as a remedy in this affection for upwards of twenty years. 

Compression of the arteries, as an antiphlogistic agent, has 
been revived by Goyrand, Malapert, and others ; the object 
being to prevent the afflux of blood to a part labouring under 
hyperemia. The origin of this idea has been a matter of con- 
troversy; 2 but, as Dezeimeris 3 has remarked, it certainly is not 
due to the gentlemen who have engaged in it. Blaud compressed 
the carotid in brain fever; Autenrieth did the same, before 
Blaud, in cases of convulsions. Earl, in epilepsy; Livingston 
and Kellie, in rheumatism; Ludlow, in gout; and Parry, of 
Bath, half a century earlier, employed compression of the vessels 
in different diseases, with the clearest appreciation of its modus 
operandi. 

Compression of the carotids has been used by M. Strohlin 4 in 
hysteric convulsions, and has almost always succeeded in modi- 
fying the form of the attack. He used it in two cases of epilepsy 
with similar success. Compression of the carotids at the com- 
mencement of the paroxysm always caused them to cease in a 
minute afterwards. 

M. Allier 5 has published a case of intermittent neuralgia of 
the lobe of the right ear, cured by compression of the primitive 
carotid of the same side: half an hour before the paroxysm, the 
compression was exerted, with interruptions of five minutes every 
quarter of an hour. He has, also, reported a case of neuralgia 
of the orhito-frontal nerve; and, subsequently, of the nervus 
pudendus superior, respectively cured by compression of the 
carotid, and abdominal aorta. The compression of the carotid of 
the affected side was continued the whole forenoon, with pauses of 
five minutes every quarter of an hour. For the pudic neuralgia, 
the abdominal aorta was compressed for the space of three quar- 
ters of an hour: the neuralgia, in both instances, gradually ceased. 
M. Dufresne 6 has published a case of hemicrania and facial 
neuralgia of the right side, cured by the same means. Compres- 
sion of the right primitive carotid for ten seconds occasioned in- 
stantaneous disappearance of the pain, which returned in one 
minute after the removal of the pressure. Compression of the 

1 New York Medical and Surgical Reporter, cited in St. Louis Med. and Surg. Journ., 
June, 1846, p. 43. 

2 Gazette Medicate de Paris, No. 46, IS Nov., 1837, anl No. 47. a Ibid. 
* Archives General, de Medecine, Mars, 1811. 

6 L'Experience, No. 16, 20 Jan., 1838. 6 Ibid. No. cxxviii. Dec. 1339. 



COMPRESSIO. 243 

same vessel for twelve seconds also caused immediate cessation of 
the pain, but it shifted to the posterior part of the head. This pain 
ceased with the removal of the pressure, and in two minutes after- 
wards the original pain reappeared on the right side. When 
graduated compression was made on the same vessel for thirty 
seconds, the pain, as before, moved to the posterior and left part 
of the skull. M. Dufresne then pressed on the left carotid, and, 
increasing the force as he diminished that on the right side, the 
posterior pain disappeared, and no return of either had taken 
place ten minutes afterwards. The patient slept well and made 
no complaint of pain in the morning. 

The employment of compression of the epigastrium to arrest 
hiccup was recommended by Bordeu, but it had fallen into obli- 
vion. It has been revived, however, and was suggested to M. 
Rostan 1 by an old physician of Paris, whose wife was subject to 
attacks of hysteria, during which she suffered from incessant 
hiccup, and in which he had observed, that she experienced re- 
markable relief from strong compression on the epigastrium with 
the hand. Since then, M. Rostan has employed it in many cases 
of the same kind, and constantly with good effect, whatever might 
have been the cause of the hiccup. To render the pressure con- 
stant, he has employed a pad with a truss-spring as a substitute 
for the hand ; and M. Boyer 2 has recorded three cases of painful 
and obstinate hiccup instantly relieved by the same means. 

Compression of the abdominal aorta has been revived by M. 
Baudelocque, and many others, with the view of arresting uterine 
heyiiorrhage occurring in labour, as well as the hemorrhage which 
follows wounds of the arteries of the inferior half of the body? 
In a case of uterine hemorrhage, detailed by Dr. Ebrenreich,* 
external compression by the hand on the abdomen, which is the 
only way of acting on the aorta when any obstacle exists to the 
introduction of the hand into the uterus, was tried without suc- 
cess, owing to the thickness of the abdominal parietes. The he- 
morrhage was, however, completely controlled by introducing the 
entire right hand into the uterus, and making forcible pressure . 
with the ringers in a conical shape on the aorta immediately above 
its bifurcation. Many similar cases have been published and re- 
ferred to by M. Piedagnel, in a memoir communicated to the 
Socitte Medicate d? Emulation, of Paris, on which an excellent 
report was read by MM. Velpeau and Briere de Boismont, giving 
a history of the process. It is necessary at times that the com- 
pression should be continued for a considerable period, even for an 

1 La Lancette FranQaise, 20 Fevr. 1847. 

2 Revue M6dico-Chirurg. Juillet, 1847. 

3 See an account of Baudelocque's views, by J. C. Christophers, in Lancet, July 20, 
1 839, p. 599. 

l iMedicinische Zeitung, No. xxxvii. 1339, cited in British and Foreign Medical Re- 
view, July, 1840. p. 274. 



244 COMPRESSIO. 

hour or two, should the case seem to require it. The gentlemen 
last cited advise that it should be associated with ergot. 1 

The mode adopted by M. Seutin 2 for compressing the aorta in 
such cases is as follows. The woman is to be placed on a ho- 
rizontal plane, with the head and shoulders raised, and the thighs 
flexed upon the pelvis, in order to relax the abdominal muscles as 
much as possible, and to avoid mechanical engorgement of the 
uterine vessels. The surgeon, placed on the right side of the patient, 
uses the left hand to compress the vessel, keeping the right dis- 
engaged for any other purpose which the case may demand. The 
intestines being pushed on one side by gentle manipulation, the 
three fingers of the left hand are pressed firmly and deeply be- 
hind and to the left of the uterus, nearly on a level with the um- 
bilicus. By this plan, the aortic pulsations will be evident, and 
farther pressure is then to be made in a direction downwards and 
backwards. In order that the operator may not be too much fa- 
tigued by continued exertion, his hand may be compressed by 
those of an assistant. 

Lastly : M. Allier 3 employed compression of both carotids in 
a case of hydrophobia at the commencement of an attack; imme- 
diately, the convulsion ceased, and the patient became apparently 
exanimate. The family were alarmed, and would not permit a 
repetition of the experiment. The case ended fatally. 

In paroxysmal diseases, the ratio medendi of compression is 
not the same as in inflammatory diseases. In the latter, the flow 
of blood towards the inflamed part is prevented by the compres- 
sion of the arterial vessels proceeding to it; but when compression 
is exerted on the vessels in neuralgia and congenerous diseases, 
the new impression caused by the resulting irregularity in the 
circulation, and the modification in the nervous functions induced 
thereby, break in upon the morbid catenation like the different 
agents that are classed under the head of antispasmodics, of which 
class we have elsewhere endeavoured to show — what, by the way, 
is not now contested by any eminent therapeutist — that we have 
none that can be regarded in any other light than as indirect 
agents. 4 

1 La Lancette Franoaise, 12 Mai, 1840. 

2 Bullet.de l'Acad. Med. Beige, cited in Ranking's Abstract, pt. 1, p. 180. Amer. edit 
New York, 1845. s L'Experience, No. xvi., 20 Jam:., 1838. 

' See the author's General Therapeutics, p. 350 ; or his General Therapeutics and 
Mat. Med. 4th edit. i. 395. Philad. 1850. 



CONTRA-IRRITATIO. — AMMONIATED COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 245 



LXVI. CONTRA-IRRITATIO. 

Synonymes. Counter-irritation ; Counter-action. 
French. "Contre-irritation. 
German. Gegenreizung. 

It is not the object of the author to enter into an explanation of 
the therapeutical application of counter-irritants, or revellents in 
general : this he has done at considerable length elsewhere ; x but 
to refer to some agents not mentioned in the body of this work, 
to which attention has been revived, or first directed, of late years 
more especially. 

AMMONIATED COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 

Gondret's ammoniacal ointment; Granville's counter-irritants 
— Antidynous 3 counter-irritants— Raspail's counter-irri- 
tant. 

Ammonia has long been used in different formulas for exciting 
rubefaction and vesication of the citfaneous surface. When two 
parts of liquid ammonia are united with one part of suet, and one 
of oil of sweet almonds, the mixture forms the Pommade ammo- 
niacale of Gondret, which has been used for a long time to excite a 
speedy revulsion in cases of chronic affections of the brain, incipi- 
ent cataract, amaurosis, 2, &c, as well as to cauterize the integu- 
ments deeply. 4 To the advantages of this preparation, as well as 
of derivation in various diseases, M. Gondret has called the atten- 
tion of practitioners in an ex professo treatise. 5 

The formula, given above, is that of the French Codex; but, 
according to M. Trousseau, 6 it is much too hard for use, unless 
the weather is warm. He proposes two different formulas, — 
one for summer, and the other for winter. In the former, he di- 
rects three parts of lard, one of suet, and four of liquor ammonice; 
in the latter, equal parts of lard, and liquor ammonice. 

M. Gondret has communicated to M. Miquel a formula for 
his Pommade, which differs from that of the Codex, and accord- 
ing to him, succeeds much better. It is as follows : — Take of 
lard, 32 parts: oil of sweet almonds, 2 parts. Melt by a gentle 

■ General Therapeutic?, p. 333 ; or General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. ii. 217. 
9 A term coined by Dr. Granville. It ought to be "Antodynous," from avn, li against," 
and cSuvrj, "pain." 

3 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1844, p. 215, Paris, 1844, and Lis- 
franc, Ibid. 845, p. 1255, Paris, 1845. 

4 Considerations sur l'emploi du feu en medecine, suivies de Fexpos6 d'un moyen epis- 
pastique propre a suppleer la cauterisation, et a remplacer 1'usage des cantharides. Paris* 
1819; and iN'ouv. Bihlioth.Med. hi. 441, Paris, 1828. 

5 Traite theorique et pratique dela Derivation contre les affections les pluscommunes, 
en general, telle que la Plethore, l'lnfiammation, l'Hemorrhagie, &c. Paris, 1837. 

6 Journ. des Connaiss. Med., cited in Medico- Chirurgical Review. July, 1840, and 
Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therapeutique, &c, 3eme 6dit. i. 366. Paris, 1S47. 



246 CONTRA-IRRITATIO. — AMMONIATED COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 

heat ; and add liquid ammonia at 25°, 17 parts, stirring until it 
becomes cold. 1 

Since the appearance of M. Gondret's treatise, Dr. Granville 2 
has published one on counter irritation, which gave rise to 
much attention on both sides of the Atlantic, — partly in conse- 
quence of the strong encomiums he passed on certain counter- 
irritant applications employed by him; and still more in conse- 
quence of the mystery which he threw around them, by keeping 
their preparation a secret, until the united voice of the profession 
had expressed the mingled feelings of surprise, indignation, and 
regret, which such conduct on the part of an individual, holding 
an elevated position in the ranks of the profession, naturally en- 
gendered. It is due, however, to Dr. Granville to remark, that 
on subsequently publishing his formulae, he stated, that he ad- 
dressed his work to the public to impress all with the value of the 
agency, but that it would have been unwise in him to give precise 
formulae to those who could not estimate the proper proportions 
of the ingredients ; that every physician can apportion them ; and 
that he had never concealed, the formulas from his friends, and 
always intended to give them to the world. 3 

Dr. Granville describes two sorts of ammoniated lotions, of 
different degrees of power, which are prepared in the following 
manner: Each kind of lotion consists of three ingredients: — 1st. 
The strongest liquor of ammonia, A. 2d. Distilled spirit of 
rosemary, B. 3d. Spirit of camphor, C. These are made as 
follows : — 

A. The strongest Liquor of Ammonia. — Saturate a given 
quantity of distilled water, contained in a glass receiver surrounded 
by ice, with ammoniacal gas obtained in the usual way from a 
mixture of equal parts of muriate of ammonia and recently slacked 
lime, both reduced to a fine powder. The water may be made to 
take up nearly 800 times its bulk of ammoniated gas under the 
circumstances described; its specific gravity will then be about 
.8/2, and 100 parts of it will contain thirty-three parts of real 
ammonia, according to Sir H. Davy's tables. This solution of am- 
monia will, therefore, be more than three times the strength of the 
liquor ammonia of the Pharmacopoeia of London, 100 parts of 
which, at a specific gravity of .960, contain only ten parts of real 
ammonia. Dr. Granville, therefore, called this "liquor ammoniae 
fortissimus." The liquor ammoniae fortior of the last United States' 
Pharmacopoeia (1842,) which is of the specific gravity .882, is of 
sufficient strength. 

1 Bouchardat, Op. cit. 1845. p 254. 

9 Counter-irritation, its Principles and Practice, illustrated by one hundred Cases of 
the most painful and important Diseases effectually cured by External Applications. Lon- 
don. 1838; or Araer. Med. Lib. edition. Philad. 1833, 

3 Lond. Lancet, Oct. 27, 1838. 



CONTRA-IRRITATIO. — AMMONIATED COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 247 

B. Distilled Spirit of Rosemary. — Take two pounds of the 
tips or small leaves of fresh rosemary, and eight pints of alcohol; 
leave the whole in infusion for twenty-four hours in a well co- 
vered vessel, and after adding as much water as will just prevent 
the empyreumatie smell, distil over seven pints. The Pharmaco- 
poeias of London and the United States direct the essential oil of 
rosemary to be distilled with alcohol to form the spirit of rose- 
mary. Such a preparation Dr. Granville found unsuited for his 
purpose. 

C. Spirit of Camphor. — To four ounces of pure camphor add 
two pints of alcohol, so as to dissolve the camphor, and filter. 

The three ingredients, thus prepared, should be kept always 
ready at hand, in well-stoppered glass bottles, so as to be able 
to make, extemporaneously, a counter-irritating lotion of any 
requisite strength, according to the nature of the case. But, 
for ordinary purposes, Dr. Granville advises that both a milder 
and a stronger ammoniated lotion should be kept prepared for 
use. 

Lotio ammoniata mitior. 

Milder ammoniated lotion. 

Assuming the quantity of lotion desired to be divided into eight 
parts, the proportion of the ingredients will stand thus: — 

A — four-eighths. B — three -eighths. C — one-eighth, or as 
follows: — 

R. Liq. amraon. fort, f ^ j. 
Spirit, rosmarin. f gvj. 
Tinct. camphor, f gij. M. 

lotio ammoniata fortior. 

Stronger ammoniated lotion. 

If the quantity desired be also divided into eight parts, then the 
proportion of the ingredients will run as follows: — 

A — five-eighths. B— two-eighths. C — one-eighth, or as fol- 
lows : — 

R. Liq. ammon. fort. fgx. 
Spirit, rosmar. f 5SS. 
Tmct. camph. f gij. M. 

Although the changes of proportion may be deemed trifling, 
yet the strength of this lotion is such, that Dr. Granville never 
employs it, except in cases of apoplexy, and for the purpose of 
cauterization. 

Directions for Mixing the Ingredients — A and B are gradually 
mixed together. The mixture becomes opalescent and somewhat 
turbid, and a peculiar, highly agreeable, ethereal smell is given 
out, different from the individual odour of either ingredient, 
although the extreme pungency of the ammonia is still discerni- 



243 CONTRA-IRRITATIO. AMMONIATED COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 

ble. " I have strong reasons to believe," says Dr. Granville, 
"that, at this point of the operation, some particular change takes 
place, which imparts to the mixture of the two ingredients some 
of its valuable peculiarities as a counter-irritant described in my 
work; but what that change is, it is not my business to enter upon 
in this place: suffice it to say, that in a great number of experi- 
ments made with the ingredients separately (for each of them acts as 
a counter-irritant on the skin,) and with them combined, the effects 
were uniformly different; those in the former case being found 
unequal to the production of those complete results which I trust 
I have justly promised to the profession. Ammonia alone (how- 
ever strong) w 7 ill not give rise to the effects I have described, 
though it has often stopped internal pain, and produced small 
blisters ; but never has it succeeded in almost immediately pro- 
ducing a full vesication, as I have seldom failed to produce with 
the two ingredients mixed together, particularly after the third 
ingredient had been added." Before, however, the third ingre- 
dient is so added, it is desirable to clear the previous mixture, by 
the addition of a small quantity of alcohol, and to set the w r hole 
in a cool place. All the various precautions here mentioned may., 
upon an emergency, be dispensed with, when an immediate action 
is required, either to arrest pain or relieve deep-seated inflamma- 
tion. But for the more delicate uses, particularly for instanta- 
neous vesication, Dr. Granville recommends, that the preparations 
should be obtained in the manner specified. The lotion must 
always be kept in bottles with a glass stopper. 

M. Raspail 1 has recommended the following lotion, the effects 
of which, he says, are often instantaneous in relieving intolerable 
headach: 

R. Liquor, ammon. p. 100. 

Aquae destillat. p. 900. 

Sodii chlorid. purif. p. 20. 

Camphor, p. 2. 

Essent. rosar. q. s. 
The whole to be mixed cold. 

A piece of linen is to be steeped in this solution, and applied 
over the part of the head which is the seat of pain, care being 
taken tjiat none of the fluid passes into the eyes. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 
The various counter-irritants, described above, act essentially 
in the same manner; differing only in. the intensity of the counter- 
irritation which they induce. In all, liquor ammonise is the main 
effective ingredient. The stronger of Granville's lotions is a 
powerful agent. It gives rise, in a few minutes, to vesication 
over the whole surface to which it is applied; almost as rapidly, 
indeed, as if boiling water were placed upon the part. 

1 L'Esperience, 24 Juillet, 1840. 



COXTRA-IRRITATIO. — AMMONIATED COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 249 

It need scarcely be said, that the strength of these lotions may 
be regulated so as to produce either full vesication, or simply 
rubefaction, by varying the quantity of liquor ammonise. 

The mode of applying these liquid counter-irritants is, as in the 
case of Oleum Sine/pis — first to impregnate with them a piece of 
cotton or linen, folded six or seven times, or a piece of thick or 
coarse flannel ; and then lay either of these on the spot, pressing 
with the hand, at the same time, very steadily and firmly on the 
compress, over which there should be placed a thick towel, 
doubled several times, so that not only the evaporation of the 
lotion may be impeded, but the hand employed in pressing the 
application to the part may not suffer from direct or indirect con- 
tact with the liquid. Care must be taken that the ammonia does 
not reach the eyes or nose. 1 As a general rule, the application 
should seldom be kept on longer than from one to six or eight 
minutes; and, Dr. Granville affirms, it has often happened to him 
to find, that less than a minute was sufficient to produce the de- 
sired alleviation of pain and spasm. But, in order to excite the 
higher degrees of counter-irritation, vesication and cauterization, 
as many as ten or twelve minutes may be necessary. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

There can be no doubt that the ammoniated counter-irritants 
are valuable agents in all those diseases which are capable of being 
benefited by a sudden and powerful revulsion. It is chiefly, as 
elsewhere stated, 2 when the diseased action has been prolonged 
for a considerable period, and in affections which belong to the 
neuralgic class, that rapid revulsions are productive of the most 
marked advantage. When the disease is of an acute character — 
as in the different phlegmasia — revellents which are more pro- 
longed in their action, are — as a general rule — preferable. It is 
in the first class of affections, chiefly, that his lotions are extolled 
by Dr. Granville; he urges the importance of the sudden vesica- 
tion effected by them in the treatment of many serious disorders; 
and alflrms that they arrest " nervous and muscular pain 
almost immediately, provided it does not depend on structural 
disease." 3 There is perhaps no agent — he remarks — except 
boiling water, which can, in the space of between three and ten 
minutes, give rise to as ample a vesication. But, as powerful 
and effective a revulsion can be accomplished by the actual cautery 
in various forms, and especially in that of the moxa. This we 
say from observation; and it is a result to which just theory 
would lead us. The ammoniated lotions are, however, devoid of 

1 Granville, Op. cit., Amer. edit, p, 39. 

2 General Therapeutics, p. 341; and General Therapeutics and Materia Medica. 4th 
edit., ii. 22!. Philad, 1850. 

3 Lancet, Oct. 27, 1838. 



250 CONTRA-IRRITATIO. — AMMONIATED COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 

the painful mental impression, which the dread of actual fire occa- 
sions; although we doubt not that, in many of the cases above 
referred to, such mental impression may exert an important 
agency in the cure. 

Dr. Granville gives the following, not very classically arranged, 
list of diseases, which, in the course of nine years, have appeared 
to him to be benefited by his counter-irritants. 

DISEASES. 

A. Principally affecting the Nervous System. 

1. Acute neuralgia £ permanent j Tic douloureux - 

o <? ) { Epilepsy. 

2. Spasms f including ) St> Yitus's Dance. 

3. Convulsions I D i u , • , 

3 ( Hysterics. 

4. Cramp. 

5. Brow-ague. 

6. Tetanus or Loch-jaw. 

7. Highly acute toot hack. 

8. Nervous headach. 

B. Principally affecting the Muscles and Tendinous Tissues. 

9. Rheumatism. 

10. Lumbago. 

11. Swelled and highly painful articulations. 

C. Principally affecting the Circulation. 

12. Headach from fulness of blood in the head. 

13. Congestions and sudden attacks of blood in the head. 

14. Sore-throat. 

.- v , . n C a. of the trachea and bronchia, ) rp „>• „ + „ 

15. Larlv innam-} ? f ,, , , .-, ■ ,' f 1 ending to 

d .. J <b.ol the lungs and their membranes, > & , 

mation J r .-, ■ , & . , • ,- J i consumption 

C. c. of the heart and pericardium. ) F 

D. Diseases of a mixed character. 

. a c 7 . C a. affecting the heart. 

16. Suppressed gout £ fc> affectin | the stomach> 

17. Genuine gout. 

18. Parylitic debility. 

E. Accidental, Mechanical and Cutaneous Derangements. 

19. Violent sprains. 

20. Pimples. 

21. Biles. 

22. Ringworm. 

Dr. Granville does not affirm that all these disorders, and their 
modifications, have yielded to the ammoniated counter-irritants: 
or that the counter-irritants were always the sole agents employed . 
On the contrary, a few of them, he says, on particular occasions; 
resisted that agency; others were only momentarily benefited; 
and a few more required the simultaneous employment of ordi- 
nary internal remedies to assist in, and complete the cure. Among 
the exceptions to the general rule of success, he enumerates 



C0NTRA-IRR1TATI0. — FIRING. 251 

chronic tic douloureux; chronic rheumatism of long standing; 
epilepsy dependent on organic mischief in the encephalon, or any 
part of the spinal apparatus; and rheumatic gout, in persons whose 
constitutions had been completely shaken by that disorder, or by 
any other previous disease, although, even in this case, some good 
was obtained from using the ammoniated counter-irritants. The 
second and fourth of these disorders are of the number that 
require, in addition to the ammoniated applications, an appropriate 
internal treatment. The other two Dr. Granville has found to 
be only partially relieved, but never cured, by counter-irritating 
lotions. 1 

In many of the disorders, referred to by Dr. Granville in the 
table given above, the ammoniated counter-irritants have been 
employed, both in public and private in this country. They have 
been largely used by the author, and their effect in nervous and 
spasmodic diseases, in neuralgic and deep-seated rheumatic 
vains, has, at times, been very striking. Severe pains have 
yielded rapidly, as described by Dr. Granville; hypersemiae of 
particular organs have been diverted elsewhere, especially after 
blood-letting and sedatives had been premised; and, in short, 
whenever revellents, sudden and rapid in their action, have been 
demanded, ammoniated counter-irritants have effected every thing 
that similar powerful revellents were capable of accomplishing, — 
but no more. The author has been in the habit of having re- 
course to the moxa in congenerous affections, and with equally 
satisfactory results. There is one objection, too, that applies to 
the use of these strong lotions: — the sloughs and sores induced by 
them are often considerable, and remarkably difficult to heal. 
This, it is true, may be partly prevented, by being careful that 
the application is not too long continued ; but, with the greatest 
caution, these results will, at times, supervene. When such is the 
case, simple dressings, with emollient poultices, will be found the 
best applications. 

Not long ago, Dr. Corrigan, 3 of Dublin, strongly recommended 
a mode of producing counter-irritation as an admirable remedy in 
lumbago and analogous affections in other parts of the body. It 
consists in a species of " firing" performed by an iron instrument 
which is very portable, and consists of a thick iron wire shank, 
about two inches long, inserted in a small wooden handle, having 
on its extremity, which is slightly curved, a disc or button of 
iron, a quarter of an inch thick, and half an inch in diameter, the 
whole instrument being only six inches in length. The face of 
the disc for application is quite flat. The only other portion of 
apparatus required is a small glass spirit lamp, so small that it can 
be carried in the waistcoat pocket. To use the instrument, the 

1 Op. cit, p. 29. a Dublin Hospital Gazette, March, 1846, 



252 CORTEX ADSTRINGENS BRASILIENSIS. 

lamp must be lighted, and the button held over the flame, keep- 
ing the forefinger of the hand holding the instrument at the dis- 
tance of about half an inch from the button. As soon as the 
finger feels uncomfortably hot, the instrument is ready for use, and 
the time required for heating it to this degree is only about a 
quarter of a minute. It is applied as quickly as possible, the skin 
being tapped successively at intervals of half an inch over the 
affected part as lightly and 'as rapidly as possible; care being 
taken to bring the flat surface of the disc in contact with the skin. 
In this way, the process of firing a whole limb, or the loins, 
making about one hundred applications, does not occupy a minute, 
and once heating the lamp suffices. The iron is never rendered 
red hot; it is very little hotter than boiling water, and an eschar 
is never made by it, and rarely a blister. The pain produced by 
its application is so slight, that, according to Dr. Corrigan, some 
of the resident clinical clerks in the hospital preferred it, in their 
own cases, when suffering under local muscular rheumatism* 
to any other method of counter-irritation, — it being, in their 
opinion, the least troublesome, most rapid, least painful and most 
effectual. In sprains of the muscles of the back and other parts, 
and in sciatica, he has seen it render valuable service, as well 
as in neuralgia of the fifth pair, and in paralysis of the portio 
dura. Even delicate females, he says, will not object to its fre- 
quent repetition, when required. 

The method of Dr. Corrigan has been extensively tried by Dr. 
M'Cormack, 1 who has reported very favourably in regard to its 
powers, and by others. 



LX VII. CORTEX ADSTRIN'GENS BRASILIENSIS. 

Synonymes. Cortex adstringens Brasiliensis verus ? Cortex adstringens 

veruSj Astringent Bark of Brazil. 
German. Adstringirende Brasilianische Rinde. 

This bark was introduced into Germany, in the year 1818, by 
Schimmelbusch, a merchant, who carried it from Brazil, where 
it had long been used internally, as well as externally, as an ex- 
cellent astringent. 2 According to Von Martius, 3 it is the bark of 
Acacia jurema, but this is not certainly determined. 4 Oesterlen 5 
assigns it to mimosa (acacia) cochliacarpa seu virginalis. 
Merrem G affirms, that the genuine bark is in more or less flat 
pieces; at times, in half, or complete rolls, from four to twelve 

1 Lancet, Jan. 5, 1847. 

2 Yon Schlectendal, in Encvclop. Worterb. der Medicin. Wissenschaft. B. viii. S. 538. 
Berlin, 1822. 3 Reise, ii. 788. 

4 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 146. 

5 Handbueh der HeilmitteUehre, S. 484. Tubing. 1S45. 

6 Ueber den Cortex adstringens Brasiliensis. Koln, 1828. 



CORTEX ADSTRINGENS BRASILIENSIS. 253 

laches long; from an inch to two inches and a half broad, and 
from one to four lines thick ; these are more frequently straight 
than crooked. The bark may be separated into two parts; an 
outer, which is rough, and an inner rind, of a smooth, fibrous cha- 
racter : the two are but loosely connected together. The outer 
bark is of a grayish-brown colour, traversed by longitudinal and 
transverse furrows, having, here and there, white and grayish- 
white crusty growths, covered with a foliated lichen. The inner 
bark is of a dark-red brown, on its outer surface, and, after the 
outer bark has been separated, is somewhat smooth: on the inner 
side, it is of a bright reddish-brown, and, probably owing to the 
laceration of the woody splinters, somewhat fibrous. The younger 
bark is smooth in the fracture, and of a dull splendour. The 
older bark, which is thicker, is unequal, and may often be sepa- 
rated into fibrous layers, which are readily lacerable. When 
chewed, it has a tolerably strong, astringent, somewhat bitter and 
disagreeable taste, but it does not excite nausea, nor leave any 
arriere-gout. It has scarcely any smell. In its chemical rela- 
tions, it resembles rhatany. 1 

Merrem, who made numerous experiments with the bark, af- 
firms, that, whilst it possesses the properties of astringents in 
general, and to a high degree, it is rather sedative than exciting ; 
agrees with the digestive organs, and aids the peristaltic action. 
He employed it, first, with more or less success, in hemorrhage — 
in epistaxis, hemoptysis, and metrorrhagia; and Gunther 2 found 
it very efficacious in profuse menstruation arising from atony of 
the uterus. Secondly ; in mucous discharges, as leucorrhcea, blen- 
norrhcea, &c. Thirdly; in inflammatory and exanthematous 
affections — as cynanche, urticaria, and in periodical erysipelas of 
the face. Fourthly; in nervous diseases, especially when asso- 
ciated with disturbance of the menstrual function, and leucorrhcea : 
and, fifthly, in weakness and catarrhs of the genital organs, 
bladder and rectum. The Indians consider, that the bark affects 
especially the generative apparatus, and, from the experiments of 
Merrem, it would seem, that its agency is more particularly ex- 
erted in cases of leucorrhcea ; and in many, after cinchona had 
been administered without effect. 3 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Merrem prescribed it in various forms. He gave the powder 

in doses of from Bj. to 5ss., three or four times a day, mixed with 

water. It appeared to him to act most beneficially in cases of 

mucous discharges unaccompanied by disorder of the digestive 

1 See the analysis by Hofrath Trommsdorff, in Brando?, Arehiv., B. xxxlii. S. 260 ; 
and Dierbach, in Heidelberg. Annalen, B. x. H. 3, S. 357. Heidelb. 1834. 

3 In Harless Rein-Westphal. Jahrbuch, B. viii. St. 1, S. 72; and Brandes *\rchiv 
Band, xi. S. 200. 

3 Osann, in Encyc. Worterbuch der Medicin. Wissensoh. viii. 541. 

17 



254 CORYLUS ROSTRATA, 

functions ; and he found that the powder was better borne by some 
than the decoction, which is singular, as the woody matter is more 
apt, in such cases, to disagree. He rarely gave it combined with 
aromatics, and never found the combination of use. To form the 
decoction, an ounce of the coarsely poivdered bark was boilet: 
with sixteen ounces of water, down to f ^ viij.; and to this an 
ounce of syrup was added. The dose was from one to two spoon- 
fuls every two hours. Merrem also prepared an extract, and a 
tincture, in the same manner as these preparations are made of 
cinchona ; of the former, he took from one to two drams, dissolved 
it in six ounces of an aromatic water, and added ^ss. of syrup. 
Of the mixture, a spoonful was given every hour. 

Externally, the decoction was injected three times a day in 
hucorrhcea and blennorrhcea ; or, in the former disease, a sponge 
imbued with the decoction was introduced, and kept there for 
some time. It has been applied, also, as an astringent to ulcers. 

Mistura corticis Brasiliensis adstringentis. 

Mixture of the astringent bark of Brazil. 

R. Decoct, cort. adstring. Brasil. f ^vij. 
Copaib. cum vitelli ovi q. s. subact. 
Tinct. ferri pomati, aa f gij. 
Syrup, balsam, f ^j. M. 

Dose. — A spoonful every two hours, in obstinate gonorrhoea 
and leucorrhcea. Merrem. 

R. Cort. adstring. Brasil. ^ss. 
Coqne cum aquae fontan. q. s. 
Sub fin. coction. adde 

Sabin. ^ss. 
Colaturae f ^ viij. adde 

Syrup, aurant. cort. f ^j. 

Dose. — A spoonful every hour in cancer of the uterus, and 
in the hemorrhage thence arising. Merrem. 



LXVIII. CORYLUS ROSTRATA. 

Synonyme. Beaked Hazel. 

Beaked hazel is a shrub two or three feet high; Natural 
Order, Amentaceae; Suborder, Cupuliferse; Sexual System. 
Moncecia Polyandria; which grows in the mountainous regions of 
North America. The nut which it produces is of an ovate shape, 
surrounded by a coriaceous and scaly involucre or cupula, termi- 
nating in a tube an inch and a half long, covered with short and 
thick bristles, very similar to those of mucuna or cowhage. 1 

1 Duhamel, Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, Jan. 1843. 



CREASOTUM. 255 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The short, stiff bristles have been found to possess similar an- 
thelmintic virtues with mucuna, and to be equal to it in all re- 
spects. Mr. Duhamel states, that Dr. Heubener, of Bethlehem, 
Pennsylvania, from whom he obtained the specimen described by 
him, had employed it in cases of worms, and was much pleased 

with it. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

It may be given, like mucuna, in syrup, molasses or other con- 
sistent vehicle, and in the same doses. 



LXIX. CREASOTUM. 

Synonymes. Creasoton, Creosoton, Creosotum, Kreosoton, Kreosotum, 
Oxy hydro-carburet um ex oleo pyroxilico paratum, Creosote, Creasote, 
Kreosote, Kreasote. 

French. Creosote. 

German. Kreosot. • 

This substance was first discovered, several years ago, by Rei- 
chenbach, of Blansko, and is extensively employed as a therapeu- 
tical agent. Its marked chemical properties suggested, that it 
might be possessed of a decided influence on the economy, ajid ! 
numerous experiments were immediately instituted to test the ac- 
curacy of the notion. These were of the most opposite character; 
and it is not surprising, as in every similar case, that there should 
have been great discrepancy in the results, and in the opinions 
deduced therefrom. There can be no doubt, however, that crea- 
sote forms a valuable addition to the list of our remedial agents. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The process given by Koene, 1 is esteemed one of the best for 
preparing it on a large scale, — almost the only way in which it 
is formed: we, consequently, meet with it only in commerce. 
Hence it is in the Materia Medica list of the Pharmacopoeia of 
the United States (1842,)— not amongst the preparations. Tar, 
derived from pit-coal, is distilled in a retort provided with a long 
tube having a large mouth. Under this is placed a receiver. 
The oil, which comes over first, swims on water; and it is neces- 
sary to remove, from time to time, the products of the distillation, 
until an oil is obtained, which sinks in water. When this is the 
case, the product is collected. The heavy oil, obtained during the 
distillation, condenses not only in the receiver, but in the tube of 

1 Annates Je Chimie et de Physique, Juillet. 1835. See Cormack on Creasote, p. 3G, 
Lond. 1836; or the Araer. edit, in American Medical Library; also. Turner's Chemistry. 
5th edit. p. 872, and Christison, Dispensatory, p. 374, Edinb. 1842. 



256 CilEASOTUM. 

the retort, where it unites with the naphthalin, forming a buty- 
raceous substance. By applying a gentle heat, the mass drops 
into the receiver. The product is now allowed to remain in a cool 
place for some hours, after which it is pressed. The expressed 
naphthalin still contains oil, which is separated by heating it w T ith 
its own weight of acetic acid, until it melts. After allowing it to 
cool, the crystallized naphtha is pressed, and the acid adhering to 
the creasote is saturated with carbonate of potassa. The creasote 
is now 7 to be shaken for a quarter of an hour with phosphoric acid, 
— the proportions being half an ounce of the acid to twenty 
ounces of the oil. The mixture ought then to be agitated with 
its bulk of water, and afterwards be distilled with a graduated heat, 
care being taken to separate the oil which floats on the surface. 
The rectified oil is now to be dissolved in its own volume of a hot 
solution of caustic potassa, s. g. 1.120. When it has been allowed 
to cool for half an hour, the supernatant oil is removed, and the 
heavy oil again treated with caustic potassa, only a fourth part of 
the solution being, however, employed this time. On uniting the 
solutions of potassa, a slight excess of diluted phosphoric acid is 
added, and the free creasote, which floats on the surface, is sepa- 
rated. It is a^ain rectified : and the first product, which is chiefly 
water, being rejected, the creasote comes over pure. M. Koene 
recommends the substance, thus prepared, to be preserved in bot- 
tles covered with blnck paper. 

A protracted and complex process, like the above, necessarily 
makes the drug expensive, especially as the quantity obtained is 
but small. M. Koene procured by it ten drams from thirty-two 
ounces of tar. M. Lem^re, one of the first Parisian pharmaciens 
who made pure creasote, obtained from eight hundred pounds of 
tar about six pounds of creasote. 

Reichenbach generally prepared it from the tar of the beech by 
six distillations; dissolving it afterwards in a solution of caustic po- 
tassa three times, and setting it free successively by sulphuric acid. 1 

Giordano 2 has recommended the following simplified mode for 
obtaining it. Distil wood tar from the willow, at an elevated 
temperature, from a tinned copper retort, until the residue has the 
consistence of soft pitch. Re-distil the liquor passed over till its 
residue resembles the former. The liquor, neutralized by carbon- 
ate of potassa, or lime-water, is re-distilled till all the oil of crea- 
sote has passed over. The oil is dissolved in caustic potassa, from 

1 For an account of this and other products of the destructive distillation of vegetal/!* 
matter, see Cormack, Op. cit. Reichenbaeh's observations and experiments are contained 
in a'work entitled ' ; Das Kreosot in chemischer, physischer and medicinischer Bi 
bun?, von Dr. K. Reichenbach, u. s w. zweite mit Nachtragen und Zusatzen 
Srhweigger-Seidcl verm. A usgabe. Leipz. 1835;" see, also, Annalcs de Chimie, liii. 325. 
Paris, 1833. 

2 Annali di Medicina, Aprile, 1835, cited in Brit, and For. Med. Rev. July. 1836. 
p. 233. For the process of Calderini, see Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ. for Oct. 1834. 



CREASOTUM. 257 

which, after simmering a little in a porcelain vessel, and cooling, 
the eupione, which floats, is easily separated. The same opera- 
tion is repeated with the eupione, to remove all the oil that is 
united with it. The saponaceous liquor, treated with dilute sul- 
phuric acid, is distilled into water, from which the creasote is 
separated, and the water saturated with creasote is kept for exter- 
nal use, or re-distilled for a concentrated acetic acid of a pungent 
and most agreeable odour. Gozzi 1 has given the following sim- 
ple method of procedure: Distil tar into a cylindrical vessel, half 
full of water. Pour off the watery liquid at the top; add to the 
heavier liquid at the bottom sulphuric acid diluted with half its 
weight of water; heat the mixture till it boils; expose the super- 
natant creasote for three days to the air, stirring it frequently; and 
distil the product thrice for thorough purification. 

Creasote is a colourless, transparent fluid. Its refractive power 
is very great, and in angular glass vessels it is beautifully irides- 
cent. Its odour is penetrating, and disagreeable, but not offen- 
sive : many compare it to that of castor. It adheres to every thing, 
and is somewhat permanent. Its taste at first is very burning and 
caustic to the tongue; but on admixture with the saliva, it becomes 
somewhat sweetish. It has an oleaginous feel, and is of about the 
consistence of oil of almonds. Its specific gravity, at 68° Fahr., 
is stated by Reichenbach to be 1.037; but Dr. Christison 2 affirms 
that he has never found it lower than 1.065, or higher than 1.067. 
The fact is, of course, of interest in relation to its adulterations. 
It boils at 397°, and at — 17° does not congeal. When placed on 
paper, it forms a greasy spot, which, however, disappears after a 
while, and can be removed by the application of a heated body 
without any residue. It is a non-conductor of electricity. With 
water at 68°, it unites in two different proportions — one of the 
combinations consisting of I J of creasote and 100 of water; the 
other of 10 parts of water and 100 parts of creasote. The taste 
of the first mixture — creasote water — is very burning at first, and 
afterwards sweetish, like that of pure creasote, but of course weak- 
er. A drop of creasote in 10,000 parts of water produces a 
marked impression on the tongue, and has a smoky smell. Lit- 
mus and turmeric paper are not in the least changed by it ; so that 
it has neither an acid nor an alkaline reaction. At both poles of 
the galvanic battery, it furnishes numerous and striking combina- 
tions. It does not possess the property of the ordinary empyreu- 
matic oils, of becoming yellow and inspissated. It dissolves 
iodine, phosphorus, and sulphur. Acetic acid at 1.070, and alco- 
hol, dissolve it in all proportions, and with the latter it is often adul- 
terated. 3 Ether and petroleum likewise combine with it in all 

1 Journal de Chimie Medicale, cited in American Journal of Pharmacy, Jan. 1839, 
p. 339. / 2 Dispensatory, p. 374, Edinb. 1842. 

3 Journal de Chim. Med. and Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, July, 1841, p. 112. 



ZOO CREASOTUM. 

proportions. With potassa, it forms two or three combinations, 
one of which crystallizes. Resins and resinous bodies either de- 
compose creasote, or it decomposes them. With balsams, fixed 
and volatile oils, camphor, and the vegetable alkaloids, it unites 
readily. It coagulates albumen, and its antiseptic property is 
most remarkable, whence its name, from xptas, ' flesh,' and ou^u, 
'I preserve' — orw^p, ' preserver.' Fresh meat, placed in creasote 
water for half an hour or an hour, and then taken out and dried, 
may be exposed to the heat of the sun without undergoing putre- 
faction. Nay, when flesh has begun to be putrid, the process 
ceases after it has been washed with creasote water, and if su tiered 
to remain immersed in it for an hour, it does not subsequently pu- 
trefy. There can be but little doubt, consequently, that creasote 
is the main antiseptic and conservative principle of pyroligneous 
acid and tar water. From the experiments made by Reichenbach 
to determine the exact components of the flesh on which the crea- 
sote acts, he arrived at the following results. It unites with the 
albumen of the blood in the flesh, which it coagulates, and with the 
red particles without acting on the fleshy fibre, which serves merely 
as the frame-work for the coagulated matters; and it is well known 
that dried albumen does not putrefy, but becomes hard, brittle, and 
transparent. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

Reichenbach has properly remarked, that the excessive burn- 
ing pain in the tongue, which creasote causes, must have at once 
suggested it to be a poisonous substance. It w T as soon found that 
plants, sprinkled with creasote water, died ; that fish placed in it 
were convulsed ; and that small animals, as wasps and flies, died 
when touched with the pure article. If a small quantity of it be 
spread upon the hand, and washed off a minute afterwards, the 
place is found to present a white appearance, but without pain or 
inflammation. In the course of a few days, the place becomes 
dry, and the cuticle desquamates. When creasote is applied to a 
part where the epidermis is deficient, or to a wound, instantane- 
ously an extremely violent burning pain is experienced, which 
continues for eight or ten minutes; but if the part be carefully 
washed, it gradually ceases. The cause of this is conceived to be 
the property which creasote possesses of coagulating albumen ; and, 
where blood is flowing, of arresting it. If the rapid disturbance 
which it excites, affects important organs, death results sooner or 
later, according to their importance in the economy: relief, how- 
ever, may be afforded by those substances that dissolve coagulated 
albumen, as caustic alkalies, acetic acid, &c. It is probable, how- 
ever, that the poisonous properties result from its acrid character. 

To appreciate the physiological effects of creasote, experiments 
have been undertaken by many individuals. Miguet gave a 



CB.EASOTUM. 259 

voung dog, for eight days, an ounce a clay of distilled water con- 
taining four drops of creasote, without any effect. When, how- 
ever, he doubled the dose, nausea, languor, subsultus tendinum, 
and tremors occurred, followed, in the course of a few days, by 
marked emaciation. On discontinuing the creasote, the functions 
gradually resumed their pristine condition, and the animal reco- 
vered its flesh. To another dog, he gave at once two. drams in 
half an ounce of water, and immediately thereafter great prostra- 
tion of the muscular system ensued — vertigo, fixed eyes, stupor, 
dyspnoea, accumulation of mucus in the air passages, spasmodic 
cough, discharge of large quantities of foamy saliva, with vomit- 
ing of a milky matter, although the animal had taken nothing 
of the kind. After two hours' suffering, it died of convul- 
sions. The body was immediately opened : all the tissues, except 
the liver, exhaled a strong smell of creasote; and the whole of the 
mucous membrane of the intestinal canal was inflamed. The mat- 
ters contained in the stomach coagulated when placed in contact 
with albumen. When heated, they yielded a thick smoke, and a 
marked smell of creasote. In the heart and large vessels, the 
blood was more firmly coagulated than usual: the lungs were gorged 
with blood ; in the brain there was no evidence either of congestion 
or hemorrhage. In another dog, into whose carotid equal portions 
of water and creasote were injected, death resulted with similar 
phenomena, but more rapidly. The precise quantity of creasote 
used in this experiment is not stated. 

Simon, in his experiments, found that when ten drops of crea- 
sote, diluted, were injected into a vein, scarcel} 1 - any effect resulted. 
Reiter and Miiller, who likewise made experiments on animals, 
agree with Simon as to the result of injections of creasote into 
the veins; no special symptoms were induced by it, but this ap- 
peared to be owing to the blood being instantaneously coagulated 
by it, which not only prevented the farther progress of the crea- 
sote, but also of the blood ; hence, no evil consequences resulted ; 
and, it is probable, as Riecke has suggested, 1 that the weaker the 
solution of creasote, within certain limits, the greater may be its 
effect on the mass of blood. 

Corneliani, 2 an Italian physician, has also instituted a series of 
experiments with creasote on lambs, rabbits, &c. All these ani- 
mals bore small doses of creasote — however unwillingly it might 
be taken — without any remarkable results, and without loss of 
appetite. Large doses, however, immediately occasioned general 
torpor, sudden inclination to pass the urine, paralysis — especially 
of the lower extremities — with or without convulsions, and fre- 
quently the ejection of a bloody foam. When the doses were 

1 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 153. 

s Giornale delle Scienze Medico-Chirurgiche, No. 8, Febrajo, 1835; cited in Brit, and 
For. Med. Review, p. 265, Jan. 1836. 



260 CREASOTUM. 

large, and it was but little diluted, death took place in a few 
minutes, and on examination, the inner lining of the stomach was 
generally found corroded, yet not so constantly as to allow of 
death being ascribed to that circumstance. It followed, farther, 
from his experiments, that pure creasote applied to a denuded 
nerve, or injected only in small quantities into a vein, may occa- 
sion death suddenly; and that the application of the creasote to 
extensive wounded surfaces in the same animals maybe ultimately 
followed by fatal consequences. Where a very large dose of creo- 
sote was administered, immediate death was produced without 
organic lesion. 

In the trials made with it by Dr. Elliotson 1 he found no action 
produced upon the bowels ; but it sometimes augmented the 
quantity of urine. He once saw it, in the dose of a minim three 
times a day, cause micturition nine times in an hour. In another 
case, in doses of three minims, it produced severe strangury. 

According to Simon, when applied to the muscles, it destroys 
the surface like caustic. Muller and Reiter, in their experiments,, 
found, that it speedily rendered the muscular fibres of a dirty- 
whitish appearance, and readily lacerable. When applied to the 
fresh blood of the hog, it converted the colour in an instant to an 
ashy-gray ; after which it became black and quickly coagulated. 
Mixed either pure or diluted with blood, it thickens it; the mix- 
ture assumes a brown-red colour, and is found studded with small 
white points, which are nothing more than coagulated albumen. 
On exposing the coagulum to the air, it assumes a yellowish-red 
colour. Reich, on the other hand, who appears to have made many 
experiments with creasote, both in internal and external diseases, 
affirms, that he has never observed any caustic effect from it : 
from which assertion, as Riecke has remarked, 3 the only inference 
to be deduced is, that he must always have applied it largely diluted. 
Fremanger likewise asserts, that when pure creasote is applied 
to the epidermis, it does not destroy it; but merely occasions 
more or less redness of the skin. When applied to a suppu- 
rating surface, it caused, instantaneously, the formation of a white 
pellicle, owing to its coagulating the albumen contained in the 
secretions from the wound. Adventitious tissues, with which it 
is brought in contact, are destroyed by it. When placed between 
the lips of a wound, it prevents healing by the first intention, by 
coagulating the albumen; and, consequently, it may be employed 
in all cases where it is desirable to prevent the growing together 
of parts. Fremanger is, indeed, disposed to refer all its efficacy 
to the action which it exerts on albumen. 

Its long continued use often occasions an inflammatory condi- 
tion which, as Dr. J. L. Da Luz 3 observes, has nothing in com- 

1 Medico-Chirurg. Transac. vol. xix. Lond. 1835. * Op. cit. S. 154. 

3 Journal da Sociedade das Sciencas Medicas de Lisboa, torn. v. Lisboa, 1837; re- 
viewed in Zeitschrift fur die gesamtnte Medicin. Oct. 1838, S. 224. 



CREASOTUM. 261 

mon with the disease for the cure of which it may have been 
prescribed. In a case of porrigo favosa, treated with it by the 
author, febrile irritation supervened, and the head was covered 
by an artificial eruption, which induced, however, a new action 
in the system of nutrition of the scalp, and, after its subsidence, 
the porrigo was cured. 

Dr. Cormack, of Edinburgh, instituted various experiments on 
the lower animals to test its physiological effects. 1 In three 
experiments, about twenty-five drops of pure creasote were in- 
jected into the venous system of dogs. All the animals died. 
In every case of poisoning by it, which he has observed, Dr. Cor- 
mack found the following to be the symptoms. — Its first delete- 
rious action was a powerful one of sedation on the heart ; the 
vital energies of that organ seeming to be instantaneously para- 
lyzed. In some instances, 'hurried and sonorous respiration went 
on for more than a minute after the heart had ceased to beat. In 
general, one or two convulsions, resembling the tetanic, preceded 
death; and, almost invariably before expiring, the animal uttered 
one or more shrill cries. In every instance the atony of the heart 
immediately after death was very striking. 

From other experiments it appears, that when it is injected 
into the arteries the deleterious effects are of a much milder cha- 
racter, and if the dose be not large, the animal may experience 
but little inconvenience, — a circumstance which proves the im- 
portance of a thorough admixture with the blood before the poi- 
sonous article reaches the heart ; such admixture not taking place 
to the necessary extent, when the poison is injected into the veins, 
but being readily effected when injected into the arteries, and con- 
sequently distributed through the system of nutrition. 

When taken for any length of time, the urine acquires a black- 
ish hue, and in some cases creasote may be recognised in it. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Creasote has been administered in various diseases; the follow- 
ing may be esteemed a summary of the chief therapeutical expe- 
riments made with it. 

Hemorrhage. — The discovery of creasote happened at a time 
when the Acqua Binelli enjoyed more confidence as a styptic 
than it does now ; and the fancied probability, that the nostrum 
was indebted to creasote for its properties, gave rise to many ex- 
periments with the latter in cases of hemorrhage. One of the first, 
who instituted experiments with it on rabbits, was G. Simon. Not 
being able to obtain any striking results from the Acqua Binelli, 
he tried creasote, pure, as well as in the form of creasote water, 
and of an emulsion prepared with gum Arabic; and from the results 

1 Op. cit. p. 66. 2 Maeleod, in Med. Gaz. xvi. 599, and xvii. 653. 



262 CREASOTUM. 

of these he was led to affirm, that although creasote occasioned 
the coagulation of the albumen of the blood, it acted no better as 
a styptic than cold water. With the Acqua Binelli he was not 
able to coagulate albumen. The rapid separation of the albumen 
in the form of a reddish-gray coagulum under the influence of 
creasote, he found to be of no advantage, as the mass remained soft 
and pulpy ; and the wound in the vessel would not close, but was 
immediately opened by the stream of blood. Neither did he 
esteem it adapted for arresting trifling hemorrhages; for, when very 
much diluted, it was still too exciting to the injured parts, and 
greatly delayed their union. This, indeed, might, he thinks, be 
expected from the fact, that pure creasote, when placed on the skin 
for ten or twenty minutes, induces superficial inflammation. The 
experiments of other physicians have been decidedly more favour- 
able. Muller and Reiter, 1 for example, in theirs, found that 
creasote was far more efficacious than the Acqua Binelli; for, when 
the latter was prescribed, it was always necessary to have recourse 
to other agents, before the hemorrhage was arrested. In their 
experiments on dogs, they found the hemorrhage from a divided 
crural vein quickly cease, when a compress of cotton wetted with 
creasote w T as placed on the vessel with a moderate degree of 
pressure. Three days afterwards, the crural artery was exposed 
on the same dog, and divided; but it was afterwards necessary to 
tie it, as the creasote, in consequence of the excessive hemorrhage, 
could not be brought into immediate contact with the vessel, but 
merely acted on the superficial layer of blood, and therefore did 
not arrest the hemorrhage. The crural artery of a young and 
tolerably strong dog was cut a short distance above its division, 
compression being at the same time exerted upon the trunk. The 
artery did not bleed. Nine minutes afterwards, a compress of 
cotton soaked in creasote was applied immediately to the divided 
extremity of the artery, with some degree of pressure. When 
the compress was removed, the bleeding was entirely arrested, 
and the wounded surface was dry, and had an ashy-gray hue. In 
an old dog, hemorrhage from a divided crural artery was arrested 
by the same means, but not so speedily. When the artery was 
examined, it was found to be wholly closed, having a navel-like 
depression at the extremity, which disappeared when the vessel 
was pressed upon, and ultimately became conical. Within the 
vessel there was a conical coagulum, which could be readily de- 
tached; and for the space of a line, the artery appeared inflamed 
through its coats. In arteries that had been divided for a longer 
time, the union was likewise complete ; but there was this differ- 
ence, that the inflammation at the end of the vessel had disappeared, 

1 Schmidt's Jahrbuch. cited in Encyclojrraphie des Sciences Medicales, Mars, 1837. 
See, also, Burdach, -Median. Zeitung. Jahrganp;. 1840, No. 31, cited in Lond. and 
Edinb. Monthly Journal of Med. Science, May, 1642. 



CREASOTUM. 263 

and a pointed fibrous caruncle was observed in the vessel, which 
was doubtless the fibrinous portion of the previous coagulum. 

From their experiments, Miiller and Reiter were led to con- 
firm the haemastatic properties of creasole, both when the hemor- 
rhage occurs from veins and from arteries. The arteries divided 
were of considerable size, larger than the radial artery of an adult 
male. They consider pressure indispensable to occasion the erea- 
sote to act immediately on the artery ; and the arrest of the hemor- 
rhage, they ascribe, not alone to the coagulation of the blood, but 
to the contraction of the arteries. In parenchymatous hemor- 
rhage, creasote water was generally sufficient; as well as in tole- 
rably extensive wounds of the surface. Horing, also, obtained 
satisfactory results from his experiments on animals. He ex- 
posed, on an old cat, the crural artery and vein of the right side ; 
made a small incision into the latter, and pressed upon it to stop 
the copious flow which ensued : he then applied over the wound, 
for two minutes, a small compress of lint, wetted with a solution 
of creasote — two drops to one hundred of water — and the bleeding 
ceased. The artery was now opened, and a similar compress 
placed upon it with the same result. Two days afterwards, a se- 
cond experiment was made of the same kind, except that, owing.to 
the struggles of the animal, a larger opening was made into the 
crural artery. In this case, it was necessary to apply the com- 
press for four minutes before the hemorrhage ceased. In another 
cat, a large transvefse incision was made into the inner surface of 
the right thigh, above the middle, by which muscles, arteries, 
veins, and nerves were divided. Two large compresses of lint, 
wetted with a solution of creasote, were then pressed on the parts 
for five minutes, and the bleeding entirely cea'sed. The like re- 
sult was obtained in the case of an old horse, whose jugular vein 
was opened. But the creasote solution did not succeed in wholly 
arresting the hemorrhage in the same horse, when an opening 
was made into the crural vein and artery. 

To these experiments on animals may be added some that were 
instituted on the human subject, which testify, more or less, to 
the efficacy of creasote as a haemastatic. Hahn applied it in 
some insignificant cases, but saw no better effect from it than from 
cold water. Most found it speedily arrest slight hemorrhage from 
small vessels. Horing applied it successfully in cases of epistaxis, 
which had obstinately resisted other agents, — two plugs of lint, 
dipped in a solution of creasote, being inserted in the nostrils, after 
which the hemorrhage soon ceased/ Fichtdauer employed it 
with equally advantageous results in violent bleeding j r om leech 
bites, after several haemastatics had been used in vain ; and Hey- 
felder extols it for arresting hemorrhage from large wounded sur- 
faces. Berthelot differs with Fremanger and Simon, who affirm 
that union by the first intention is prevented by it. The results 



264 CREASOTUM. 

of his observation were opposite. Miguet applied it success- 
fully as a haemostatic in fresh wounds on man and animals. 
Both pure creasote and a solution of it were, however, unsuccess- 
fully used by Bardili in hemorrhage from the arteria tibialis pos- 
tica, which he ascribed to the blood having lost its albumen, owing 
to the excessive discharge. Reich and HaufF found injections 
with creasote water useful in hcemorrhagia uteri. Schneider had 
a case of hemorrhage that had continued for seven hours in a man 
eighty years old, which proceeded from the gums of the tipper 
jaw; the blood oozing as from the pores of a sponge. He directed 
the man to take as much creasote water into his mouth as he was 
able; and after three repetitions the hemorrhage ceased, and did 
not recur. Kohler 1 endeavoured to test the haemastatic operation 
upon himself. He made an incision in his forearm an inch long, 
and three or four lines deep, to which he applied creasote water. 
A lancinating pain was felt in the wound, but no other sensible 
effect. A drop of pure creasote was now let fall between the lips 
of the wound: this was followed by a sensation of burning and 
drawing; for a moment coagulated flakes of a whitish-gray colour 
covered the wound, and there was a temporary cessation to the 
flow: it soon, however, recurred. After a time, the hemorrhage 
ceased ; but not sooner— Kohler thinks — than if cold water had 
been applied. The feeling of burning and drawing continued, 
however, for some time ; the edges of the wound were somewhat 
swollen, and cedematous, and, in about four flours, were covered 
with a yellowish-brown lymph; but there seemed to be no delay 
in the cicatrization. 

In a case of lithotomy, it was found impossible to arrest the 
hemorrhage by any of the usual means, and no particular vessel 
could be discovered from which the blood flowed. The patient 
was at last reduced to the lowest ebb, from the continued loss 
of blood, and had already lost consciousness, when a sponge, 
dipped in pure creasote, .was introduced into the wound, and 
pressed against the bleeding parts for an instant or two. The 
hemorrhage was immediately arrested. No particular pain was 
experienced ; no unpleasant symptoms occurred ; thin eschars 
were thrown off, and the patient recovered. 2 J. L. da Luz 3 
found it an excellent styptic in capillary hemorrhage; but in he- 
morrhage from great vessels it did not prevent a recurrence of 
the bleeding. In hemoptysis, its internal use has been found 
beneficial. Santini 4 prescribed it in a desperate case with com- 
plete success, and with Schmalz it was equally effective; on the 
other hand, it was of little avail in Guitti's hands. In hcema- 

1 Neue Wissenschafilich. Annalen, u. s. w. B. i. H. 3. S. 235. Berlin, 1835. 
: Daser, Edinb. .Medical and Surgical Journal, Oct. 1841. 3 Op. cif. 

* Gaz?tta Terapeutica <li Verona, Mars, 1334; cited in American Journal of the 
Medical Sciences, Feb. 183G, p, 502. 



CREASOTUM. 26o 

temesis, it succeeded with Dr. Isaac Parrish- of Philadelphia, 1 
after the remedies generally employed in such cases had failed 
to produce any effect. Dr. Wm. T. Wragg, 2 employed it inter- 
nally with advantage in a variety of hemorrhages — as flooding 
after abortion; flooding where there was no pregnane!/: hemor- 
rhage from the stomach and bowels; hemorrhage from the 
bladder, and haemoptysis; and the result of his observations in- 
duces him to conclude, that, on the whole, they "entitle the remedy 
to a place amongst the means upon which reliance may be placed 
in the treatment of a class of diseases, in the management of 
which we are often embarrassed." He extols it also as a hae- 
mastatic in traumatic hemorrhage; and a case is given by Drs. 
J. L. Lawrence Smith and S. D. Sinkler, 3 in which a mixture of 
creasote, " a watery emulsion of creasote," (the formula for which is 
given hereafter,) with proper pressure by means of a dossil of lint, 
arrested the hemorrhage produced by an oblique slit in the carotid 
of a sheep. They express their belief, how T ever, that when the 
emulsion of creasote is applied to the divided artery of the sheep, 
it depends greatly, if not altogether, upon the manner in which 
the lint is applied to the wound in the artery, whether the hemor- 
rhage is arrested or not. If it be placed immediately on the 
orifice of the cut vessel, success is certain; "if, however, the 
vessel shrink . from contact with the lint, the animal is almost 
certain to bleed to death.-" 

Its effects as a hcemastatic suggested it fo Dr. E. W. Faulcon, 4 
of North Carolina, as a remedy in a case of mercurial salivation. 
in the form of gargle made by half a dram of creasote to a pint oi 
sage tea, which was used every hour during the first day. The 
effects were excellent. 

Bums. — Most used creasote with decided relief in burns of 
the second and third degree, applied by means of rags wetted 
with creasote water. Eerthelot also cured two cases quickly with 
it; the slightly burnt places becoming desiccated; the more severe 
healing by the formation of a crust. Guitti applied both creasote 
water and creasote ointment with advantage in burns which had 
proceeded to profuse suppuration; and Dr. Sutro 5 strongly recom- 
mends an ointment of creasote, the formula for w 7 hich is given 
hereafter; and advises it to be kept ready prepared under the name 
of ' burn ointment.' 

In profuse suppuration, it has been advised, on the authority 
of Levrat and Berthelot; but, according to J. L. da Luz, 6 it has no 
marked influence on the secretion of pus, and is therefore useless 
in suppurating abscesses. In otorrhoza it has been especially 
beneficial. 

1 Medical Examiner, Aug. 10, 1839, p. 501. 

3 Southern Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, March, 1846, p. 128. 

8 Ibid., July, 184G, p. 403. 4 Medical Examiner, Nov. 1848, p. 656. 

s Medical Times, Jan. 4, 1845, p. 314. s Op. cit. 



266 CREASOTUM. 

.Lesions of the integuments. — According to Reichenbach, 
creasote is of essential service in the intertrigo of children, as 
well as in excoriations induced by lying — bed sores. In the 
latter case, Guitti used it with success. Hahn also frequently 
employed it. In cases where ulceration had not taken place, he 
washed the parts several times a day with creasote water, and was 
of opinion that he had prevented, in some cases, the occurrence of 
ulceration. Where ulceration had already taken place, he covered 
the parts with linen rags, folded two or three times, which he 
soaked in creasote water, and fixed them on by means of adhesive 
straps. The superficial ulcers soon healed ; and the deeper were 
transformed into hollow surfaces, secreting a homogeneous serous 
fluid, but no pus. 

Horing employed creasote water with advantage in sore nip- 
ples; and creasote ointment has been recommended by Dr. Fife/ 
in sprains and contusions. 

In chilblains, whether ulcerated or not, Hahn 2 used creasote 
washes successfully; — the affection yielding in a few days; and 
Dr. Herndon 3 regards creasote ointment as the best remedy in 
that affection with which he is acquainted. M. Devergie also ex- 
tols an ointment of creasote, subacetate of lead and opium in the 
proportions given hereafter. 

Ulcers. — Fissures of the skin and superficial ulcers, accord- 
ing to Hahn, were changed, under the application of creasote wa- 
ter, into a blackish-brown scab, which adhered for a long time, 
and, when it fell off, left the parts healed, or, by occasioning too 
much shrinking, gave rise to fresh inflammation and suppuration. 
Deeper ulcers were affected in the same manner as those caused 
by long lying. Its efficacy in atonic and varicose ulcers, especial- 
ly of the leg, has been attested by Levrat, Berthelot, Rossi, Hechen- 
berger, and others; but Guitti, Heyfelder, and Schmalz were less 
satisfied with it. A case of indolent ulcer between the knee and 
ankle, accompanied with a good deal of inflammation, was cured by 
Dr. Crary, in five weeks, by the application of a solution of creasote 
(ten drops to the ounce of water,) with methodical compression 
of the limb, by means of a bandage. 4 Bresciani de Borsa 5 consi- 
ders it a 'sovereign remedy' for indolent and obstinate ulcers. 
He applies it in the form of a lotion, consisting of six drops of 
creasote to four ounces of water, gradually increasing the strength 
to 10 or 20 drops. Meister found the application of creasote wa- 
ter, in cases of carious, scrofulous, syphilitic, fistulous, and 
sanious ulcers, to be strikingly and almost uniformly advanta- 

1 Lond. Med. Gaz., April 7, 1S38. p. GG. a Gazette Medicale de Paris, Dec. 1834. 

3 American Med. Intelligencer, March 15. 1838, p. 425. 

4 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, July 3, 1839, p. 332. 

5 Gazette des Hopitaux, Sept. 19, 1840; in Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, January 
to July, 1847, p. 199, 



CREASOTUM. 267 

geous. Heyfelder, likewise, found it extraordinarily useful in 
scrofulous ulcers, and Dr. Cormack 1 states, that he had an op- 
portunity of seeing a case of the kind treated by Dr. Shortt, in 
the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where an extensive scrofu- 
lous ulcer of the hip, after resisting a variety of treatment, at 
last yielded to creasote, and was ultimately completely cicatrized. 
On the other hand, Otto tried both pure creasote and the watery 
solution in ulcers of various kinds, especially the scrofulous: the 
ulcers very generally put on, in the course of twenty-four hours, 
a cleaner appearance ; still they did not cicatrize ; on which ac- 
count Otto prefers, in old ulcerations at least, the use of a solution 
of chlorinated lime; for notwithstanding creasote diminished and 
improved the character of the suppuration from scrofulous ulcers, 
and rendered them cleaner, it did not ameliorate the general con- 
dition; — after the diminution of the suppuration, local pains, loss 
of sleep, and slight febrile movements generally supervening. On 
these accounts, Otto does not think creasote applicable to scrofu- 
lous ulcers in general. 

Many observers depose to the good effects of creasote in scro- 
fulous caries. Among these may be mentioned Hahn, Coster, 
Ritgen, Fremanger and Hauff. In fistulous ulcers — also of syphi- 
litic origin — several physicians have employed it beneficially. 
Dr. Fife, 2 of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, found it useful not merely in 
obstinate but in malignant ulcers. In no case of ulceration, he 
affirms, in which he tried it, did it disappoint his expectations. 
In a sloughing carbuncle, the alcoholic solution, (thirty drops to 
the ounce,) mixed with carrot poultices, was applied with advan- 
tage by Dr. Herndon, 3 of Culpeper C. H., Virginia. In scurvy and 
in scorbutic ulcers, M. Coen 4 found its use followed by excellent 
results, and he refers to cases in which it has been administered 
internally with very great advantage. J. L. da Luz 5 considers it 
an excellent cleansing remedy in atonic ulcers, but its prolonged 
use, he thinks, retards cicatrization. In hospital gangrene, he 
esteems it the best antiseptic, and the most' powerful means for 
checking its terrific progress. In gangrenous or sloughing ulcers, 
Hahn used it. Several times a day he pencilled the slough with 
pure creasote, and, in the intervals, fomented it with creasote 
water. According to Reichenbach, two offensive affections of 
the labia pudendi — the consequences of infiltration of blood — 
were cured by it; and Reich and Sir Francis Smith 6 treated with 
success cases of cancrum oris; and the former, one of scorbutic 
ulceration of the gums. In herpetic ulcers, Horing and Ber- 

1 Op. cit. p. 106. * Lond. Med. Gaz„ April 7, 1838, p. 65. 

8 Amer. Med. Intelligencer, March 15, 1838, p. 425. 
4 Giornale per servire, &c, di Venezia, 1836. 

•Jornal da Sociedade das Sciencas de Lisboa, T. v. Lisboa, 1837; noticed in Zeit- 
schrift fur die gesammte Medicin. Oct. 1838, S. 224. 
8 Dublin Journal of Med. Science, for May, 1837. 



268 CREASOTUM. 

thelot observed favourable effects from creasote water; and it has 
been found especially useful in carcinomatous and syphilitic 
ulcers, in which it has been often employed. In cancer of the 
uterus, Wolff injected it, in two cases, into the vagina. In one. 
the pain was so great, that, on the ninth day, after six pints 
of creasote water had been used, it was obliged to be discon- 
tinued. In the other case, the treatment was continued twenty- 
six days, and sixteen pints were used : in it, also, the pain was 
sensibly aggravated. The secretion was not improved in either 
case, nor was hemorrhage prevented by it; for one of the patients 
died immediately after an attack of this kind : the other lingered a 
long time. Heyfelder found injections of creasote water, in con- 
junction with the extractum calendulee, of no use in cancer uteri. 
On the other hand, in a case of superficial ulceration of the os uteri, 
with copious discharge of a puriform mucus, which had been 
treated unsuccessfully by other agents, for several months, Hahn 
found an injection of creasote water effectual in fourteen days. 
Tealier 1 has likewise reported a case of superficial ulcerations 
around the os uteri, to which nitrate of silver had been applied at 
least twenty times without inducing a cure. By touching the ulcers 
with lint fixed upon the end of a probe, and dipped in a mixture 
of one part of creasote and three parts of water, excessive pain was 
induced ; but this gradually passed away, and in six days the signs 
of ulceration had disappeared. It is more than doubtful, however, 
whether -either of the last two cases was carcinomatous. In a case 
of cancer of the breast, a solution of creasote was applied by the 
same gentleman. This excited, instantaneously, violent pain, but 
after a time the pain ceased, and relief was obtained. Rossi saw a 
cancerous ulcer of the face healed by creasote ointment, but it 
soon broke out again. The same gentleman cured a fungous 
tumour on the alveolar margin of the right os maxillare — which 
had occasioned the loss of all the teeth of that side except one, and 
which even the actual cautery had not prevented from returning 
— by a collutory of six drops of creasote in six ounces of water. 
Heyfelder saw creasote used without effect in a case of cancer of 
the skin, and Cormack 2 in one of lupus of the nose. Guitti 
cured an ulcer, in appearance cancerous, by the application of 
pure creasote, for which, at a later period, the solution was sub- 
stituted, and Marchal has published a case of cancer of the lip. 
the cure of which he believes he accomplished by means of 
creasote. 3 Garbiglietti cured a fungous ulcer with caries of 
the fibula by creasote, but it is questionable whether the ulcer 
-was carcinomatous; and Meisinger saw cancer of the face im- 
proved by the use of creasote ointment. It has been before re- 

1 Revue Medicale, Fevrier, 1834. For similar cases, see Friese, in Berlin. Medicin- 
Zeituno, Nio. 13, 1537. a Op. cit. p. 115. 

8 Gazette Medicale de Paris, Fev. 1835. 



CREASOTUM. 269 

marked, that Meisinger used creasote with advantage in syphi- 
litic ulcers. Hahn also applied creasote water in primary syphi- 
litic sores; the small, superficial ulcers healed soon; the larger and 
deeper remained stationary. In a phagedenic ulcerated bubo, the 
spreading was arrested, but this was all. According to Heyfel- 
der, creasote — probably pure — excited, in a case of primary 
syphilitic ulcer, in a plethoric individual, violent inflammation, 
and so much sensibility, that it was obliged to be discontinued. 
Berthelot cured a chancre, which had resisted caustics and other 
cicatrizing agencies, in a few days, by creasote water. Rehfeld, 
also, treated secondary syphilitic ulcers successfully with it, giving 
however, at the same time, the corrosive chloride of mercury 
inwardly. Chronic venereal ulcers have in some cases yielded 
to it, after they had resisted every other kind of treatment. 1 Dr. 
Biirkner, of Breslau, 2 reports a case, which, after having proved 
rebellious to every kind of general and local management that 
could be devised, at length yielded to the application of pure crea- 
sote by means of a camel's hair brush. The character of the se- 
creted pus immediately improved; the wound began to heal by 
granulations from the base ; and, at the end of four weeks, Dr. 
Biirkner found his patient quite well. In condylomata, it has 
been equally successful. By the application of creasote water, 
Hahn found them contract and disappear; but the more obstinate 
required to be pencilled with pure creasote. Heyfelder, Reich, 3 
Fricke, and Coen, 4 also found creasote efficacious in these cases. 
The last gentleman but one had the most frequent opportunities 
for observation ; by him creasote, in a dilute state, was applied to 
the top of the condylomata by means of a pencil. In cases of small 
condylomata, touching them once or twice was sufficient for their 
removal; of larger, it had to be more frequently repeated. In some 
obstinate cases, it required two or three weeks before they disap- 
peared ; but when once they fell off, they did not return. 

Gonorrhoea and Leucorrhoea. — Most extols creasote water as 
a remedy in gleet. He applies it either in the way of injection, 
or by small tents w 7 etted with it and introduced into the urethra. 
In leucorrhoea, he strongly recommends both its internal and 
external use. Reich injected creasote water in a case of gonor- 
rhoea, and in one of malignant leucorrhoea ; yet its agency in 
these cases was doubtful, as copaiba was given at the same time. 
Hahn 5 also used injections of creasote water in the second stage 
of gonorrhoea and in gleet ; but he did not think that the dis- 
charge ceased sooner under its agency than under the ordinary 

1 Cormack, Op. citat. p. 107; and in Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journ. of Med. 
Science, Oct. 1842. See, also, Kunchel, in Bulletin Gener. de Therapeutique. p. 313, 
Paris, 1833. a Casper's Wochenschrift, Sepr. 9, 1837, S. 583. 

8 Hufeland's Journal, Jan. 1834. and Revue Medicale, Mai, 1834. 

* Giornale per Servire, &c di Venezia, An. 1836. 

* Gazette Medicale de Taris, Dec. 1834. 

18 



270 CREASOTUM. 

means; whilst, in some cases, the inflammation was even aug- 
mented. In two cases of benign fluor albas, after many other 
remedies had been employed in vain, Schmalz saw good effects 
from the use of a solution of creasote; but, in a third case it 
afforded no relief. Dr. Elliotson 1 gave it internally to a female 
labouring under gonorrhoea, — at first, in the dose of two minims, 
to an ounce of water, and, afterwards, in the dose of four, six, and 
even eight minims, but no good resulted from it. Dr. R. H. All- 
natt 2 has used creasote injections in gonorrhoea and in leucorrhoea 
with very satisfactory results. He proposes the remedy also for 
cases of gleet occurring in flabby leucophlegmatic males. The 
formula for an injection used by him is given hereafter. 

The author has administered it not unfrequently in leucorrhoea 
and other mucous discharges, and, when persevered in, it has at 
times appeared to be of decided service. 3 Dr. Robert Dick, 4 of 
Glasgow, has called the attention of the profession to its use in 
the chronic stage of gonorrhoea, and in gleet. He thinks its 
beneficial effects are more obvious than those of copaiba. He 
administered it in doses of two drops with loaf sugar beaten into 
a syrup w T ith water; and M. Em. Rousseau 5 has used it success- 
fully in the acute stage of gonorrhoea in the proportion of 
gr. xvss. of creasote to half an ounce of loafer. The dose of this 
was three or four drops, from four to six times a day, in a wine- 
glassful of sugared water; injecting, five or six times a day, three 
drops in a glassful of decoction of marshraallow. 

Cutaneous affections. — Dr. Fahnestock, fi of Pittsburgh, uses 
creasote in erysipelas, as a local remedy, and so successfully, that, 
in a practice of many years, he has not seen a case that did not 
yield to it. In every case of local erysipelas of the face or else- 
where, he applies pure creasote, with a camel's hair brush, over 
the whole of the affected surface, and to some distance beyond 
the seat of inflammation; and, at the same time, prescribes calomel, 
followed by jalap in sufficient quantity to induce free catharsis. 
In the majority of cases, this is all that is needed. In the phleg- 
monous form, it is necessary to repeat the application more fre- 
quently than in the. simple, -with the addition of a bread and water 
cataplasm, applied nearly cold, and well sprinkled w T ith water 
strongly impregnated with creasote; or a cloth may be kept con- 
stantly wet with the solution, especially when the face is the seat 
of the affection. The creasote should cause the parts to become 
white immediately: and it is worthy of observation, that the skin 

1 Lancet, for Dec, 1S35, p. 435. 2 London Lancet, Dec 31, 1842, p. 504. 

3 See, also, Coen, in Giornale per Servire. &&, di Venezia, 1836; and Dr. Wm. T. 
Wrairor. Southern Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, March, 1846, p. 128. 
' Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1838, p. 602. 
s L'Abeille Medicale, Avril. 1847, p. 96. 
• American Journal of the Medical Sciences, July, 1848, p. 152. 



CREASOTUM. 271 

does not remain in the least marked by the application, no matter 
how often it is applied. Reich treated a case of crust a lactea 
externally by creasote, and internally, by the mild chloride and 
the black sulphuret of mercury. The result was favourable. 
In itch, it was recommended by its discoverer. Wolff, too, saw 
three cases of not very recent itch cured in eight days by lo- 
tions of creasote water. Reich and Coen 1 extol the water and 
the ointment in inveterate itch. J. L. Da Luz 3 considers it as 
valuable as sulphur, but Otto did not find the water particu- 
larly efficacious. He gives strong testimony, however, in it's 
favour, in herpetic eruptions : in a very short time it induced 
evident improvement, and often removed the affection in from 
eight to fourteen days. When the cases were more chronic, 
a longer time was, of course, required for the cure. He never 
administered it, however, without attaining his object. His rule 
was, to bathe the affected parts twice a day with creasote water, 
and in particular cases he directed, in addition, general baths of 
warm water. The eruption commonly disappeared very rapidly 
under this management, but it speedily recurred, unless general 
bathing was used at the same time. It again yielded, however, 
very readily to creasote water. Grandjean, Reich, and Kohler, 
also applied the water successfully in herpes; and Guitti found 
both the water and the ointment most serviceable in herpetic 
affections when combined with appropriate internal treatment. 
Heyfelder recommends that alterative drinks, as the decoctum 
sarsaparillae, should be combined with them. Even in herpes 
ezedens, the external application of creasote was found effectual 
by Ritgen, Grandjean, and Rossi. Wolff 3 cured a case of 
ancient impetigo in about eight weeks, by a solution of creasote 
(Creasot. f gss.; Jiq. destillat. f gv.) At first, the application 
caused so much heat and inflammation, that in eight days it was 
obliged to be discontinued, and afterwards it was alternated with 
fomentations of warm water from day to day until the cure was 
completed. Dr. Herndon, of Culpeper C. H., Va., derived much 
benefit from the ointment in psoriasis. In a case of acne 
rosacea of seven years' standing, accompanied with headach, ner- 
vousness, thirst in the morning and acid eructations, for which the 
patient — a female — was put under treatment for a month, without 
success, Dr. Elliotson 4 determined on trying creasote. The ad- 
vantage was soon manifest, as in three days the eruption was 
evidently diminished. At first, she took two minims three times 
a day; this was gradually augmented to twenty minims, — the 
farther increase of the dose being prevented by the supervention 
of giddiness and tremors. At the end of seven months, she was 

1 Op. cit, 

- Jomal da Sociedade das Sciencas Medicas de Lisboa, torn. v. Lisboa, 1887 f noticed 
in Zeitschrift fur die gesammte Medicin. Oct, 1838, S. 224. 

3 Medicin. Zeitung, u, s. w. No 30, 1834. 4 Lancet, July 4, 1834, p. 459. 



272 CREASOTUM. 

discharged; the eruption being scarcely perceptible, and the dys- 
peptic symptoms entirely removed. In a chronic pustular dis- 
ease, not curable by antiphlogistics, the same gentleman observed 
better effects from it than from any remedy previously prescribed. 1 
Dr. Copland found a saturated solution in water answer well as a 
lotion in porrigo favosa. 2 The author has often used it in 
porrigo, both creasote water and creasote ointment, (see the 
formulae at the end of the article;) they have always appeared to 
him sufficiently strong, and when the quantity of creasote was 
increased, so much inflammatory irritation was induced, that they 
had to be discontinued for a time. 

In cases of chronic inflammation of the free edge of the 
eyelids, cures were effected by Coster, and G. T. Black 3 ; by the 
former, from the use, twice a day, of a dilute solution of creasote 
(Creasot. gtt. xij.; Jlq. destillat. f gij.) applied by means of a 
camel's hair pencil. The cure was complete in ten days. The 
formula for the lotion used by Mr. Black is given afterwards. 
An ointment of it has also been found of essential service in 
various forms of strumous ophthalmia, by Dr. C. C. Hildreth, 
of Zanesville, Ohio. 4 In different kinds of ophthalmia, M. San- 
son used creasote, but never observed the disease to be modified 
by the treatment. 5 

In cases of prolapsus vaginze, Schlesier tried the external use 
of a solution of creasote. After astringent injections, and the ap- 
plication of decoctum kramerias by means of a sponge, had been 
used in vain, he injected diluted creasote for seven weeks, omit- 
ting it only at the time of menstruation. It excited a burning 
sensation of a few minutes' duration. At the expiration of the 
time mentioned, the prolapsus had strikingly diminished, and the 
great sensibility of the prolapsed parts had disappeared. Owing, 
however, to the supervention of irritation in the urinary bladder, 
it had to be discontinued, when there was every prospect of ulti- 
mate success. 

Dr. Buttmann 6 has given the case of an old lady, upwards of 
seventy years of age, who had laboured for several years under 
oedema of both legs to such an extent as to interfere materially 
with progression. She experienced lancinating pains in both feet, 
and irregular paroxysms of fever. Many external and internal 
remedies had been used in vain, when, by way of experiment, he 
applied cataplasms of creasote, soon after which the swelling, very 

1 Medico-Chirurg. Transact, xix. 237. Lond. 1835. 

* Gully's edition of Magendie's Formulary, p. 204. Lond. 1835. See, also, Sir F. 
Smith, in Dublin Med. Jour, for May, 1837, and J. L. Da Luz, Op. cit 

a London Lancet. Aug. 7, 1841. 

4 Amer. Journ of the Med. Sciences, Oct 1842. p. 3G4. 

* Compte rendu des Seances de la Societe de Medecine, Seance du 7 Mars, 1834. 

9 Bertragen zum Sanitats Berichte das Frankfurter Regierungs-Bezirks: cited in 
Medicin. Zeitung, Dec. 7, 1836, S. 252. 



CREASOTUM. 273 

much to his astonishment, gradually disappeared, and with it the 
febrile attacks. 

In toot hack from carious teeth, creasote has often been used, 
being applied to the hollow of the tooth by means of a pencil, or 
of cotton imbued with it. The testimony in its favour has been 
very great. It has been extolled by Coster, Reich, Hahn, Knei- 
sel, Heyfelder, Fitchbauer, Hauff, Otto, Guitti, Kohler, Meisin- 
ger, 1 and numerous others. Some have advised a collutory of 
creasote, but this is more disagreeable, whilst it is less efficacious 
than creasote applied immediately to the carious tooth. It ex- 
cites instantaneously acute pain and a considerable secretion of 
saliva. The pain of toothach is often relieved by it, but it gene- 
rally recurs ; and perhaps the advantage derived from this agent 
is not greater than from any of the stronger essential oils. As a 
palliative, it is very useful. In rheumatic toothach, the insertion 
of a little cotton, imbued with creasote, in the ear of the same 
side, has been found serviceable. 2 Although, however, it alle- 
viates the pain of toothach, it has been considered to hasten the 
destruction of the tooth. 3 

In deafness, apparently owing to deficient secretion from the 
ceruminous follicles, advantage has been found from its use, 
after the ear had been syringed. Perhaps as good a form as any 
is that recommended by Mr. Curtis, 4 which consists of one dram 
of creasote to four drams of lard. A little of this oil is inserted 
into the meatus, night and morning, with a camel's hair pencil. 
He considers the preparation contra-indicated in cases of otorrhcea 
attended by pain or inflammation. Dr. Partridge, 5 who has seen 
many excellent effects from creasote in such cases, prefers to com- 
mence with half a dram to four drams of oil of almonds, applied 
by means of a camel's hair brush. After a few days, he usually 
increases the quantity of creasote as the occasion may require, 
often using it as strong as one part to three of oil. 

In cases of navi, Dr. Thornton 6 found it the most effectual of 
all applications. He applies it two or three times daily, more or 
less diluted': excoriation, ulceration, and gradual disappearance of 
the nsevus ensue, — the cicatrix being always smooth and sound. 

Thus far, we have spoken mainly of the external use of crea- 
sote. Reference has been made to its internal administration in 
cases of hemoptysis, hcematemesis and leucorrhcea. In the fol- 
lowing diseases, it has been chiefly given internally: — 

Phthisis. — Reichenbach excited considerable expectations from 

1 Medicin. Jahrbuch. des k. k. osterreich. Staates, B. xv. S. 553. Wien, 1834. 
9 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 1 67. 

3 Cormack, Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Med., Oct., 1842. 
* London Lancet, vol. i. p. 328, 1838-9; and Mr. Wright, ibid. p. 580. 
8 Medical Examiner, May 30, 1840, p. 348. 

8 Northern Journal of Medicine, Dec. 1844; cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, xi. 186, 
Amer. edit., N. Y., 1845. 



274 CREASOTUM. 

its use in phthisis, — pulmonary, laryngeal and bronchial ; and as 
in so intractable a disease every suggestion is immediately and 
eagerly embraced, numerous trials were instituted with it, the 
results of which were by no means accordant. Reich 1 affirmed, 
that he gave it both in laryngeal and tubercular phthisis with dis- 
tinguished success. In a case, in which the disease appeared to 
be considerably advanced, the offensive expectoration was changed 
into one of a tasteless-, mucous character, although the fever and 
the night sweats experienced no modification. Subsequently, 
haemoptysis supervened, with violent fever; on which account the 
dose was diminished. Under the use of the remedy the condition 
of the patient appeared to improve, — except the cough, which was 
not mitigated ; an anodyne was consequently substituted for the 
creasote; under which his patient — a female — improved so much, 
that he was led to believe she might be saved, although the cough 
still remained severe and frequent. In another case, creasote al- 
layed the hectic fever, and transformed the purulent expectora- 
tion into one of a mucous character; yet, although the general 
condition of the patient seemed to be improved, the cough and 
uneasiness of the chest continued almost unchanged. Grandjean, 
also, had a case of phthisis in the third stage, the expectoration of 
which was soon diminished ; the pain in the side removed ; the 
appetite, sleep and strength restored under its administration, but 
the result of the case was not known. Levrat asserts, that he 
found it highly useful in chronic bronchitis, and in some kinds 
of phthisis. Hechenberger saw good effects from the inhalation 
of creasote in the form of vapour in a case of "ulcerated lungs;" 
five, ten, or fifteen drops, according to the degree of tolerance of 
the lungs, being dropped into hot w 7 ater in an appropriate vessel, 
and the vapour received through the tube of an inverted funnel. 
He was of opinion, that this mode of exhibiting it prevented the 
disagreeable effects apt to be induced by its internal use; and 
farther experiments have confirmed his view. On the other 
hand, Elliotson 2 derived no favourable results from his trials with 
creasote in phthisis; even inhalation of the vapour w r as gene- 
rally unattended with any advantage; yet, he is of opinion, that 
it may be useful where there are only one or two ulcers in the 
lungs, and there is no tendency to their farther production, as 
well as where there is much secretion from the bronchial mucous 
membrane. Either no advantage, or an injurious influence fol- 
lowed its use in phthisis, by Rehfeld, Haupt, Treumann, Giinther, 
Schmalz, Meisinger, Otto, Kohler, 3 and others. The published 
experiments by Wolff, in the Charite, at Berlin, cannot be es- 
teemed more favourable. It was tried in eleven cases of tuber- 

1 Hufeland's Jour., Jan. 1834; and Revue Med., Mai, 1834. 
a Medico-Chirurg., Transact, xix. 221. London, 1835. 
* Hecker's neuern Wissenschaft. AnnaL B. i. H. 3. 



CREASOTUM. 275 

cular phthisis, of which one was in the first; eight were in the 
second, and two in the third stage. In two cases, there was 
scarcely any advantage, after it had been given for fourteen days. 
In one case, it had to be discontinued on the eleventh day, owing 
to the supervention of obstinate vomiting. The case ultimately 
terminated unfavourably. In six cases, the symptoms appeared to 
be aggravated, and the patients died soon afterwards. In two, in 
which the disease was in its second stage, death supervened un- 
expectedly early, on the fourth and the seventh days of the treat- 
ment, — in one case, by suffocation; in the other, by sudden hy- 
drothorax. The pulse, according to Wolff, was generally quick- 
ened under its use; the hectic augmented; the urinary secretion 
diminished; the expectoration neither changed in quantity nor 
quality; the cough was not mitigated ; nor the dyspnoea diminished : 
in four cases, on the other hand, they were manifestly increased : 
once, epistaxis occurred, and twice haemoptysis. From the re- 
sults of all his trials, Wolff is disposed to think, that creasote 
should be banished from our list of agents employed in phthisis; 
both as respects the radical and the palliative treatment; 1 but al- 
though they may not sanction us in placing much value on it in 
the treatment of phthisis, it may be improper to ostracise it alto- 
gether, 2 as, according to the testimony of others, it would seem 
to have rendered service. Rampold and Spath assert, that they 
have derived advantage from it in confirmed phthisis where no in- 
flammatory complication was present ; the expectoration and col- 
liquative sweats being diminished under its use; and M. Petrequin, 3 
from his trials with it, considered its effects to be more beneficial 
— as might be presumed — in incipient than in confirmed phthisis ; 
but in no case did he observe any thing approaching the radical 
cures described by some. He, indeed, gives the preference to tar 
water, (see Aqua Picis Liquids.) 

In bronchorrhcea, or that state of the bronchial mucous membrane 
which consists in a profuse secretion without inflammation, the in- 
halation of creasote has been found of essential service. 4 In the 
chronic mucous affections of the lungs of old people, it appears to 
have been especially useful. 

Rheumatism and Gout. — The success obtained by Reich 5 from 
tincture of soot in gouty and rheumatic affections, and the proba- 
bility that its efficacy might depend chiefly on the creasote it con- 
tained, induced him to prescribe the latter remedy internally in 
those diseases. He made the first trial upon himself. After ex- 
posure to cold, he was attacked with lancinating pain in the right 

* See, also, Kohier, in Rust's Magazin, B. xlvi., cited in Amer. Journal of the Med. 
Sciences, February, 1837, p. 497. » Riecke, Op. cit., S. 170. 

Gazette Medicale de Paris, Nov., 1636. 
4 Elliotson, in Med. Chirurg. Transact, xix. 221. Lond. 1835. 

* Hufeland's Journal, Jan. 1834, and Revue Med., Mai, 1834. 



276 CREASOTUM. 

leg, for the removal of which the ordinary remedies were employed 
in vain: it yielded to the use of creasote given for nine days. He 
relates another case of rheumatism, and one of atonic gout, in 
which it was equally successful. Marcus, of Hadersleben, recom- 
mends it in cases of rheumatism, unaccompanied by excitement of 
the vascular system, or tendency to congestion and febrile reaction. 
It is proper, however, to observe that he combined other agents 
with it, so that his experiments are by no means decisive as to its 
efficacy. Of the three patients to whose cases he refers, one only 
was cured: the other experienced improvement. Karsten found 
none of the advantages described by Reich, in rheumatic and 
gouty cases, from its use. In a case of rheumatic headach, 
Tschopke found surprising benefit from frictions of creasote, and 
plugging the ear with cotton dipped in it. It immediately excited 
acute pain, and some rubefaction of the skin; and as the burning 
ceased, the pain ceased along with it. In Most's experience, 
lotions of creasote water greatly alleviated the pain of the joints 
in rheumatism and atonic gout. 

In vomiting, not arising from inflammation or other organic 
disease of the stomach, Elliotson l found creasote very efficacious. 
In the vomiting of pregnancy it has been highly valuable. If 
the sickness comes on regularly after rising in the morning, Dr. 
Cormack 2 prescribes two or three drops to be taken five or ten 
minutes before getting out of bed. This he has generally found 
effectual; but if it should not be, the patient is directed to repeat 
the dose in two hours. In more troublesome cases, when the 
sickness occurs at intervals during the day, one or two drops are 
given every two, three, or four hours. He has also found it ser- 
viceable in the sickness and vomiting following a drinking de- 
bauch. Even in Asiatic cholera and in sea-sickness, it appeared 
to allay the vomiting. In various affections of the stomach, as in 
cardialgia and gastrodynia, it may be useful. 3 In vomiting from 
nervous excitability, it has been affirmed to excel all known medi- 
cines. 4 After Dr. Elliotson had recommended it, Dr. Shortt tried 
it in about a dozen cases, and found it equally successful, as did 
also Dr. A. T. Thomson, of London, Dr. Bodington, of Erdington, 
in Warwickshire, Dr. Christison, 5 and many others. Dr. John 
Walker, of Glasgow, in a case published by him, 6 does not appear 
to have been equally fortunate; and with Dr. Paris it entirely 
failed. 7 The author's ow T n success has been by no means as great 

1 Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, vol. xix., or Lancet, Aug. 20, 1836. 

J London and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Oct., 1842. 

3 Riecke, Op. cit. S. 172. 4 Cormack, on Creasote, p. 133. 

s Dispensatory, p. 377. Edinb. 1842. 

6 Lancet. Dec. 19, 1835, p 447. See, also, Taylor, ibid. Aug. 15, 1835, and Macleod, 
in Lond. Med. Gazette, xvi. 598, and xvii. 653. 

" Pharrnacologia, 8th edit, append. Lond. 1838. See, also, Pereira, Elem. of Mat. 
Med. and Therap. 2d edit. p. 420, Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit, by Carson, Philad. 
1846. 



CREASOTUM. 277 

as that of Dr. Elliotson. In many cases, indeed, it has developed 
irritability of the stomach, where this did not previously exist. 1 
Dr. Elliotson admits, that in large doses it seems to excite vomit- 
ing, and that when given in such quantities with a view to check 
it, no good, but evil, results from a large dose. As a preventive 
of sea-sickness, it has been extolled by Dr. Elliotson, and by Mr. 
A. B. Maddock. 2 It has been administered, also, as an excitant 
to relieve gastrodynia and flatulence, and where hydrocyanic acid 
and creasote have been separately tried unsuccessfully, Dr. Elliot- 
son recommends that they should be combined. Dr. J. B. Wilmott 3 
has extolled its use in injections in camp dysentery. One was ad- 
ministered every night composed of a dram to twelve ounces of 
starch ; and more recently it has been suggested in the same form 
by Dr. Flint 4 in chronic dysentery. 

Several portions of tcenia having been observed to be discharged 
after the administration of creasote, Kraus was induced to prescribe 
it as a powerful anthelmintic. This he did in numerous cases, and 
with the best success; — from five to eight drops being given to 
adults with castor oil; or where the bowels were not freely opened, 
with half a drop or a drop of croton oil. 

In diabetes mellitus, it was first given by Berndt, 5 and with 
striking success. One or two cases of the same kind are related 
by Gadolin; but Rehfeld used it without advantage. Dr. Elliot- 
son agrees with Berndt in the opinion, that it is sometimes of use 
in diabetes, and may even be greatly instrumental in accomplishing 
a cure. 6 

Dr. Elliotson 7 tried it in nervous disease. In some cases of 
epilepsy, the paroxysms appeared to be rendered less frequent and 
more mild ; but in the generality of cases, they returned with fresh 
violence. In some, the remedy had no influence on the disease; 
in others, it appeared to aggravate it. In neuralgia, great advan- 
tage was at times derived from it, although here, again, it was 
frequently of no service. 8 A severe case of facial neuralgia, was 
cured by Mr. Thomas Kelly, 9 by three drops made into a pill with 
crumb of bread, and given every three hours. Inoculation with 
a mixture consisting of 10 or 15 grains of acetate of morphia in 
one dram of creasote, was employed with much advantage in the 
same disease by Mr. Rynd. 10 Punctures were made over the nerves 
affected, and the solution was introduced. In a very short space 
of time the pain was relieved or wholly disappeared. Dr. Elliot- 

1 Cormack, Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Oct. 1842. 

2 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Feb. 1838, p. 496. 

3 London Medical Gazette, May 23, 1845, p. 162. 

4 Buffalo Med. Journal, cited in Med. Examiner, April, 1850, p. 252. 

5 Kleinert's Repertorium, Jan. 1835, and Lancet, July 18, 1835. 

6 Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, xix. 132-135. Lond. 1835. 7 Op.cit. 
8 Cormack, loc. cit. 9 Dublin Medical Press, Sept. 13, 1849. 

10 Dublin Medical Press, March 12, 1845. 



278 CREASOTUM. 

son also observed good effects from it in hysteria, where there was 
no inflammatory complication, in spasmodic erethism of the ner- 
vous system, and in palpitation; and Dr. Herndon, 1 of Virginia, 
used it with much benefit as an inhalation in hysteric croup (thirty 
drops to the quart of hot water.) In asthma, dependent upon 
morbid excitability of the bronchial mucous membrane, Dr. Elliot- 
son 2 found its inhalation often useful. 

In two cases of chronic glanders, the same gentleman 3 accom- 
plished a cure in the course of a few weeks, by the sedulous use 
of an injection of a dilute solution of creasote (Creasot. gtt. j ; 
Aquce f §j.) thrown up the affected nostril; combining the treat- 
ment, in one of the cases, with the internal use of the remedy; and 
a similar case of success is given in a more recent number of a Bri- 
tish medical periodical. 4 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose for internal use is one or two drops, given several 
times a day, in gum water. 5 In cases of tape-worm, the dose 
should be larger. Some give it in emulsion, but this form is ob- 
jectionable on account of its disagreeable taste. It is best admi- 
nistered in pill. Externally, it is at times applied pure ; at others, 
diluted, — commonly with water, w T ith or without the addition of 
alcohol, — or in the form of ointment. Carminati 6 affirms that oil 
and mucilage, when combined with it, render it milder, but that 
vinegar increases its action. Dr. Cormack, 7 however, doubts the 
assertion in regard to vinegar. In three comparative experiments, 
which he made with a view of testing the justice of Carminati's 
conclusion, there was no apparent difference in the activity of cre- 
asote, when given with acetic acid or alone. He was led to be- 
lieve, however, that the addition of albumen caused it to act more 
powerfully, which, if true, would be singular. 

The inhalation of creasote vapour may be accomplished by dif- 
fusing a few drops of creasote through water, or a mucilaginous 
liquid, in an ordinary inhaling vessel, or in the mode described under 
the head of Chlorine. 8 

Pilulse creasoti. 

Pills of creasote. 

R. Creasoti rr^ x. 

Glycyrrhiz. pulv. gj. 

Mucilag. acac. q. s. ut fiat massa 
in pilulas xx. dividenda. 

Dose. — Two pills three times a day. In neuralgia, atonic 

1 Amer. Med. Intelligencer, March 15, 1838, p. 425. 2 Op. cit 

3 Lancet, for June 20, 1833. 4 Ibid. Jan. 20, 1839, p. 145. 

* It may be well to remark, that the fluidram contains one hundred and fifty drops of 
creasote. 6 Op. cit. 7 Op. citat p, 88. 8 See page 186. 






CREASOTUM. 279 

rheumatism, and chronic bronchitis. The number of pills may 
be gradually increased to eight or ten at a time. Joy. 1 

R. Creasot. £j. 

Ext. glycyrrhiz. 

Gal ban. aa. gss. 

Althaeas pulv. gij. 
Fiat massa in pilulas cxx. dividenda. 

Dose. — Six pills, four times a day. In consumption. 

Reich. 
R. Creasoti, 

Ext. glycyrrhiz. aa. gj. 
Althseae pulv. gij. 
Fiat mass, in pil. cxx. dividend. 

Dose. — Five pills, morning and evening, in atonic gout. 

Reich. 
Hanstus creasoti. 

Creasote draught. 

R. Craeasot. W. i. 
Aquae camphorae, 
Infus. gentian, compos, aa. f gvj. 

M. fiat haustus. 

To check vomiting, 

Mistura creasoti. 

Mixture of creasote. 

R. Creasot. gtt. v. 

Mucilag. acaciae f giij. 
Syrup, althseae f ^j. M. 

Dose. — A spoonful, every three hours, in hemoptysis. 

Santini. 
Tinctura creasoti pro gingivis. 
Tincture of creasote for the gums. 
R. Creasot. f £j. 

Alcohol, f^ij. M. 

As much of this is to be added to cold water as is necessary to 
give it a piquant taste. The teeth may be washed with it, and 
the mouth rinsed. Used in cases of fcetor of the mouth from ca- 
rious teeth, and to limit the caries. Buchner. 
R. Alcohol. (36°B.)f^iss. 
Creasot. f ^j. 
Tinct. cocci f gvj. 
01. menthae gtt. xxxvj. 

Used for toothach: and, diluted, as a wash for the gums. 

Righini. 2 
R. Creasot. 

Alcohol, aa. £ss. M. 
To be applied to carious teeth, Radius. 

1 Tweedie's Library of Medicine, v. 282. Lond. 1840 ; or 2d Amer. edit. vol. iii. 
Philad. 1 842. 2 Journal de Chimie Med. Avril, 1841 . 



280 CREASOTUM. 

R. Creasot. p. i. 

Alcohol, p. viij. M. 

This is the ordinary strength of the tincture. Used where 
fractions of a drop of pure creasote are prescribed. 

Lotio creasoti. 
Lotion of creasote. 

R. Creasot. ^ss. 

Aquas destillat. f^v. M. 

Used as a lotion in impetigo sparsa and itch. Wolff. 

R. Creasot. f ^j. 
Acacias pulv. 3J. 
Aquae f 3 viij. M. et fiat emulsio. 

This is " creasote emulsion" used as a hsemastatic. 

Smith §• S inkier. 

The author has occasionally found a lotion composed of f 3ss. 
to Oj. of water too irritating. 

R. Creasot. gtt. xij. 

Aq.destillat.f^ij. M. 

To be applied by means of a camel's hair pencil twice a day to 
inflamed eyelids. Coster. 

R. Creasot. r\ iij. 

Tinct. lavand. compos. t\ xx. 
Aquas destillat. f ^ss. M. 

G. T. Black. 
R. Creasot. gtt. iv, 

Aq. destillat. f Jij. M. 

In irritation of the gums. Fremanger. 

R. Creasot. f £ss. 
Acacias ^iss. 
Aquas camphor, f ^xss. M. 

Used every two hours in cases of aphthous ulceration of the 
mouth. Magendie. 

R. Creasot. gtt. x. 
Aceti f gij. 
Aquas f lij. M. 

Used in cases of phagedenic ulceration) and to chancres; applied 
by means of a camel's hair pencil. Shortt. 1 

Unguentum creasoti. 

Ointment of creasote. 

R. Cerati, 

01. amygdal. aa. ^j. 
Creasot. gtt. xxx. M. 
A dressing in scrofulous caries. FrSmanger. 

The Unguentum Creasoti of the London and United States 

1 Cormack, Op. cit p. 112. 



cubeba. 281 

Pharmacopoeias is composed of half a fluidram of creasote to an 
ounce of lard;— that of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, (1850,) of one 
dram to seven. 

Unguentum creasoti coinpositum. 

. Compound ointment of creasote. 

R. Creasot. 

Liq. plumb, subacetat. aa. gtt. x. 
Extract, opii gr. iss. 
Adipis^j. M. 

An application to chilblains. Devergie. 

R. Creasot. gss. 

Carbon, animal, praeparat. gj. 

Alcohol, f giss. 

Ung. cetacei 5 iss. M. 

A "burn ointment." This may be modified according to age 
as follows : — for children under five years of age, it should be 
weakened by mixing it with four times its bulk of spermaceti 
ointment; for children from five to ten with twice its bulk; and so 
on, gradually increasing the strength according to the age of the 
patient. In protracted cases, the strength should be gradually 
increased. Sutro. 

Linimentum creasoti, 

Liniment of creasote. 

R. Creasot. gtt. v. — xx. 
01. oliv. f ^ss. M, 

To be rubbed two or three times a day on the diseased parts in 
chronic herpes. Corneliani, 

Injectio creasoti. 

Injection of creasote, 

B. Creasot. v\ xx. 
Liq. potass, f gij. 
Sacchar. gij. 
Tere in mortario, et adde gradatim 
Aquse f ^viij. M. 

The injection to be used three times a day. R. Ji. Mlnatt. 



LXX. CUBEBA. 

Synonymes. Cubebae, Piper Cubeba seu Cubebarum sen Caudatum ; 

Cubebs. 
French. Poivre k queue, Cubebe. 
German. Cubeben, C u b e benpfef f er, Kub e benpf effer , 

Schwa nzpfeffer, Schwindelkorner. 

Cubebs are the fruit of Piper cubeba, which grows in India, Java, 



282 CUBEBA. 

Guinea, &c. Sexual System, Diandria Trigynia; Natural 
Order, Piperacese. The corns of this plant have been long known 
in the shops; and in the old Wirtemberg Pharmacopoeia they 
figure as calefacient, inciting, discutient, antinervous, and carmina- 
tive agents, which seem to have a specific action m vertigo: hence 
they obtained the name " S c h w i n d e 1 k 6 r n e r " or " grains for 
vertigo." They had, however, fallen into oblivion, until they 
were reintroduced in modern times into practice, especially by the 
English physicians and surgeons. 

The shell of the dried berry has a w 7 eak taste, but smells 
agreeably; and the kernel has a bitter aromatic flavour, which is 
biting at first, but afterwards cooling. The corns were analyzed by 
Tromsdorff and by Vauquelin; 1 but the most recent analysis is by 
Monheim. 2 He found in 100 parts,— lignin 65; extractive mat- 
ter 6; Cubebin (Piperin) 4.5; matter like wax, 3; green volatile 
oil 2.5; yellow volatile oil 1.0; balsamic resin — which, according 
to Vauquelin, is very analogous to balsam of copaiba — 1.5 ; chloride 
of sodium 1.0, and 15.5 parts loss. Cubebin appeared to Mon- 
heim to be identical w T ith piperin, but to be united with an acrid 
soft resin. The volatile oil may be obtained separately by distilla- 
tion with water. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

In addition to the general excitant properties of the peppers, 
the action of cubebs is exhibited on the urinary and genital organs. 
Under their use, the secretion of urine is augmented ; it becomes 
of a darker colour, and assumes an aromatic odour. Cubebs have 
been advised, in modern times— first, in cases of gonorrhoea, in 
which they have been esteemed a specific by many. Yet the consi- 
derations that apply to copaiba are equally applicable to cubebs. 
Although the revulsive effect induced by both on the kidneys may 
mitigate the inflammatory condition of the lining membrane of 
the urethra, which constitutes gonorrhoea ; yet, in violent inflam- 
matory cases, and in the early stages of ordinary cases, they may- 
be injurious ; and there are many instances on record in wmich bad 
consequences appear to have resulted from their improper adminis- 
tration. Still, there are physicians w T ho administer both them and 
the copaiba in every stage of the disease. Of 50 patients, treated 
by Mr. Broughton 3 by cubebs, 10 were cured in from 2 to 7 
days ; 17 in from 8 to 14 ; 18 in from 15 to 21; 1 on the 55th day; 
and in 4 only was no success obtained. In the chronic stage of 
gonorrhoea, M. Ricord 4 prescribes cubebs in combination with 
sesquioxide of iron; and in addition the patient is directed to inject, 
four times a day, a solution composed of *ftq. destillat. f gviij., 
Argent, nitrat. gr. ij. 

1 Memoir, du Museum, vi. 225. 2 Journal de Pharuiacie, xx. 403. 

* Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, xii. 1. Lond. 1822. 
4 La Lancelte Franchise, No. 33. Paris, 1838. 



CUBEBA. 



283 



It has been affirmed, that different evils have ensued from the 
use of cubebs: which ought to suggest care in their administra- 
tion; — for example, — ardor urinae; fever; inflammation of the ure- 
thra, bladder, and testicles ; retention of urine ; cutaneous erup- 
tions, &C. 1 

In the blennorrhoza of females, cubebs are equally extolled by 
many practitioners, as well as in leucorrkcea. 2 

Spitta found them very efficacious in old and obstinate cases of 
coryza, when given in the form of lozenges: they are said, like- 
wise, to have been administered with advantage in defective au- 
dition, caused by a catarrhal affection of the Eustachian 
tube. Rosin found the chewing of cubebs very serviceable in 
aphonia. They have also been prescribed successfully in chronic 
rheumatism. Piil 3 gave them with striking advantage in inter- 
mittent fever; and in India, they are regarded to be aphrodi- 
siac. 4 

According to Dr. Paris, it is important to keep the bowels open 
during their use, for when hardened fseces are allowed to accumu- 
late, the spice insinuates itself into the mass, and occasions exco- 
riations of the rectum. 5 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Cubebs are commonly given in the form of powder, and in 
doses of from 1 to 2 and even 4 drams, repeated once or oftener in 
the day. Lozenges, boluses, and electuaries, are likewise pre- 
pared of them; and the London, Dublin, and United States Phar- 
macopoeias have a Tinctura Cubebs (Cubeb. giv., JilcohoL 
dilut. Oij. Dose, f 3j. — f oij.) In consequence of the disorder at 
times induced by them in the digestive function, Velpeau proposed 
that they should be given in the form of glyster, to the amount of 
one or two drams of the powder, suspended in five or six ounces 
of an oily vehicle; and this method has its advantages. 6 To at- 
tain the same object, M. Dublanc, Jour., prepared an oleo-resinvus 
extract, one sixteenth part of which possessed equal virtues with 
one part of cubebs; five grains, three times a day, acting like the 
ordinary dose of powdered cubebs. 7 He prepares it by adding oil of 
cubebs to the resinous extract, which is prepared by digesting the 
cake left after the distillation of the oil in alcohol, and distilling off 
the spirit. The process of Mr. Wm. Procter, Jr.,is considered to be 

' Lond. Med. and Physical Journal, Mar. 1832, and Merat and DeLens, Diet. Uni- 
vers. de Matiere Medicate, &c., art. Piper Cubeba. 

2 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, xviii. 319. Blundell, Diseases of Women, p. 158, 
Lond.; or American Medical Library edition, Philad. 1840; also. Lisfranc by Pauly, 
translated by Lodge, p. 243, Boston, 1839; and Ricord, Practical Treatise on Venereal 
Diseases, by Drummond. Amer. edit. Philad. 1843. 

3 Recueil de Med. Chirurg. et Pharm. Militaire, xvi. 

4 Merat and De Lens, Art. cit. 

5 Brande, Dictionary of Materia Medica, p. 205. Lond. 1839. 

6 Archives Generates de Medecine, xiii. 47. 

"< Journ. de Chimie Medicate, iii. 491, and Journ. de Pharmacie. xiv. 40. 



284 CUBEBA. 

a better one. He exhausts cubebs by ether, in a displacement appa- 
ratus, and submits the ethereal tincture to distillation in a water 
bath. The residual ethereal extract of cubebs contains all the vo- 
latile oil, cubebin and resin, as well as most of the waxy matter, but 
none of the extractive. One dram of it is equal to one ounce of 
cubebs. It may be administered in the form of emulsion, pills, or 
capsules. Dose, from gr. v. to 3SS. 1 

The volatile oil is sometimes given in the dose of 10 or 12 
drops, suspended in water by the aid of sugar, or associated with 
oil of copaiba. Gelatinous capsules of cubebs, containing the 
oil, are sometimes taken. 

M. Piorry 2 has strongly recommended an Infusion of Cubebs 
{Cubeb. "^., Aquae, Oij.) to be used six or eight times a day as an 
injection in urethritis and vaginitis. 

Pulvis cubebs compositus. 

Compound 'powder of cubebs. 

R. Cubebse pulv. ^j. 
Ergotse pulv. ^ss. 
Pulv. aroraat. ^ij. 
Sacchari 3j. 
Divide in chartulas viij. 

Dose. — One, three or four times a day, in gonorrhoea, leu- 
corrhoza, gleet, prostatic and involuntary seminal discharges. 

Ryan? 

R. Cubeb. pulv. ^ij. 

Aluminis pulv. ^ss. M. et divide in chart, ix. 

One to be taken three times a day. Ricord.* 

Electuarium cubebae. 
Electuary of cubebs. 

R. Cubeb. pulv. ^ss. 
Mellis despum. q. s. 
Fiat electuarium. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful, three or four times a day, in catarrhus 
vesicae, c. urethras, &c. Radius. 

R. Copaib. ^ivss. 
Subige cum 

Vitello ovi unius, et 
Adde 

Cubeb. pulv. ^ivss. 

Confect. rosse ^ss. 
M. et fiat electuarium. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful three or four times a day. Vogt. 

1 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit.,vol. 2, Pt. 1, p. 1265. Lond. 1850. 

2 Gazette des Hopitaux, Mai, 1842. 

* Universal Pharmacopoeia, or a Practical Formulary of Hospitals, both British and 
Foreign, by Michael Ryan. M. D., «S:c. &c, 3d edit. p". 160. Lond. 1839. 
4 Mathieu, Journal des Connaiss. M6d. Chirur. Juin, 1840. 



CUBEBA. 



285 



E. Copaib. 

Cubeb. pulv. aa. gij, 

Aiuminis ^j. 

Extract, opii gr. v. M. 

Dose. — A dram, night and morning, in the pulp of a prune. 
The quantity may be rapidly increased to two drams morning and 
evening. 

R. Copaib. part. i. 

Cubeb. pulv. part. xij. 
Tinct. vanillse q. s. M. 

Dose. — 3j. three times a day. Cazenave. 1 

Trochisci cubebs. 

Lozenges of cubebs. 

Be, Cubeb. pulv. gij. 

Tolut. gr. vj. 
Admisce 

Syr. myroxyl. 

Ext. glycyrr. aa. 33. 
Acacios q. s. ut fiat massa in trochiscos pond. gr. x. dividenda. 

Used in coryza* Spilt a. 

Boii cubebse. 

Boluses of cubebs. 

&. Copaib. 

Aeac, pulv. aa. gij. 

Aquae flor. aurant. T)ij. 
Terendo bene mixtis adde 

Cubeb. pulv. gij. 
Misce, et riant boli No. vj. 

Dose. — One, three times a day. HenscheL 

M. Labelonye 2 has recently proposed the following method for 
separating all the principles of cubebs from the ligneous matter. — 
Cubebs, reduced to coarse powder, are placed in an apparatus for 
displacement and exhausted by ether, which dissolves the wax, 
volatile oils and balsamic resin. The residue is submitted to the 
action of dilute alcohol at 20° (.935,) which dissolves the extrac- 
tive principle, and chloride of sodium. The alcohol and ether are 
separated by distillation in part, and separately. Evaporation of 
the hvdro-alcoholic solution is then carried on in a w T ater bath until 
it possesses the consistence of a soft extract, to which the ethereal 
product is added; the evaporation being continued for a short time, 
the ether is completely volatilized, and a strongly aromatic extract 
is obtained, as consistent as honey. This it is improper to subject 
any longer to the action of heat, on account of the contained vola- 
tile oils; the presence of which in all cases interferes with complete 
desiccation. 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1842, p. 44. Paiis, 1842. 
a Bulletin General de Therapeutique, cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, 2d series, 
vol. 2, p. 316. Philad. 1837. 

19 



286 CUBEBA. 

One part of this extract is conceived to be equal to five of the 
cubebs. It can be readily mixed with water by means of muci- 
lage, and can be administered in potions, injections, &c. 

The best form of exhibition, according to M. Labelonye, is in 
lozenges, or in an emulsive syrup. 

Trochisci extracti hydro-alcoholici aetherei cubebae. 

Lozenges of the ethereal hydro-alcoholic extract of cubebs. 

R. Extract, hydro-alcohol. asther. cubeb. $viij. 
Alcohol. Oij. 
Solve et adde 

Sacchar. in pulv. ten. Ibj. 
01. menthae pip. gtt. xviij. 

Pour the mixture into flat vessels upon a stove, and allow the 
alcohol to evaporate at a moderate heat. When the mass is com- 
pletely desiccated, reduce it to a fine powder, and add a sufficient 
quantity of mucilage of gum tragacanth to form lozenges— 18, 12 ? 
9, or 6 grains each. Most persons, M. Labelonye says, can swal- 
low with facility those weighing eighteen grains, and containing 
six grains of the extract: ten of these are equivalent to half an 
ounce of the powder. 

Syrnpus extracti hydro-alcoholici setherei cuhehffi. 

Syrup of the ethereal hydro-alcoholic extract of cubebs. 

R. Ext. hydro-alcohol, sether. cubeb. ^iij. 
Suspende ope mucilaginis in 

Aq. menthae pip. Oj. 
Adde 

Sacchar. lbij. M. 

Four ounces of this syrup contain two drams of extract, equi- 
valent to ten of powdered cubebs. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful. 

M. Labelonye also envelops the extract in sugar, as in the 
ordinary sugar-plum. 

An extract of cubebs has been recommended to be prepared 
as follows: — Cubebs are exhausted by repeated digestion in al- 
cohol, which readily takes up all the active principles of the 
pepper; viz., a resin resembling that of copaiba, and a coloured 
resin, with an almost concrete essential volatile oil. The alcohol 
is distilled from those tinctures at a temperature so moderate as 
not to volatilize the essential oil. When the operation can be car- 
ried no further in this manner, the evaporation must be continued 
in an open vessel by the aid of a water bath, at a still lower de- 
gree of heat; a little finely pulverized Spanish soap must now be 
added to prevent the separation of the resin, and preserve the 
extract of a uniform consistence. 



DELPHINIA. 287 

The ordinary dose of this in blennorrhea is about fifteen grains 
three times a day. 1 

Dr. Puche 3 employs a liquid aqueous extract of cubebs; a 
liquid alcoholic extract; a syrup of the alcoholic extract; 
a bolus of cubebs; and one of cubebs, copaiba and turpentine. The 
last he covers with a gelatinous mixture to obviate the unpleasant 
taste. 



LXXI. DELPHINIA. 

Stnonymes. Delphinina, Delphininum, Delphininiurcij Delphium, Del- 

phina, Delphia, Delphinine, Delphine. 
German. Delphi n in, Delphi n,. 

This alkaloid was discovered in 1819, by MM. Feneulle and 
Lassaigne, 3 and, almost at the same time, by Brandes, 4 in the seeds 
of delphinium staphisagria, in which it is united with acetic acid. 
As a therapeutical agent, it has been chiefly recommended by 
Turnbull; but he did not employ it in its pure state. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The plan recommended by Magendie 5 is to boil a portion of the 
seeds of delphinium, cleared of their coverings, and reduced to a 
fine paste, in a little distilled water; to pass the decoction 
through linen cloth, and filter. Pure magnesia is now added, 
and the mixture is boiled for some minutes; the filtration is re- 
peated; and the residues are washed carefully and digested in 
alcohol. On evaporating the alcoholic tincture, delphinia is ob- 
tained in the form of a white powder, having some crystallized 
points. 

This is esteemed the most simple mode ; but if a large quantity 
be required, the following plan is advised — on account of the time 
and patience necessary to decorticate the seeds. Submit the un- 
clean seeds, when well bruised, to the action of weak sulphuric 
acid. Precipitate the liquor by ammonia, and redissolve in 
alcohol the delphinia, which is still slightly coloured. To purify 
it, draw off the alcohol by distillation, dissolve the residuum in 
muriatic acid, and boil with magnesia. 

The plan recommended by Couerbe, and adopted by Turnbull, 6 
is to evaporate a saturated tincture of the seeds to the consist- 
ence of a thin extract, and then to treat it with water acidulated 
with sulphuric acid. This solution, when filtered, is to be pre- 

1 Judd, Medico-Botanical Transactions, vol. i. p. 4. Lond. 1839. 
3 Journ. de Connaiss. Medical. Aout, 1840; and Bouchardat, Nonveau Formulairc 
Magistral, 3eme. edit. p. 129. Paris, 1845. 

3 Annales de Chimie, torn. xi. xii., or Journal de Pharmacie, vi. 47 and 366. 

4 Schweigger's Journal der Chimie, xxv. 369. 5 Formulaire, &c. 

6 On the Medical Properties of the Natural Order Ranunculacea?, chapter 11. 
Lond. 1835. 



288 DELPHINIA. 

cipitated by ammonia. The precipitate — after being freed from 
its water — is to be taken up by alcohol, and again reduced to 
the consistence of an extract, which is likewise to be dissolved in 
acidulated ivater; to this solution, filtered, a small quantity of 
nitric acid is added, as long as any precipitate is thrown down. 
The liquid, freed from this precipitate, is again to be subjected to 
precipitation by ammonia, and the powder is dried. This is the 
delphinia of commerce; but, like veratria, it is a compound sub- 
stance, and consists of resinous matter, staphysagrin and del- 
phinia ; the delphinia is obtained by treating the powder with 
ether, which takes up the delphinia, and leaves the staphysagrin. 
When in a state of purity, delphinia is white, pulverulent, and 
devoid of smell; but, like veratria, when applied to the mucous 
membrane of the nose, it occasions sneezing, along with an abun- 
dant secretion of mucus. Its taste is at first bitter, and after- 
wards acrid, and it acts upon animals in the same manner as — but 
more energetically than — the seeds whence it is prepared. It is 
very sparingly soluble in water, but yet in sufficient quantity to 
communicate a bitter taste to the fluid. In alcohol and ether it 
dissolves readily; and these solutions have the property of render- 
ing syrup of violets green, and of restoring the blue colour of 
litmus, when reddened by acids. It combines readily with acids, 
and forms neutral salts, which are possessed of much bitterness 
and acridity ; and it may be precipitated from solutions of these 
in the form of a jelly by the addition of an alkali. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

From the experiments of Orfila, 1 delphinia appears to belong 
to the* class of acro-narcotic poisons. In the dose of about five 
grains, it proves fatal to dogs; and the fatal result is more speedily 
induced when the delphinia is dissolved in weak acetic acid; the 
animal, in the latter case, dies in the space of from forty to fifty 
minutes. When diffused through water introduced into the sto- 
mach of a dog, and retained there by a ligature placed around the 
gullet, efforts to vomit supervened, with restlessness, giddiness, 
immobility, slight convulsions, and death in two or three hours. 
In this case, the mucous membrane of the stomach was generally 
found injected. 

From his administration of delphinia and its salts, Turnbull 
concludes, that the pure alkaloid has little effect on the mucous 
membrane of the stomach and bowels. It may be given, he says, 
in some cases, to the extent of three or four grains a day, in doses 
of half a grain each, without exciting vomiting; in this quantity, 
however, it sometimes operates upon the bowels, but causes very 
little irritation. In most instances, it acts as a diuretic, and occa- 
sions a considerable flow of pale urine. When taken to the ex- 

1 Nouveau Journal de Med. x.; and Toxicologie Gen. i. 739. 



DIGITALINA. 289 

tent of a few grains, it induces heat and tingling in various parts 
of the body, similar to those produced by rubbing it upon the 
skin ; and its other effects are very nearly the same as those of the 
salts of veratria. 

The preparations of delphinia have been used in the same dis- 
eases as those of veratria, and they appear to exert a similar ac- 
tion: the test laid down by Turnbull, in the case of veratria, ap- 
plies equally to delphinia; — namely, unless a solution of delphinia 
in alcohol, in the proportion of four grains to a dram, occasions a 
distinct sensation of heat and pricking, when rubbed for three or 
four minutes on the forehead, the specimen ought not to be used, 
as no beneficial effect would arise from its application. When 
rubbed upon the skin, it gives rise to a sensation of burning, not 
unlike that which manifests itself a short time after the application 
of a blister, but not to an unpleasant degree, unless the friction has 
been carried too far. The effects of delphinia differ from those of 
veratria in being generally more powerful and durable. 

The diseases in which delphinia has been chiefly employed, 
like veratria, are — tic douloureux, paralysis, and rheumatism. 
In the first of these, when the affection is seated in the tongue, or 
at the point where the infra-orbitar nerve escapes from its fora- 
men, the use of delphinia, according to Turnbull, is to be preferred, 
because it can be applied to the tongue, or rubbed on the gums, 
without occasioning irritation of the mucous membrane. He thinks 
it also, upon the whole, better adapted for the treatment of para- 
lytic cases than veratria, but principally on account of the property 
it has "of exciting the circulation in the diseased part." 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The manner of applying delphinia is the same as that recom- 
mended for veratria. It may be used either in the form of oint- 
ment or in solution in alcohol; and the proportions to be em- 
ployed, in either case, may vary from ten to thirty or more grains 
to the ounce, according to the severity of the affection, for the 
treatment of which it is prescribed. The duration of the friction 
should be regulated in the same manner, or it should be continued 
until the pungent sensation produced by the rubbing exhibits 
itself. 



LXXII. DIGITALINA. 

Synonymes. Digitalin ; Digitalia, Digitalinum, Digitaline. 
French. Digitaline. 
German. Digitalin. 

The active principle of digitalis was supposed to have been 
separated by Le Royer, and by Lancelot; 1 yet these substances 

1 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap., 2d Amer. edit. ii. 297, Philad., 1846; 
and Art. Digitaline, in Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. 



290 DIGIT ALINA. 

excited but little attention either from the pharmacien or the 
physician. Subsequently, MM. Homolle and Quevenne separated 
it, and it has received much notice, especially from M. Bouchar- 
dat, 1 who has entered fully into its pharmaceutical and remedial 
properties. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The following formula is given by M. Bouchardat. 2 One kilo- 
gramme (about 2 lbs. 8 oz.) of dried digitalis leaves of the year, 
coarsely powdered and previously moistened, is put into a displace- 
ment apparatus, furnished with its plug of carded cotton, and is 
treated with cold water so as to obtain a concentrated solution. 
The liquid must be immediately precipitated by a slight excess of 
subacetate of lead, and be thrown upon a filter, when it will pass 
through, limpid and colourless. A solution of carbonate of soda 
is now added until a precipitate is no longer thrown down; and 
the filtered liquor is deprived of the magnesia, which it still retains, 
by phosphate of ammonia. The filtered solution is again pre- 
cipitated by tannic acid in excess, and the precipitate, collected 
on a filter, is mixed, whilst still moist, with one-fifth of its weight 
of powdered oxide of lead, (litharge.) The resulting soft paste, 
placed between unsized paper, dried on a stove and pulverized, is 
exhausted by concentrated alcohol, in a displacement apparatus. 
The alcoholic solution, deprived of colour by means of animal 
charcoal, leaves as a residue of evaporation a granular yellowish 
mass, which, when washed with a little distilled water, drained and 
treated by boiling alcohol, suffers the digitalis by evaporation to 
be deposited on the parietes of the capsule under a granular 
mammillated form. 3 

When drained and dried, the digitalis ought still to be twice 
treated with boiling concentrated ether, which separates from it, 
among other substances, a white crystalline matter, traces of green 
matter, and an odorous principle. 4 

Digitalin is a neutral product, not an alkaloid, as said by some; 5 
having the appearance of a white powder; a confused or amor- 
phous crystallization, and is but little soluble in water; insoluble 
in ether, but very soluble in alcohol; and of an intensely bitter 
taste, so much so, that the 15th of a grain is sufficient to com- 
municate a decided bitterness to two quarts of water. When 
diffused in small quantity in the air, it causes violent sneezing. 
It is not susceptible of any combination with acids or bases. 

1 Annuaire de Therapeutique et de Mat. Med. &c, pour 1845, p. 60. Paris, 1845. 

a Op. cit. p. 69. 

3 See, farther, on the preparation, properties, &c, of this substance, Bouchardat, 
Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1846, p. 89, Paris, 1846; and, for recent Researches 
of MM. Homolle and Quevenne, Sandras and Bataille, the Annuaire of M. Bouchardat, 
for 1850, p. 106. 

* Oesterlen, Handbuch der Heilmittellehre, S. 769. Tubingen, 1845. 

' Bouchardat, Op. cit pour 1845, p. 60. 



DIGITALINA. 291 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

MM. Bouchardat and Sandras 1 injected into the subcutaneous 
veins of the abdomen of a robust dog one tenth of a grain of impure 
digitalin, dissolved in a few drops of alcohol, and about two fluid- 
ounces of water. Scarcely was the dog untied, when it made 
several attempts to vomit ; walked in a straggling manner, like an 
intoxicated individual; evacuated the bowels with much straining, 
and, in a few minutes, fell down. Whenever it was raised up, it 
staggered, and renewed its efforts to vomit. During this time, the 
pulsations of the heart exhibited the greatest irregularity in 
their rhythm. They were jerking {brusques) and strong; se- 
veral of them succeeding each other rapidly, and then a manifest 
interval occurring. The^number of pulsations, which in the nor- 
mal state was from 100 to 120 a minute, was reduced to 36 or 40. 
The dog died at the expiration of four hours. The whole venous 
system was found gorged with black blood, the clots of which 
distended the principal veins. There was no other appreciable 
disorder. 

In another dog, pure digitalin furnished by MM. Homolle and 
Quevenne, was injected in the same quantity and dissolved in the 
same manner into the external jugular vein. The animal walked 
for an instant as if giddy ; it then stopped and suddenly fell ; the 
pulsations were slow, unequal, and about 40 per minute. The dog 
died in about a minute and a half after the injection. No appre- 
ciable disorder was observed on dissection. 

Other experiments were made by administering digitalin by 
the mouth, and the same phenomena ensued. They injected it also 
into the venous system of animals, and conclude, from the whole 
of their experiments, that it is unquestionably an excessively active 
substance, especially when pure. It modifies in a singular manner 
the circulation, and is capable of exciting intense irritation of the 
digestive organs, when taken by the mouth. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Having satisfied themselves as to the energy and modus operan- 
di of digitalin, it became important to obtain its sedative effects 
on the circulation, without its acrid action on the digestive organs. 
By means of mucilage and marsh-mallow powder, MM. Bou- 
chardat and Sandras made pills, each of which contained a demi- 
centigramme (the 10th part of a French grain) of digitalin. 
These pills they gave under their own eyes to patients to whom a 
retardation of the circulation might be useful, and when there was 
nothing dangerous to be apprehended from the use of an agent capa- 
ble of irritating the digestive tube. In all, the pulse was marked- 
ly retarded ; and irregularity was induced. In only one case were 

1 Bouchardat, Op. cit. p. 60. 



292 DIGITALINA. 

they told of any increase in the urinary secretion. When the 
toxical effects appeared, they were indicated by disorders of the 
senses, disturbance of the head, distressing dreams, and hallucina- 
tions, which were soon followed by diarrhoea, or more or less 
bilious vomiting. When these phenomena appeared, the digitalin 
was stopped, but, in spite of every precaution, the vomiting con- 
tinued at times for two or three days. 

The investigations of M. Rayer, as reported by M. Hervieux, 1 
have led him to sum up the physiological effects of digitalin as 
follows. First. In doses of the twenty-fourth to the sixteenth 
of a grain it renders the circulation slower, and increases the se- 
cretion of urine. Secondly. Doses of one-twelfth to one-eighth 
of a grain may give rise to serious disturbance of the nervous 
centres, and the digestive organs; and, thirdly. Beyond an eighth 
of a grain, intolerance always supervenes, and death might ensue 
if this limit were overstepped, or if the experiment were continued 
too long. 

It would appear from these observations that digitalin represents 
digitalis in all its active properties, and that it may be administered 
in every morbid condition in which the plant has been found ser- 
viceable. 2 By employing it— as properly remarked by MM. Bou- 
chardat and Sandras — the physician always knows exactly the 
quantity of the active principle which he administers. 

When applied endermically, its action is so irritating that it 
can scarcely be used in that manner. 3 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Comparative trials satisfied M.Bouchardat 4 that 4 milligrammes 
(gr. .0616 Troy) of digitalin, correspond in energy of action with 
about 40 centigrammes (gr. 6. 176 Troy) of powdered digitalis, 
prepared with the greatest care. It is a hundred fold stronger 
than the most active preparation of digitalis. 

The following formula? have been recommended. 5 

Pilulae digitalinsB. 

Pills of Digitalin. 

R. Digitalin. gr. .7720 (5 centigrammes.) 
Acaciae pulv. 
Mucilagin. acaciae, q. s. ut fiant pilulaexx. 

Dose. — 1 to 4 daily in hypertrophy of the heart. Bouchardat. 

Granula digitalins. 
Gran u les of digit a tin . 
R. Digitalin. gr. 15-44 (1 gramme.) 
Sacchar. ^iss. (50 grammes.) 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1849, p. 149. 

2 Strohl, Gazette Med. de Strasbourg, Aout et Octobre,l849, cited in Archiv. Gene- 
rales de Medecine, Janv. 1850, p. 100. 

» Bouchardat, Annuaire, &c, pour 1846, p. 92. * Op. cit. p. 77. 

5 Bouchardat, Op. cit. p. 76; and Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, 3eme edit. p. 237. 
Paris, 1845. 



DIOSMA./ 293 

Make into one thousand granules like comfits. Each of these 
contains a milligramme (gr. .0154) of digitalin. 

Dose. — Four to six in the 24 hours. Homolle §■ Quevenne. 

Syrnpus digitalinae. 

Syrup of digitalin. 
R. Digitalin. gr. iss. (10 centigrammes.) 
Syrupi O 2| (1500 grammes.) 

Dissolve the digitalin in alcohol, and add the syrup. In every 
15 grammes (40 grains) of the syrup there is a milligramme (gr. 
•0154) of digitalin. 

Dose, four to six spoonfuls in the day, or in some appropriate 
infusion. Homolle 8f Quevenne. 

Mistura digitalin ae. 

Mixture of digitalin. 
R. Digitalin. gr. *0770 (5 milligrammes.) 
AquaB lactucae §iii^ (100 grammes.) 
Syrup, flor. an rant. ^viss. (25 grammes.) 

Dissolve the digitalin in a few drops of alcohol; then add the 
distilled water and the syrup. 

To be taken by table spoonfuls in the 24 hours. 

Homolle $• Quevenne. 

Unguentum digitalinae. 

Ointment of digitalin. 
R. Digitalin. gr. *770 (5 centigrammes.) 

Dissolve in a few drops of alcohol at 22° (s. g. *923 ;) and in- 
corporate in lard (axonge balsamique) 10 grammes (Siiss.) 



LXXIII. DIOSMA. 

Synonymes. Diosma Crenata (folia;) Barosma Crenata (folia;) Agothos- 
ma Crenatum (folia;) Bocchoe, Bocho, Booclio ; Buckha ; Buchu Leaves. 
French. Diosmee cienelee. 
German. B uccublatter; D uftstra uchbla tter. 

Diosma crenata is indigenous at the Cape of Good Hope. It 
belongs to the Natural Family Rutaceas; Sexual System 
Pentandria Monogynia. The smell. of the leaves is penetrating 
and peculiar, but resembling that of rue and camphor. By some 
it has been compared to that of oil of juniper; by others, to 
rosemary; by others, to cummin, and by others again, to that of 
the urine of the cat. The name is, therefore, by no means 
expressive, — S«>$, "divine," and otf^, "odour." The taste of 
the leaves is aromatic; somewhat pungent; and, in the opinion 
of Buchner, resembles that of peppermint ; without any parti- 



294 DIOSMA. 

cular bitterness, yet disagreeable. According to the analysis of 
Buchner, Brandes, and Cadet, the most important constituents 
appear to be a volatile oil of a greenish-yellow colour, a peculiar 
principle — diosmin, and a semi-resinous substance. Diosmin is 
a very tenacious adhesive matter, similar to Peruvian balsam, and 
can be drawn out in fine threads. It has the same smell as the 
leaves, only somewhat weaker; the taste is pungent and bitter. 
The semi-resinous matter has a resinous lustre; is of a dark 
brown colour, becomes fluid when heated, and burns with a 
flame. Its odour is not remarkable; taste, somewhat pungent 
and sourish. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

The Hottentots have long used the leaves of several varieties of 
diosma both internally and externally; but they give the prefe- 
rence to diosma crenata. Through them its virtues became 
known to the European settlers. It was first brought to the no- 
tice of British practitioners by the notorious Richard Reece, who 
is more known for the part he took in the farce of Joanna South- 
cote than for any thing else. In Germany, it was chiefly promul- 
gated by Jobst, who published an extract from Reece's obser- 
vations in the Repertorium of Buchner. 2 Bardili instituted ex- 
periments for testing its action on the healthy organism. It first 
acts — he says — as an excitant on the stomach, whence arises a 
feeling of increased heat in that organ, and the appetite becomes 
augmented : from the stomach, the excitement spreads to the vas- 
cular system ; the heat of the body is increased ; the pulse becomes 
more frequent, and the transpiration is favoured. It acts, like- 
wise, on the urinary secretion; the urine is separated in larger 
quantity, contains flocculi, deposits a purulent (?) sediment, and 
exhales an aromatic odour. On the digestive function, it seems 
to produce somewhat of a constipating effect. Bardili thinks, 
that he has also witnessed some narcotic operation in his experi- 
ments. 

The same results were produced by diosma on animals. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

The inhabitants of the Cape administer this agent as a sto- 
machic, and the Dutch physicians give it with success in indiges- 
tion. It is said also to have afforded essential service in chronic 
cases of rheumatism and gout. Autenrieth extols it in rheuma- 
tic pains, which have had their foundation in repelled itch (?) ; 
and its utility in chronic rheumatism has been confirmed by 
numerous others. It has been extolled, moreover, in hematuria, 
calculous pains, and in irritated and suppurative conditions of 

1 Journal de Chimie Medicate, iii. 13, and Journal de Pharraacie, xiii. 106. 
a Band- xxii. S. 51. 



DIOSMA. 295 

the bladder, urethra, and prostate. The author has repeatedly 
administered it, but has observed no other effects than those of a 
moderate excitant diuretic and tonic. Reece says he found it 
efficacious in incontinence of urine, and in catarrhus vesica; 
and he gave it — united with tincture of cubebs — in spasmodic 
stricture of the urethra, gonorrhoea, swelling of the prostate, 
and impotence. 

At the Cape of Good Hope, buchu leaves are often applied ex- 
ternally, in the form of liniment and baths, as well as of fomen- 
tations and cataplasms, in luxations and rheumatic pains, — and 
in wounds, especially the contused. 

It may be remarked, that this — like almost every similar re- 
medy — has been given in cholera; and, as the Riga physicians 
assert, frequently with favourable results. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The dose of the powder is 3ij. in the day: this, at least, is the 
common dose at the Cape. The infusion necessarily contains 
more of the volatile oil than the decoction; but, on the other hand, 
the latter has more of the diosmin : as respects their action, how- 
ever, there is not much difference. A vinegar, oxymel, liniment, 
extract, and tincture of diosma have been advised. 

The London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and United States Pharmaco- 
poeias have an Lntusum Diosma (Jss. of the leaves to Oss. of 
water, Pharm. U. S.;) dose, f §iss : and the Dublin, a Tinctura 
Buchu (§ij. of the leaves to Oj. of proof spirit;) dose, f £ij. or 
f giij, 

Infusum diosmse compositum. 
Compound infusion of buchu. 

R. Diosm. 

Uvae ursi aa. jf ss. 
Aq. bullient. Oss. 
Digere leni calore in vase clauso per semihoram. Colaturse adde 
Syrup, seneg. f jfss. 

Dose. — One or two spoonfuls every two hours in blennorrhcea, 
and in atony and paralysis of the bladder. Clarus. 
-R. Infus. diosmas f ^vij. 
Tinct. diosmse, 
Cubebee, aa. f §Ss. M. 

Dose. — Two table spoonfuls three times a day. This formula 
is recommended by Dr. Joy 1 " in chronic diseases of the prostate, 
bladder, kidneys, gravel, &c," as if the pathological condition to 
be rectified were, in all these cases, identical ! 

1 Tweedie's Library of Medicine, v. 311. London, 1840; or 2d American edit. vol. 
iii. Philad. 1842. 



296 ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 



ELECTRICITAS, see GALVANISMUS. 

LXXIV. ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 

Synontmes. Electro-magnetism, Magnetic Electricity. 

Electro-magnetism has been introduced amongst therapeutical 
agencies as adapted for the same cases as electricity and gal- 
vanism. Various forms of apparatus have been designed; coil 
machines, and magneto-electric machines: 1 but, perhaps, as Dr. 
Pereira has remarked, 2 the most convenient, simple, and powerful 
is the magneto-electric machine of Mr. E. M. Clarke, of London; 
which consists of a battery of six curved permanent magnets, and 
an intensity armature, around whose cylinders 1500 yards of fine 
insulated copper wire are coiled. The ends of this wire commu- 
nicate respectively with a pair of directors, each holding a piece 
of sponge, dipped in vinegar, or a solution of common salt. When 
the armature is rotated, and a portion of the body is interposed 
between the directors, a succession of shocks is experienced. As 
this machine is not affected by the moisture of the atmosphere, 
and acids are not required to excite it, it is possessed of advantages 
which the galvanic battery has not. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
Electro-magnetism has been employed in all cases in which vol- 
taic electricity has been deemed advisable. Mr. E. S. Clarke, who 
applied it in the wards of Dr. Graves at the Meath Hospital, states 
that he found it act more quickly in neuralgia 3 than in any other 
disease. Some varieties it removed in two or three applications, 
but others often required a feeble electro-magnetic current for 
many successive days. Next in order of facility came "rheumatic 
and sciatic cases; then cases of deafness ; after those, some varie- 
ties of catamenial suppression. It also acted readily on certain 
curable forms of amaurosis ; then in partial paralysis, and with 
greater difficulty in hemiplegia than in almost any other form." 
Dr. Golding Bird, 4 and Dr. Neligan 5 found electro-magnetism of 
immense advantage in many forms of paralysis ; whilst in Dr. Bence 
Jones's' 3 trials of it, in the same disease, no benefit was derived in 
the majority of the cases. Dr. Wm. Davis 7 found it of great value 
in rheumatic paralysis, in a case of subacute articular rheumatism, 
which had produced such changes in the locomotive organs, that 

1 See the author's General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. 4th edit. i. 510. Philad. 1850. 

9 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit. vol. i. p. 56. Lond. 1849. 

8 Graves, System of Clinical Medicine, p. 434. Dublin, 1843. 

• London Lancet. June 13. 1846, p. 649. 

■ London and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Med. Science, April, 1846. 

8 London Journal of Medicine, JNo. 2, 1849. 

1 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Nov. 15, 1848. 



ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 297 

the patient was unable to walk or use her hands; and Professor 
Kubik 1 bears equally favourable testimony to it in the same affec- 
tions. 

An anomalous case belonging to the neuroses was laid before 
the Sheffield Medical Society ; a summary of which is given by 
Mr. Law. 3 A lady, 51 years of age, had suffered from neuralgia 
of the right inferior maxillary nerve, when she was suddenly 
seized with vomiting ; fainted, and lost power over the arms when 
in the upright, but not when in the recumbent posture. Soon 
afterwards she found it impossible to swallow, and the sickness 
subsided: after this, she had paralysis of the left side of the face, 
and of the right arm and leg. Nothing could be introduced into 
the stomach except through an oesophagus tube. Electro-magnetism 
was applied to the back of the neck and chest in the course of the 
oesophagus, to the left side of the face, and from the spine in the 
course of the nerves to the right arm and leg. This was done for 
one hour at least, three times a day for a month, and afterwards 
twice a day. Nutritious and stimulating substances were passed 
dow T n into the stomach, and quinia and other tonics were adminis- 
tered. Under this management she completely recovered. "With 
respect to treatment," says Mr. Law, " the writer doubts whether 
the electro-magnetism is entitled to the credit of having effected 
the cure; or whether this should be attributed to the quinine, sti- 
mulating tonics and great attention which was paid to the digestive 
organs. Paralysis occasionally terminates favourably quite irre- 
spectively of medical treatment, and the acknowledged obscurity 
in which the proximate cause, in the case under consideration, was 
involved, demands especial caution in assigning to each of the va- 
rious means employed in the treatment its due share of credit. It 
is by no means impossible, that the electro-magnetism, instead of 
having carried off the complaint, retarded the cure, and that this 
was ultimately accomplished by nature assisted by the general 
treatment. Until a series of cases treated with electro-magnetism, 
have been contrasted with a parallel series treated without, it 
would be unphilosophical to pronounce a decided opinion on this 
principle as a curative agent in paralysis. Although the writer 
has employed electro-magnetism in a variety of cases during the 
last twelve months, yet he has hardly been able to verify a single 
observation of any one of its numerous and zealous advocates. 
Dr. Shearman used either the negative or positive pole, as chance 
directed. Now, Retter asserts, that the former diminishes, whilst 
the latter augments the powers of life; and J. D. Humphreys, 
medical galvanist, with Chas. Woodward # and others, says, that 
the positive pole exerts a salutary influence, by exhilarating the 

4 Prag. Vierteljahr, v, 4, 1848; cited in Schmidt's Jahrbucher, u.s. w. No, 2, p. ]59. 
Jahrganof, 1H49 
* Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, May 15, 1844. 



298 ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 

spirits, and infusing feelings of energy and strength; while the 
negative excites a sense of exhaustion and of irritation. These 
writers distinctly state, that the only effect of the negative pole, 
if applied to the seat of a disease, would be to aggravate its worst 
symptoms. How are these opinions to be reconciled with Dr. 
Shearman's belief, that he had cured his patient by the indiscriminate 
use of the oxidating and deoxidating electricities? Dr. Wilkinson, 
Dr. Hodgkin, Mr. Ware, and Mr. Carpue, ascribed wonderful power 
to electro-magnetism in diseases affecting respiration, circulation, 
digestion and secretion. According to these gentlemen, there is 
hardly a complaint which it will not either cure or relieve, or an 
indication in therapeutics, which it will not satisfactorily fulfil. 
The writer can reconcile the discrepancies between the statements 
of authors and his own experience only by supposing, that the 
publications on this subject contain many errors. With respect, 
however, to the case under consideration, it is right to say the so- 
ciety (Sheffield Medical,) generally agreed with Dr. Shearman, in 
ascribing the cure to electro-magnetism; and that Dr. Abercrombie 
speaks rather favourably of this agent." 

This case was doubtless one of the large class of anomalous 
nervous maladies, which require new nervous impressions, and a 
tonic system of medication. To fulfil the former indication, nothing 
could be more appropriate than electro-magnetism. The same 
may be said of a case of hysterical convulsions , which occurred to 
Dr. Byrne, 1 in a girl, twelve years of age, who was aroused from 
each paroxysm by having the poles of an ordinary electro-magnetic 
battery applied — the one to the occiput, the other to the sacrum. 

Mr. Tuson 2 has recorded observations of a very favourable cha- 
racter in regard to the benefit of this agent in certain local neu- 
ralgic affections, the consequence of injury; and it has been ex- 
tolled by Dr. William Cumming 3 in constipation, and in certain 
irregularities of the functions of the bowels. 

Dr. Hays, 4 who, as remarked under Galvanismus, found gal- 
vanism the most useful remedy in certain cases of amaurosis which 
fell under his care, employed electro-magnetism in several cases 
in Wills' Hospital, and in a number in private practice, but with- 
out its seeming to be productive of the slightest benefit in a single 
instance; whence he too hastily infers, that for remedial purposes 
a regular and constant galvanic current would appear to be more 
useful than the violent shocks produced by interrupted currents, 
such as are induced by the electro-magnetic apparatus. This is 
obviously a non sequitur, for the shocks may be diminished so as 
scarcely to be felt: and^ moreover, theory would suggest, and ex- 

x Charleston Medical and Surgical Journal, cited in Ranking's Abstract, January to 
July. 1849, p. 49. 
a Medical Times, Feb. 24, 1849. 3 London Med. Gazette. Dec. 7, 1849. 

4 American Journal of the Med. Sciences, Aug. 1840, p. 288. 



ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 299 

perience has shown, that there are numerous cases in which the 
excitant and revulsive effect of properly graduated shocks is more 
serviceable than the regular and constant current. 

Dr. Kramer 1 has employed the magneto-electric or electro- 
magnetic current as a remedy for deafness and tinnitus aurium. 
He found it a decided excitant to the organ of hearing, its action 
being manifested by convulsive twitchings, pains in the ear, mo- 
mentary increase in the hearing distance, and aggravation of the 
tinnitus, either at the time or afterwards; but it did not seem to 
have any strengthening effect on the nerves, and required to be 
used with the greatest precaution, and in the mildest manner. The 
action was strongest when the current was conveyed from the 
mouth of the Eustachian tube to the external meatus of the affected 
ear, instead of from one auditory passage to the other. 

Dr. Thomas Radford 2 employed galvanism with great success 
in the treatment of cases of uterine hemorrhage, accidental or 
unavoidable, accompanied by exhaustion, and occurring before, 
during, or after labour. He considers, from positive trial, that it 
will be found a most important agent in tedious labour, depending 
upon want of power in the uterus, and where no mechanical obsta- 
cles exist. 3 He also suggests the probability of its proving valua- 
ble in originating uterine action de novo in cases where it may be 
deemed necessary to induce premature labour; and that it may be 
worthy of trial in certain cases of menorrhagia in the ungravid 
state, where, on examination per vaginam, the uterus is found to 
be atonic, as evidenced by its large, flaccid condition, and the patu- 
lous state of the fts uteri. His mode of applying it is as follows. 
Slight shocks are carried through the long axis of the uterus by 
means of a conductor introduced along the vagina to the os uteri, 
another being placed externally over the fundus. Shocks may be 
also passed transversely through the uterus by applying simulta- 
neously the conductor on each side of the abdomen. The applica- 
tion must be made at intervals, so as to approximate, as nearly as 
possible, its effects to the natural labour pains; and be continued 
so as to meet the exigencies of the case. Successful cases are re- 
lated by Messrs. Thomas Dorrington/ H.Wilson, 5 Mr. Cleveland, 6 
and others. 

In a case of amenorrhoea, electro-magnetism was used with suc- 
cess by Dr. Collins. 7 He had applied the electro-magnetic ma- 

1 Beitrage zur Ohrenheilkunde, Berlin, 1845; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Review. 
July, 1847, p. 22. 

3 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Sept. 18, 1844, p. 386; and Dublin Quart. 
Journal, May, 1847. 

3 See a case by Mr. Clarke, Dublin Hospital Gazette, March 1, 1845, cited in Braith- 
waite's Retrospect, January — June, 1846, p. 423. 

4 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, March 11 and 18, 1846. 5 Ibid. Ap.29, 1846. 
6 Dr. G. Bird, Lectures on Electricity and Galvanism, in London Medical Gazette, 

June 1 1, 1847, 7 London Lancet, Jan. 25, 1845, p. 91. 



300 ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 

chine in some other cases with the happiest effects; and was in- 
duced to try it in this. He applied one of the buttons on the 
lumbar region of the spine, and the other in front over the pubic 
region, using the negative and positive poles alternately to the 
spine and abdomen: the remedy was continued five days, from 
five to ten minutes each day, when the catamenia were fully re- 
established. Dr. Collins adds, that he has used it with good 
effect in rheumatism. 

It has likewise been employed with success in amenorrhea and 
dysmenorrhea, by Dr. Robert L. M'Donnell, of Montreal, 1 and 
by Dr. Walkly, of Mobile. 2 The former prefers the apparatus 
sold under the name of the vibrating magnetic machine. When 
this is in operation, one of the buttons at the free extremity of the 
electrodes is applied by the physician to the lower portion of the 
spinal column, corresponding to the point of exit of the sacral 
nerves, and the other is applied by the patient herself, or by a 
female attendant, immediately over the pubes. In order to pro- 
tect the patient from the inconvenience of receiving the shock 
through the hand which holds the button, a thick glove should be 
worn. Having desired that one button be kept firmly pressed 
upon the os pubis, the physician commences by passing the other 
button along the spine from the occiput to the os coccygis. After 
this has been done slowly four or five times, the button is kept 
for five or six minutes immediately over the sacrum, and the 
electricity is thus passed in an uninterrupted current through the 
uterus. It is not necessary to put the patient to great torture by 
increasing the strength of the shocks. More benefit, according to 
Dr. M'Donnell, will be derived from an uninterrupted and steady 
transmission of a moderate current than by occasional shocks of 
great intensity. The current may also be sent transversely 
through the pelvis, by placing a button on each hip, above the 
great trochanter. 

Dr. Walkly 3 thinks electro-magnetism as a parturifacient far 
preferable to ergot, for the reason, that the pains induced by it are 
regularly intermittent, as in natural labour, and hence not likely to 
injure either the mother or the child. The electricity may be 
applied by placing the negative electrode in a foot-bath with the 
feet, whilst the positive electrode is placed over the lumbar region, 
and a succession of shocks passed for from three to five minutes. 
The application of galvanism to induce and increase parturient 
contractions of the uterus has often, indeed, been proposed. It 
was suggested by Herder* in 1803, and by Dr. F. Ramsbotham in 

1 British American Journal, cited in Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, July to Decem- 
ber, lb46, p. 170. 

2 New Orleans Med. and Surg. Journal, July, 1846, p. 52. 

3 Op. cit. 

4 Diagnostische Praktische Beitrage zur Erweiterung der Geburtshfllfe, Leipz. 1803, 
cited by Professor Simpson, in Monthly Journal of Medical Science, July, 184(>, p. 33. 



ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 301 

1834, 1 but does not appear to have been employed by them. 
Several trials were instituted by Professor Simpson, of Edin- 
burgh, with the view of ascertaining the exact degree of influence 
which galvanism possesses over the contractile action of the uterus 
during labour, and consequently the amount of aid which may be 
expected to be derived from it in any case in which its assistance 
is had recourse to. His general results were not favourable to it. 
In one instance the pains were more frequent in their recur- 
rence, but shorter in their duration during the application of gal- 
vanism ; in five other cases, it neither increased the average fre- 
quency of the pains, nor their average duration. In one case, the 
pains ceased whilst the galvanism was applied, and returned upon 
its removal. In another, the action ceased whilst the galvanism 
was applied, and did not return on its withdrawal, nor for 24 
hours afterwards. Professor Simpson concludes, that as employed 
at the present time and in its present mode, it is not a means 
which can be in any degree relied on to directly excite or in- 
crease the contractile action of the uterus; " and is so far practi- 
cally and entirely useless as a stimulant to the parturient action of 
the uterus." 

There can be no doubt, however, from the mass of testimony, 
much of which has been collected by Dr. Channing, 2 of Boston, 
that uterine contractions may be excited by the powerful stimula- 
tion which interrupted electro-magnetic currents are capable of 
inducing. 

In the opinion of Dr. Golding Bird, 3 electricity is the only 
really direct emmenagogue with which experience has furnished 
us. " I do not think," he remarks, " I have ever known it fail 
to excite menstruation when the uterus is capable of performing 
this function." " The rule," he adds, " for ensuring success in the 
great mass of cases of amenorrhcea is sufficiently simple. Improve 
the general health by exercise and tonics ; remove the accumula- 
tions often present in the bowels by appropriate purgatives ; and 
then a few electrical shocks, — often a single one will be sufficient to 
produce menstruation, and at once to restore the previous deficient 
function." As the author has elsewhere 4 remarked, however, im- 
provement of the general health is itself an efficient agency in the 
removal of amenorrhcea. An admirable mode of using it, ac- 
cording to Dr. Channing, is the hip-bath, in which one of the 
poles of the electro-magnetic or galvanic apparatus is immersed 
near the organs to be especially acted upon. The other handle is 
applied in the course of the spine, or in the bath on the opposite 

1 Simpson, Op. cit. 

2 Notes on the Medical Application of Electricity. Boston, 1849. 
s Lond. Med. Gaz., June 11, 1847. 

4 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med., 4th edit., i. 422. Fhilad. 1850. 

20 



302 ELECTRO-MAGNETISMUS. 

side of the body. Dr. Tracy E. Waller l recommends it as a 
valuable agent in prolapsus uteri. 

An interesting case of poisoning by opium is recorded by Dr. 
Thomas S. Page, 2 of Valparaiso, in which electro-magnetism was 
successfully employed to cure the patient. The breathing had 
become short and hurried ; the mouth widely extended, and jaw 
fallen; nothing seemed capable of rousing him; the exhaustion 
was extreme; the pulse could be felt feebly at the wrist, and 
was maintained there, in Dr. Page's opinion, by the agitation 
which he had undergone. Electro-magnetism was now applied. 
Whilst an assistant rapidly rotated the wheel, Dr. Page applied 
the balls at first to each side of the neck, and ran them down be- 
hind the clavicles. The arms and body moved convulsively, but 
the patient lay as unconscious as before. He now passed one 
ball over the region of the heart, and the other to a corre- 
sponding point on the right side. In an instant the eyes opened, 
and with a ghastly expression of countenance the head and body 
were thrown convulsively toward Dr. Page, and he groaned. He 
now sank back into his reclining posture, and was again asleep. 
The balls were reapplied in the same situation with similar results 
a third and a fourth time, when he cried out: — "no more!" Re- 
action was now positively established. 

Dr. Page suggests, that electro-magnetism will not only be 
found a most useful agent in cases like the above; but in highly 
congestive forms of disease, where oppression of the nervous sys- 
tem prevents reaction and speedily destroys life. In all cases of 
asphyxia he considers it will be useful, and believes that m very 
many instances it might be applied with the happiest effects in 
asphyxia neonatorum. 

When employed — as every form of electricity occasionally is — 
to modify the function of nutrition for the removal of morbid 
growths, or to promote the absorption of effused fluid, as in hy- 
drocele; 3 magneto-electricity is most commonly administered in the 
way of electro-puncture; yet excellent effects are not unfrequently 
induced by the employment of the magneto-electric influence in the 
shape of shocks passed through the part affected for a longer or 
shorter period. 

1 Medical Examiner, April, 1848, p. 238. 
3 Amcr. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, Aug. 1843, p. 301. 

3 Ogier, in Southern Journal of Medicine and Surgery, No. 3, and Frost, Charles- 
ton Med. Journal, July, 1848. 



ELECTRO-PUNCTURA AND GALVANOPUNCTURA. 303 



LXXV. ELECTRO-PUNCTURA, GALVANO-PUNCTU'RA. 

Stnonymes. Electro-puncture, Electro-puncturation, Galvano-puncturaj 

Galvano-puncture, Galvano-puncturation. 
German. Elect ropunctur, Galvanopunctur. 

Electro-puncture consists in a union of acupuncture with elec- 
tricity. The idea of the conjunction appears to have originated 
with Berlioz; but Sarlandiere was, doubtless, the first who put it 
in practice, although J, Cloquet has contested the priority with 
him — a matter, by the way, as in all such cases, of extremely 
small moment. The operation consists in employing acupunctu- 
ration in the usual way, either with a single needle, or with two 
or more ; and making a communication between them and the 
prime conductor of an electrical machine in action ; or they may 
be made to form part of the circuit in the discharge of a Leyden 
jar. In this way, the electrical influence may be graduated from 
the simple aura to a full shock. Sarlandiere appears to have em- 
ployed electro-puncture with great success; but he restricts its use 
to rheumatic or neuralgic pains, uncomplicated with organic mis- 
chief or inflammation: when such complications exist, he advises 
that bloodletting and general antiphlogistics should be premised. 
Guersent thinks it better, in all these cases, to use simple acu- 
puncturation, and only to employ electro-puncture when the first 
proves to be inadequate, as in paralysis, and in tremors produced 
by the immoderate use of mercury; in all cases, indeed, in which 
the malady depends on a diminution of the nervous energy. A 
case of success from its use in paralysis of the right arm, in which 
voluntary motion and sensibility were destroyed, has been pub- 
lished. 2 The patient w T as, in the first instance, subjected to the 
use of blisters and moxas along the course of the radial nerve, from 
which he obtained some advantage. The remedy which succeeded 
best, however, was electro-puncture along the nerves from the 
shoulder to the hand. At first, the punctures were but little felt; 
but afterwards they w T ere very painful. The sensibility, mobility, 
and strength of the fingers and hand gradually returned ; and, three 
months after his admission, the patient left the hospital completely 
cured, 

Galvano-puncture has likewise been used by M. Jobert" 5 for 
the treatment of deafness dependent upon paralysis of the acou- 
stic nerve. He introduces Itard's sound through the nasal fossae 

1 E. Gr'afe,art. Electro- punctura, in Encyclop'ad. Worterb. der" Medicinisch.Wissensch. 
x. 550. Berlin, 1834. 

* La Lancette Franeaise, Dec 20, 1836; cited in Amer. Med. Intel., Oct. 16, 1837, 
p. 265. 

3 Cited from L'Examinateur Medicale, in Lond. Med. Gaz., June 2, 1843, p 356. 



304 ELECTRO-FUNCTURA AND GALVANO-PUNCTURA. 

into the Eustachian tube; and into this sound a long *thin acu- 
puncture-needle is passed, so as to fix itself in a point of the 
parietes of the tube, whilst the other extremity projects from the 
end of the sound. Another acupuncture-needle is implanted in the 
membrana tympani. This being done, one of the conducting 
wires of a galvanic battery, the trough of which is filled with 
water and chlorohydric acid, is passed through the eye of one of 
the needles, and the end of the other conducting wire is made to 
touch the opposite needle. M. Jobert has used in the beginning 
eight pairs of plates of the battery ; afterwards, ten and twelve 
pairs, and as high as eighteen; and he asserts, that he has patients 
who have been acted upon by the entire pile, which contains forty 
pairs. At the moment the poles are placed in contact, there is a very 
painful shock in the ear and head, with convulsive movements; 
but the shock and pain usually cease immediately. In one patient, 
the impression was felt for eight days; but it never exceeded a 
slight pain, and ceased of itself. When the patient was irritable, 
only one shock was given ; but he has given two and even three 
shocks to persons whose sensibility was obtuse, and who had been 
already subjected to electro-puncture. In general, he permitted 
eight days to elapse between each trial. He relates four cases of 
well marked deafness, which were completely cured, one after a 
single shock; another after two shocks; and a third after two sit- 
tings, each consisting of three galvanic shocks. 

The author has frequently used both electro-puncture and gal- 
vano-puncture in rheumatic and neuralgic affections; but he 
does not think the advantages were more marked than those of 
simple acupuncture, whilst the suffering from the operation was 
certainly greater. Magendie regards electro-puncture as the re- 
medy par exce lien ce in the treatment of obstinate neuralgia} 
In rheumatism of the chronic form, it has afforded almost in- 
stantaneous relief; and M. Raciborski 2 found it of essential advan- 
tage in cases of sprains. 

Magendie affirms, that he has treated many cases of incomplete 
amaurosis with great success by galvano-puncture. He fixed 
a needle in the frontal nerve, and another in the superior max- 
illary, making these communicate respectively with the poles of 
a galvanic pile of twelve pairs of plates, each six inches square. 
Whenever the contact was made, the patient experienced a painful 
commotion in the course of the nerves, and at the bottom of the 
orbit; light became better appreciated, and the pupil contracted. 
A case has been reported by Dr. Dacamina 3 of palsy of the 

1 Medico- Chirunr. Rev. July, 1841, p. 202; see, also, Dr. Shuster, cited in Lond. and 
Edinb. Monthly Joum. of Med. Science, June, 1844, p. 510; and Dr. Cowan, in Address 
before the Provincial Med. and Surg. Association, cited in Braithwaite's Retrospects, 
Amer.edit. xii. 36. N. Y. 1845. 

a Cited in Southern Medical and Surgical Journal, July, 1846, p. 436. 

3 Psychological Journal, January, 1840. 



ELECTRO-PUNCTURA AND GALVANO-PUNCTURA. 305 

tongue, which was cured by it. In 1813, an old woman was 
seized with general paralysis of sensation and motion in conse- 
quence of fright. This passed away, except as regarded the arms, 
head and tongue. She was unable to articulate a word. Twenty- 
three years afterwards, Dr. Dacamina had recourse to galvano- 
puncture, — one pole of the apparatus being applied to the occipital 
nerve by means of a needle introduced into the neck, and the other 
to the tip of the tongue. After two applications, the patient could 
raise the organ ; and after the third, she could reply to some ques- 
tions intelligibly, although w T ith difficulty. After this, the points 
of contact were varied, and the electricity was applied to different 
parts. The patient gradually recovered her speech, and the other 
palsied parts were also cured. 

In cases of asphyxia, galvano-puncture has been proposed to 
arouse the dormant energies. The effect of electricity, in the dif- 
ferent forms in which it is adopted in medicine, on the functions 
of sensibility and muscular contraction, could not fail to suggest it 
early to observers as a fit agent for this purpose: but it is rarely 
at hand, and, therefore, seldom available. J. P. Frank, Thillaye, 1 
and others have highly recommended it ; — the latter gentleman, 
on the strength of numerous experiments on animals. As the ob- 
ject, in these cases, is to arouse the respiratory muscles to action, 
the electric shock may be passed through the shoulders or the chest 
in any direction. Neither common nor galvanic electricity is 
possessed of much — if any — power to restore the action of the in- 
voluntary muscles. The author has frequently attempted to re- 
excite the action of the heart, intestines, fibres of the uterus, &c. 
soon after the cessation of respiration and circulation, by means of 
the galvanic stimulus, but without the slightest success, although 
the voluntary muscles responded to it energetically. Besides, 
were the action of the heart re-excited by it, this could be but 
momentary. A necessary stimulating agency to that viscus is 
distention by the proper fluid, and unless the respiratory move- 
ments were restored, and conversion of venous to arterial blood 
effected, so that the latter could reach the left heart, the action of 
that organ could not be maintained. Every attempt, therefore, is 
properly made to restore the action of the respiratory muscles, so 
that hsematosis may be accomplished. 2 

M. Leroy d'Etiolles 3 has suggested galvano-puncture in a man- 
ner which, at the first aspect, appears most formidable; but which 
is really less so than it seems to be, in consequence of the impu- 
nity with which fine needles can be made to penetrate, as has been 

1 Archives Generates de Medecine, torn. xii. 

* Art. Asphyxia, by the author, in the American Cyclopedia of Practical Medicine, 

partx. p. 486, Sept, 1836; and in his Practice of Medicine, 3d edit. i. 475. Philad. 1848. 

Magendie's Journal de Physiologie, torn. vii. torn. viii. and torn, ix.; also, Recherches 

Experimentales sinM'Asphyxie, Paris, 1829; and Bourgeois. Observations sur la 

possibility du retour a la vie dans plusieurs cas d'Asphyxie. Paris, 1829. 



306 ELECTRO-PUNCTURA AND GALVANO-PUNCTURA. 

seen, 1 even the most important organs. He introduced an acu- 
puncture needle on each side, between the eighth and ninth ribs, 
until it reached the fibres of the diaphragm. He then established 
a galvanic current between the needles by means of a pile of 
twenty-five or thirty pairs of plates, an inch in diameter. The 
diaphragm immediately contracted, and an inspiration was accom- 
plished. He then interrupted the circle, when the diaphragm, 
urged by the weight of the abdominal viscera, and, aided by gen- 
tle pressure made on the abdomen by the hand, returned to its 
former position, and an expiration was effected. In this way, the 
two respiratory acts were made to succeed each other, and regular 
respiration was reinduced. A continuous current was likewise 
employed in some cases; but the respiratory movements were 
irregular, and nothing like natural respiration resulted. Leroy 
tried his method on animals asphyxied by submersion; and when 
they had not been under water more than five minutes, they were 
often restored. 

These experiments were witnessed by Magendie. 3 On different 
occasions, M. Leroy asphyxied animals of the same kind, and ap- 
parently of the same strength, and while those that were left to 
themselves perished, those that were treated by galvanism re- 
covered. As an aid, therefore, to pulmonary insufflation, and an 
important one, galvanism, — combined or not with acupuncturation, 
— might be advantageously employed in asphyxia, but, as has 
been already remarked, it can rarely be available. Certainly, no 
time should be lost in adopting the other energetic and indispen- 
sable measures that are demanded. 3 It has been recommended, 
that as only a very small apparatus is necessary, batteries, con- 
sisting of a few plates, might be kept wherever there are station- 
houses for the reception of persons in a state of asphyxia. 4 The 
suggestion is good; and they might also with propriety form a 
part of the cabinet of apparatus of the private practitioner; but 
whilst an assistant is preparing the apparatus for action, the prac- 
titioner should be assiduously engaged in employing other means 
of resuscitation. 5 

In a paper read before the French Academy of Sciences, in 
January, L843, Dr. Shuster 6 reported the following conclusions 
as the result of his employment of electro-puncture in disease. 
First, Electricity is only useful as a therapeutical agent when in- 
troduced into the substance of the affected organs by means of 
acupuncture. Secondly, Galvanic electricity and the electro- 
magnetic fluid, when employed by acupuncture, constitute the 

1 See art. Acupuncture, p. 51. a Journal de Physiologie, ix. 

3 See art. Asphyxia. Op. cit. p. 486. 

* Kay, in Edinburgh Med. and Surg. Journal, xxix., and in his work on Asphyxia. 
London, 1 834. 

* See Most, Art. Galvanismus, in Encyklopad. der gesammten medicin. und chirur- 
Praxis, u. s. w. 2te Auflage. Leipz. Id36. 6 Op. cit. 



ELECTRO-PUNCTURA AND GALVANO-PUNCTURA. 307 

most powerful and harmless agents that we possess. Thirdly, 
The affections in which electro-puncture may be employed suc- 
cessfully are: — First, hydrocele, ascites (idiopathic or sympto- 
matic of curable lesions,) hydrothorax, and articular dropsies. 
Its use may be extended to chronic hydrocephalus, dropsy of 
the pericardium, and the greater part of dropsical effusions. 
Secondly, lipomatous, steatomatous, atheromatous, melice- 
rous, serous and synovial cysts. Thirdly, congestions and 
indurations, chiefly those of the lymphatic glands, of the testi- 
cles and epididymis; indurations of the areolar tissue in the 
neighbourhood of certain kinds of ulcers, and in the walls of fistu- 
lous passages, and certain indolent tumefactions; and there 
would be nothing irrational, he properly remarks, in attacking 
cancerous affections in the same way. Fourthly, goitre. 
Fifthly, varicose dilatations, especially when electro-puncture 
can be aided by rest and compression ; and he does not despair to 
employ it with advantage in cases of aneurism and erectile 
tumours. Sixthly, chronic rheumatism, neuralgia, and cer- 
tain nervous diseases. Seventhly, paralytic affections in ge- 
neral, but especially those of the retina, (amaurose asthenique,) 
and of the muscles of the voice, (mutisme paralytique.) 

M. Zenobi Pechioli 1 has detailed a case of double hydrocele 
in which he employed electro-puncture. Two needles were in- 
serted, one into the upper, the other into the under, part of the 
tumour. These were connected to opposite poles of a voltaic 
pile, and the electric fluid was passed in a continued current for 
five minutes, when it had to be discontinued in consequence of the 
right testicle becoming painful. Five minutes after the removal 
of the needles, both hydroceles disappeared completely. In the 
evening, redness and heat of the scrotum occurred, and the right 
side of the scrotum became oedematous. The operation was re- 
peated in ten days, and was followed by a like result. Ten days 
afterwards, it was again resorted to, after which he had no return 
of the disease. M. Pechioli is of opinion, that the openings made 
by the common mode of acupuncturation are too small to allow 
the fluid to escape, and he thinks, that by passing a current of 
electricity through the hydrocele, the contained fluid is forced out 
through the sac into the areolar tissue of the scrotum, whence it 
is removed by absorption. 

M. Petrequin, 2 of Lyons, has applied electricity to the cure of 
aneurism in three cases. Two of these he had lost sight of be- 
fore the influence of the treatment could be duly appreciated. In 
another case, of aneurism of the temporal artery, galvano- 

1 Bulletin delle Scienze Medic, di Bologna, Sept., 1841; cited in Dublin Journal of 
Med. Sciences, November, 1842, p. 311. 

2 Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, Jan. 1846, p. 229 ; cited from Med. Times, 
Nov. 15, 1845; and Revue Medicale, Nov. 1846, p. 340. 



308 ELECTRO-PUNCTURA AND GALVANO-PUNCTURA. 

puncture was performed by the introduction into the tumour of 
two sharp steel pins crossing each other at right angles; the 
heads of the pins were then placed in communication with the 
wires of a voltaic pile, and a shock and sharp pain were ex- 
perienced, the pain increasing with the intensity of the electric 
action. The operation lasted ten minutes, and fifteen plates were 
employed. The pulsations gradually diminished in the tumour 
during the operation, and, at its close, had entirely disappeared. 
No accident followed the experiment; and in ten days neither 
tumefaction nor pulsation could be detected in the spot where the 
aneurism had existed. M. Petrequin lays down the following 
precepts, an observance of which, he thinks, will ensure a com- 
plete coagulation of the blood contained in an aneurismal tumour. 
First, compression of the artery between the aneurism and the 
heart during the application of the galvanic agency. Secondly, 
the pins introduced into the tumour should be numerous, cross 
each other at right angles, and their surface should be protected 
by a coat of varnish, in order to prevent unprofitable loss of the 
electric fluid. Thirdly, after the operation, ice should be applied 
to the tumour. Successful cases of its employment in aneurism 
are given by Drs. Bellingham, O'Shaughnessy, 1 Abeille, 2 Borelli, 3 
and others; but it has been unsuccessful in the hands of Liston, 
Phillips and others, and has been very unfavourably reported on 
by M. Gimelle, 4 before the Academy of Medicine of Paris, who 
is so impressed with the numerous dangers and the ill success of it, 
that he desired the Academy to pass an absolute condemnation of 
it. This was, however, regarded as too extreme a measure, since 
cases in which the ligature could not be employed, or had been 
so usually without success, might sometimes be benefitted by 
this procedure. 

There can be no doubt that electro-puncture is capable of ma- 
terially modifying the nutrition of the part on which it is prac- 
tised, and that it will, consequently, be found to exert power over 
morbid depositions, solid as well as fluid. 

1 Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, January to July, 1847; Amer. edit., p. 196; and 
Ib'id. July to December, 1847, p. 203. 

a Annales de Therapeutique, Novembre, 1847; cited in Ranking, Op. cit, January 
to June, 1848, p. 107. 

3 Schmidt's Jahrbiicher, Bd. lxiv., S. 75; cited in Canstatt und Eisenmann, Jahres- 
bericht, u. s. w. im Jabre, 1849, v. 145. Erlangen, 1850. 

* Bulletin de l'Academ. xv. 572-82; cited in British and Foreign Medical Review, 
July, 1850, p. 268. 



EMETIA. 309 



LXXVI. EMETIA. 



Syxontmes. Emetina, Emeta. Emetinum, Emetium, Emetine. 
French. Emetine, La Matiere Vomitive. 
German. Emetin, BrechstofT. 

In the year 1817, MM. Pelletier and Magendie, 1 by a series of 
chemical and physiological experiments, discovered, that the vari- 
ous kinds of ipecacuanha are indebted for their emetic properties 
to a peculiar substance to which they gave the name Emetine. 
This substance possesses the emetic power in a very concentrated 
state, and has neither the disagreeable smell, nor the nauseous 
taste of ipecacuanha. They considered, therefore, that it might 
be advantageously substituted for ipecacuanha on all occasions. 

There are two varieties of the active principle — the coloured 
and the pure — which, as Magendie remarks, 2 bear the same rela- 
tion to each other as moist sugar does to the white and crystal- 
lized. Ipecacuanha, derived from cephaelis ipecacuanha, contains 
the most emetia. 

Emetia has been received into many of the Pharmacopoeias, as 
the Parisian, Batavian, Hanoverian, &c. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

1. Coloured Emetia. — Powdered ipecacuanha is digested 
in ether at 60° (.720) to dissolve the fatty matter whence it 
derives its disagreeable odour, and which possesses no emetic 
virtue. When the powder yields nothing more to ether, it is ex- 
hausted by means of alcohol : the alcohol is then evaporated in a 
water-bath, and the residue is dissolved in cold water. It thus 
loses some of the wax, and a little fatty matter, which still ad- 
hered to it; it is then only necessary to mix it with carbonate of 
magnesia, whereby it loses its gallic acid, — to redissolve it in 
alcohol, and to evaporate to dryness. 

By a similar process, M.Boullay obtained from the roots, leaves, 
flowers and seeds of Viola odorata, an active, alkaline, bitter 
and acrid principle, similar to emetia from ipecacuanha, which he 
denominates emetine of the violet, indigenous emetine or vio- 
line. According to Orfila, it possesses highly poisonous qualities. 3 

2. Pure emetia — Cepha'elinum, of BischofT. — This is obtained 
by substituting calcined magnesia for the carbonate used in the 
process just described, in such quantity, that the acid existing in 
the liquid may be neutralized, and that which is associated with 
the emetia be separated from it. The precipitate of magnesia and 
emetia must now be washed with a little very cold water, to re- 
move the colouring matter, which is not combined with magnesia ; 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, iii. 145; and Magendie's Formulaire pour la preparation de 
plusieurs nouveaux medicamens, &c. * Op. cit. 

3 Journal De Pharmacie, Janvier, 1824. 



310 EMETIA. 

and, after being carefully dried, it must be treated with alcohol, 
which dissolves the emetia. The einetia obtained by the evapo- 
ration of the alcohol, must then be dissolved in a dilute acid, and 
treated with pure animal charcoal. After this purification, the 
emetia must be precipitated by a salifiable base. The waters used 
to wash the magnesian precipitate still contain emetia, which may 
be separated by a second series of operations. 

Coloured emetia appears in the form of reddish brown, trans- 
parent scales; is almost inodorous, and of a bitter, but not nau- 
seous taste. It can withstand the heat of boiling water without 
experiencing change; is very deliquescent, soluble in water, and 
not crystallizable. 

Pure emetia has a white and frequently a somewhat yellowish 
appearance; is pulverulent, and does not deliquesce, like the for- 
mer, in the air. In cold water, it is but little soluble; more so in 
warm. In ether arid alcohol, it dissolves readily. Its taste is 
feebly bitter. It has an alkaline reaction, is dissolved by all the 
acids — diminishing their acidity, but without wholly neutralizing 
them. With the acids it forms crystallizable compounds, from 
which it may be precipitated by galls, which are the best agents 
for obviating the effects of emetia, when given in too large a dose. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

According to Magendie, 1 from half a grain to two or three 
grains of coloured emetia given to dogs and cats, excited vomit- 
ing, at times followed by long sleep. In larger doses, — ten grains, 
for example, — it occasioned, in dogs, repeated vomiting, after 
which the animal fell asleep, and generally died in twenty-four 
hours. On dissection, violent inflammation was found in the lungs, 
and in the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels through- 
out their whole extent. The effects were the same when the 
emetia was injected into the jugular vein, or absorbed from any 
part of the body. In a healthy man, two grains of coloured 
emetia taken fasting, produced repeated vomiting, to which suc- 
ceeded a decided disposition to sleep. Even a quarter of a grain, 
at times, induced nausea and vomiting. It acted also on the 
bowels. 

The effects of pure emetia are analogous, but more powerful: 
two grains were sufficient to kill a strong dog. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
The same effects are induced on the morbid as on the healthy 
economy. Magendie recommends the administration of coloured 
emetia — as the pure is much too dear — in every case where it is 
desirable to excite vomiting, and especially where ipecacuanha is 
indicated. It has not, however, been much used, except by Ma- 
gendie himself. M. Lerminier, who prescribed it, says that one or 

1 Op. citat. 



EMETIA. 311 

two grains of coloured eraetia are equal in strength to from ten to 
twenty of ipecacuanha ; but that he observed no difference in their 
operation, and Dr. Domeier 1 appears to have arrived at the same 
conclusion. The obvious advantages it possesses are — the con- 
venient and agreeable form under which it may be administered, 
and the circumstance that several spurious sorts of ipecacuanha 
are frequently passed off in commerce, and occasion, in conse- 
quence, considerable disappointment in the mind of the practitioner. 
The employment of the active principle of course precludes these 
inconveniences. 2 

Prollius has frequently administered pure emetia, which he re- 
commends as a substitute for ipecacuanha, on the grounds above 
mentioned; and he properly adds, that the price is not a matter of 
so much moment as it might seem to be, by reason of the very 
small quantity required to produce the desired effects. 

When made into an ointment, with lard, and rubbed on the 
skin, it produces a great number of small painful pustules, which 
neither suppurate nor leave pits. It may be used in all cases in 
which the unguentum antimonii is needed ; and where it cannot be 
applied, as on the face. It has been rubbed on the chest in dis- 
eases of the lungs, nervous palpitation, and rheumatic pains? 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
To produce vomiting, three grains of coloured emetia may be 
dissolved in any vehicle, and given in divided doses, at short in- 
tervals. In several cases, with Dr. Domeier, 4 one grain was 
amply sufficient. Of pure emetia, Magendie found, in a man 
eighty-five years of age, one-sixteenth of a grain enough to in- 
duce vomiting. He remarks, however, that the man was easily 
made to vomit. Prollius found the medium dose of pure emetia, 
for an adult, to be from two-sixteenths to three-sixteenths of a 
grain ; sometimes it was requisite to give another sixteenth. Very 
rarely had he to give more than four-sixteenths, or one-fourth of 
a grain. As, on account of its sparing solubility, pure emetia, 
when given alone, might be restricted in its operation, Prollius 
adds an equal portion of tartaric acid, and a little sugar. 

Mistura e me tise vomitoria. 

Emetic mixture of emetia. 

R. Emet. colorat. gr. iv. 
Infus. flor. aurant. f ^ij. 
Syrup, flor. aurant. f ^ss. M. 

Dose.— A dessert-spoonful every half hour, — to excite vomit- 
ing. Any simple distilled water and syrup may be substituted 
for those of orange flowers. Magendie. 

1 London Medical Gazette, Sept. 14, 1839, p. 229. 

a Clinique Medicale, vol. i. Paris, 1 823. 

8 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 108. Erlangen, 1848. 

4 Op. citat 



312 EMETIA. 

Pastilli emetiffi pec t o ri ales. 

Pectoral lozenges ofemetia. 
R. Emetise colorat. gr. xxxij. 
Sacchar. ^iv. 
Mucilag. q. s. ut fiant pastilli, pond. gr. ix. sing. 

These lozenges are commonly coloured red, to distinguish them 
from those of ipecacuanha. A little carmine may be added for 
this purpose. 

Given in cases of catarrh, hooping-cough, chronic diarrhoea, 
&c. 

Dose. — One lozenge occasionally. Magendie. 

Pastilli emetiae vomitorii. 
Emetic lozenges of emelia. 
R. Emetiee colorat. gr. xxxij. 
Sacch. ,§ij. 
Mucilag. q. s. ut fiant pastill. pond. gr. xviij. singul. 

Dose. — One of these lozenges, taken fasting, is generally 
enough to make a child vomit : three or four are required for an 
adult. Magendie. 

Mistura emetiae purificatae vomitoria. 
Emetic mixture of purified emetia. 
R. Emetise purif. — in pauxil. acid. nitr. solut. — gr. j. 
Infus. fior. tiliae f jfiij. 
Syrup, althaese f ^j. M. 

Dose. — A dessert spoonful to be given every quarter of an 
hour, until vomiting is induced. 



LXXVII. ER'GOTA. 



Secalinus, Calcar, Secalis Mater, Semina Monstrosa Secalis Cerealis, 

Ustilago, Clavus Siliginis, Spurred Rye, Corned Rye, The Spur, Ergot, 

Hornseed. 
French. Seigle ergote, Ergot de Seigle, Ble cornu, Clou de Seigle, Mere 

de Seigle, Bled avorte, B. farouche, Faux Seigle, Seigle cornu ou cor- 

rompu, S. k eperon, S. ergotise, S. ivre, S. noir. 
German. Mutterkorn, Gebarpulver, Afterkorn, Schwarzkorn, 

Aetzroggen, Hahnensporn. 

The effects which this substance is capable of exerting on the 
uterus are so well known as not to need any lengthened descrip- 
tion. Its employment in parturition having been revived in this 
country, there are but few who are ignorant of its reputed proper- 
ties. Certain other effects have, however, been ascribed to it, in 
very recent times, which require mention. 

Spurred rye or ergot — the latter being the common name, from 



ERGOTA. 3] 3 

its "spurred" appearance 1 — is usually considered to be the result 
of a disease in rye, occurring most frequently when a hot summer 
succeeds a rainy spring. 3 Decandolle, however, regards it as a 
parasitic fungus, which he terms Sclerotium clavus; whilst Le- 
veille esteems it to be a fungus giving a coating to the diseased 
grain — the medical virtues residing in the coating. This fungus 
he calls Sphacelia segetum. Brande refers it to the Natural 
Order Fungaceae, and terms it Spermoldia clavus; and in the 
last edition of the London Pharmacopoeia, it is referred io Acinula 
clavus of Fries; 3 but, according to Lindley, Fries has no such plant 
in any of his works; and the only species of Acinula known, Aci- 
nula candicans, is found on the rotten leaves of the common 
alder, and among melting snow ; its organization is of another kind 
from that of the spermoedia; and Fries, who regards the other as 
a morbid state of the grain of certain grasses, regards acinula as 
a true fungus. 4 M. Debourge considers, that ergot is an animal 
product of the telephorus family. The insect deposits a liquid of 
its own formation on a grain of rye, and produces the ergot; 
whence it follows, he conceives, that ergot may be produced at 
pleasure by expressing this liquid upon all the grains of rye that 
are within a certain period of their maturity. 5 

Mr. Smith 6 and Mr. Quekett, 7 however, maintain that ergot is 
not a fungus but a diseased state of the grain occasioned by the 
growth of a fungus not previously detected : to this fungus the 
latter gives the name Ergotastia 8 abort ans or Ergotsetia abor- 
tifaciens. By the microscope, they discovered sporules, sporidia, 
or jointed bodies, which appeared to be the reproductive particles 
of the fungus. 9 

Mr. Francis Bauer, 10 who has made ergot a subject of parti- 
cular study, and who, many years ago, undertook, at the sug- 
gestion of Sir Joseph Banks, a series of careful microscopical 

* French, ergot, a "spur." 

3 Dr. Wright, Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ., Jan. 1841. 8 Syst. MycoL 

4 Brande's Dictionary of the Materia Medica, p. 233, Lond. 1839. See, also, Venus, 
Grundriss der Medicin. Receptirkunst, u, s. w. S. 347, Weimar, 1838 ; and the opinions 
of Schreber, De Geer, Parmentier, Buffon, Von Munchausen, Tessier, Zuckert, Rossig, 
Hube, Aymen, Robert, Tillet, &c, in Wright, op. cit. 

5 S octet es Savantes, in Encyclographie des Sciences Medicales, Avril, 1838; and 
A. Richard, Elements d'Histoire Naturelle Medicate, 4eme edit. ii. 13, Paris, 1849. 

6 Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, xviii. Pt. 3, p. 449. Lond. 1840. 
1 Ibid. p. 453, and London Lancet, June 22, 1839, p. 465. See also an abridgment 

of a communication read by Mr. Quekett before the Linnean Society, Dec. 4, 1838, with 
illustrative wood cuts, in American Journal of Pharmacy, for July, 1839, p. 116. For 
remarks on an insect met with in the diseased grain, see a paper by Mr. Muller, of 
Butler county. Pa., with comments by Dr. Carson, in Amer. Journal of Pharmacy for 
Jan. 1839, p. 269. 

8 From ergota, and ounce, " cause." 

9 See the views of Quekett, Zink, Corda and others on the fungus, to which Dr. Pe- 
reira has given the name Oidium abortifaciens , ergot-mould, from a>ov, "an egg." 
and eiSa, "resemblance;" in Pereira's Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit. vol. 
2, Pt. i., p. 944. Lond. 1850. 

10 Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, xviii. Pt. 3, p. 481. Lond. 1S40. 






314 ERGOTA. 

observations with a view to determine the nature and cause of that 
singular production, does not consider the question as to the cause 
of the ergot to be finally and satisfactorily settled. He states that 
he is not convinced that the filamentous fungi with numerous 
sporidia, pointed out by various recent observers, are the cause or 
the consequence of the ergot: — because, first— every gramineous 
plant is equally infected with that minute filamentous fungus, yet 
very few of these plants produce ergots, — amongst agricultural 
grains, the rye being the only one that is subject to the disease; and 
secondly, in autumn all decaying plants are infected with such 
filamentous fungi and minute sporidia. M. Bauer's investigations 
led him, however, to determine the ergot to be a morbid condition 
of the seed. 

Ergot is in grains, from a third of an inch to an inch and a half 
long, and from a line to three lines in diameter, usually curved 
like the spur of a cock, having commonly two longitudinal fur- 
rows, and often irregularly cracked and fissured. Externally, it 
is of a dingy-purple hue; internally of a pale grayish-red or gray- 
ish-white. Its odour is peculiar, fishy and nauseous; taste ob- 
scurely acrid and disagreeable. Unless excluded from the air, it 
swells and softens, acquiring a deep black colour and heavy smell; 
and becoming infested by a little acarus, which is about one-fourth 
the size of the mite of cheese, and destroys the interior of the er- 
got, leaving the grain as a mere shell. In four months, seven 
and a half ounces of fecal matter of the acarus were formed from 
seven pounds of ergot. 1 The powder becomes quickly damp, and 
full of animalcules. It ought, therefore, to be fresh: certainly not 
to be kept for a longer period than two years. 

To prevent the formation of the parasites, Mr. Rowle 2 keeps a 
small piece of camphor in the stopper bottle which contains the 
ergot. This soon annihilates the whole race of insects, and adds 
greatly to the certainty of the effect of the medicine. The plan had 
been recommended before by Dr. Bright. 3 It has been advised 
that the camphor should be mixed with the ergot, in the propor- 
tion of a grain to a scruple. 4 

It has been proposed to dip the dried ergot in a concentrated 
solution of gum Arabic; to dry this on a plate of white iron; and 
when it is dry, to repeat the process two or three times; keep- 
ing it afterwards in a well stopped bottle. 5 A recent writer 15 
has advised the following method for preserving it in good con- 
dition for several years. First. To reduce fresh well dried ergot 

1 Pereira. Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. ii. 016. Lond. 1842 ; or 2d Amer. edit, 
by Carson,' Philad. 1846. " Lond. Lancet, Aug. 10. 1844. 

' * Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ. No. 141, and Lond. Lancet, Aug. 24, 1844. 

4 Mr. Simpson, Lond. Lancet, Sept. 7, 1844. 

s M. Martin, Journ. de Chim. Med., Avril, 1841. 

9 V.Legrip, in Journal de Chimie Medicate, cited in Lond. and Edinb. Montbly Journ. 
of Med. Science, April, 1845. 



ERGOTA. 315 

to powder. Secondly. To expose the powder to a temperature 
of 112° or 120° Fahrenheit, in order to dry it thoroughly and 
quickly. Thirdly. To put it into glass bottles not exceeding a 
hectogramme, (about three ounces) in size, and seal them herme- 
tically. Fourthly. To withdraw it from the action of light by 
shutting it up either in a dark place, or by covering the bottles 
with black paper. 

Mr. R. M. Nunn, of Wexford, extols the following plan of pre- 
servation, of which he speaks from experience. 1 Procure a choice 
specimen of ergot; reduce it to powder; have in readiness a suffi- 
cient number of two dram bottles; into each bottle put one dram, 
of sulphuric ether, (alcohol may do as well) and then press in two 
drams of the powdered drug : (if the bottles are of the proper 
size, a slight pressure will be necessary to make them hold this 
quantity:) then cork well, and either seal with wax or cover with 
bladder. When required for use, put the contents of one of the 
bottles into a tumbler; and pour on them a small quantity of boiling 
water: violent effervescence takes place, which speedily subsides, 
and during w 7 hich the ether is evaporated. As much boiling 
water may then be added as is necessary. It is instantly fit for 
use. 

As it is important to judge between a good and a bad specimen 
Dr. Wright remarks, 2 that if it be clear and smooth on the sur- 
face; not powdery; of a deep purple colour; neither entirely 
black nor light brown; having a full strong odour; breaking clear- 
ly; exhibiting a pink blush interiorly; unpunctured by insects; 
burning with a clear jetting flame, and of a less specific gravity 
than water, its activity may be trusted. 

It has been affirmed, as the result of actual trials, that ergot 
picked from growing rye is much more powerful than that which 
is gathered on the barn floor after the grain had been threshed. 3 
When examined by the microscope, the internal structure of 
ergot is found to consist of minute roundish cells, many of which 
contain particles of oil. The bloom seen, at times, on its surface, 
seems to be composed of the sporidia of the fungus, to which it 
is believed by many to owe its origin. 4 

Chemical analysis has thrown no light on the cause of its pro- 
perties. According to the analysis of Vauquelin 5 it contains a 
colouring matter of a yellowish hue; a white oily substance; a vio- 
let-colouring matter insoluble in alcohol; a free acid, which is 
in part phosphoric; a very abundant vegeto-animal matter, which is 
greatly disposed to putrefaction, and furnishes much thick oil and 
ammonia on distillation: and a small quantity of free ammonia, 

1 London Lancet, cited in Med. Examiner, Oct. 19, 1844, p. 251. 

2 Etlinb. Med. and Surg. Journ. Oct. 1839, p. 296. 

3 Bottcher and Kluge, cited by Christison, Dispensatory, p. 414. Edinb. 1842. 
* Christison, Op. cit., p. 4 1 1 . Edinb. 1 842. 

8 Memoir, du Museum, iii. 198, Paris, 1817. 



•316 ERGOTA. 

which may be obtained at the temperature of boiling water. A 
more recent analysis has been made by Maas, 1 of Hamburg. He 
found it contain gluten; ammonia or a peculiar alkali; acetic acid; 
a violet-colouring matter: resin; fixed oil ; an alkaline acetate; 
but neither starch, hydrocyanic acid, narcotina, nor phosphoric 
acid, which some had discovered in it. 2 It has likewise been 
analyzed by Bonvoisin, Pettenkofer, Winkler, Robert, Wiggers, 3 
Legrip, 4 and others. The analysis of Wiggers is very elabo- 
rate. The results were, — a thick white oil, 35.000 ; white 
fatty matter, 1.0456 ; cerin, 0.7578 ; fungin, 46.1862 ; ergotin, 
1.2466; osmazome, 7.7645; sugar, 1.5530 ; gum extractive and 
colouring matter, 2.3250; vegetable albumen, 1.4600; phosphoric 
acid and phosphate of potassa, 4.4221; phosphate of lime and traces 
of iron, 0.2922; silica, 1394. Dr. Wright's 5 analysis furnished 
him with the following constituents and their proportions in 100 
parts of ergot; thick white oil, 31.00; osmazome, 5.50 ; mucilage, 
9.00; gluten, 7.00 ; fungin, 11.40 ; colouring matter, 3.59 ; fecula, 
26.00 ; salt, 3.10 ; loss, 3.50. Ergot appears to him to differ 
from sound rye, chiefly in the presence of oil, osmazome and fun- 
gin. He gives the following process for preparing the oil of 
ergot. 6 Digest ergot in liquor potassse, at a temperature of from 
120° to 150°, until a perfect saponaceous mixture is formed. The 
liquid must then be diluted with half its weight of water, be accu- 
rately neutralized by sulphuric acid, and submitted to distillation 
from a sail-water or oil bath. The product is white, adhesive, and 
fatty-looking, almost free from empyreuma, and nearly tasteless. 
The readiest and best, but most expensive mode of obtaining it, 
is to pass ether through ergot in fine powder by the process of 
displacement. By allowing the ether to evaporate spontaneously, 
the oil is left in its purest form. 7 This Dr. Wright considers to 
be the active matter of ergot ; and he states — as the result of 
positive experiment — that it has the same effect in inducing power- 
ful uterine contractions as ergot itself. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The effects produced on the animal economy by ergot, when 
eaten as food, are extremely injurious; the aggregate of the symp- 
toms has been termed Ergotism. At times they are limited to 
vertigo, spasms, and convulsions, with a peculiar tingling or for- 
mication in the arms and legs, which has given the affection the 

1 Bulletin des Sciences Medicales de Ferussac, xix. 332; and Merat and De Lens, 
Diet, de Mat. Med. art. Ergot. 

3 For Mr. Battley's Analysis, see Lond. Med. Gaz., Feb. 1831 , and for that of Wig- 
gers, Lancet, Nov. 10, 1832, cited from Allgem. Med. Zeitung. 

3 Wright, Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Oct 1S39, p. 298. 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1845, p. 44. Paris, 1845. 

* Op. cit. 6 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, July, 1840. 
1 Duhamel, Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, July, lS41,p. 95. 



ERGOTA. 317 

name among the Germans ofKriebelkrankheit or "creeping 
disease." Most commonly, the limbs waste away, lose sensation 
and the power of motion, and separate from the body by dry gan- 
grene — constituting gangrenous erethism or mildew mortifica- 
tion. 1 These, however, are the toxical, not the therapeutical, 
effects of the agent. 2 

The extraordinary property, ascribed to ergot, of assisting the 
parturient efforts, has long been credited in Germany. Its old 
German names, Mutterkorn ("womb-grain") and Gebarpul- 
ver ^ parturient powder" pulvis ad par turn,) are sufficient evi- 
dences of this notion ; but, for a long time, this was rather a mat- 
ter of popular than of scientific belief, although the "pulvis partu- 
rientis " of the Marburg Pharmacopoeia consisted principally of 
ergot. 3 

Upwards of forty years ago, it was recommended in this country 
by Dr. John Stearns, of Saratoga county, New York, and since that 
time the weight of testimony adduced in its favour on both sides 
of the Atlantic has been overwhelming. Still, there are many dis- 
tinguished individuals, who deny it all power over the uterus both 
in the unimpregnated and the impregnated state, and who affirm, 
that it acts only indirectly on that viscus through the general dis- 
turbance it occasions; and that, therefore— like every other internal 
agent administered as an abortive — it ought to be esteemed rather 
indirect than direct in its action. Such is the decided opinion of 
Jorg, 4 whose attention has been directed to the effects produced 
by different medicinal agents on the sound and diseased economy, 
and who goes so far as to affirm, from his experiments and obser- 
vation, that there is no " farther connexion between these dege- 
nerate grains and the uterus, than the word Mutter ( c uterus') 
which is common to both." From his various and varied experi- 
ments, Dr. Jorg infers, that ergot, when given in small doses, pro- 
duces little or no effect upon the functions; but that when fresh 
dried in an oven, and administered in large doses, it oppresses the 
stomach, occasioning nausea, vomiting, colic, liquid evacuations; 
destroys the appetite, and injures the digestive powers ; these effects 
being accompanied by a sense of weight in the head, vertigo, ce- 

1 See articles, Convtdsio cer talis, and Ergotism, in the author's Medical Lexicon, 
7th edit., Philad. 1848; also, his Therapeutics, p. 272, Philad.,1836 ; or his General 
Therapeutics and Mat. Med., 4th edit. ii. 197, Philad. 1850 ; and a case of K r ie b el- 
krankheit, induced by ergot, in Med. Times for July, 1847, recorded by Dr. It. R. 
Nuttall. 

2 See Christison on Poisons, 3d edit. chap. xl. Wright, op. cit. p. 307, and Jan. 
1840, p. 9. 

3 Wright, op, cit. p. 22. See, on ttie history of Ergot, Ramsbotham, Principles and 
Practice of Obstetric Medicine and Surgery; appendix, Amer. edit. Philad. 1845. 

4 Dass der Gebrauch inner Reizmittel zur Beforderung der Geburt des Kindes unnb- 
thig, fruchtlos, und gesunden Frauen sogar sch'adlich sei; u. s. w. S. 40, Zeit. 1833. 
See, also, Pereira, op. cit. p. 919, and Bonjean, in Rapport de MM. Bussy, Pelletier, 
Dubail, Fremy pere et F. Boudet, in Journ. de Pharmacie, Fevrier, 1842, p. 175. 

21 



318 ERGOTA. 

phalalgia, and by general torpor of the system. Under these cir- 
cumstances, he thinks, it is not difficult to understand, that the 
connexion between the foetus and the uterus may be modified, and 
abortion take place. The researches of M. Arnal, 1 satisfied him, 
that the first action of ergot is on the intestinal canal, in the mu- 
cous membrane of which it produces an inflammation sui generis 
(?), and anatomical lesions, which remind the observer of those 
seen in typhoid fever ; whilst the greater part of the phenomena 
seen towards the termination of poisoning by it resemble many of 
those of the same malady. The composition of the blood he found 
greatly altered. It was rendered more diffluent; a portion of its 
fibrin was removed; and, if long continued, it produced softening 
of the gums, and pathological phenomena, analogous to those of 
scurvy. 

The author caused various experiments to be instituted with 
ergot in doses of half a dram, and a scruple, of the powder, 
and in the form of the oily matter referred to below. These 
were made on both males and females ; and the general effects 
were those described by Dr. Jorg ; — when the dose was too large, 
nausea or vomiting often resulting, with signs of narcosis. They 
were made, at the author's desire, by Drs. Cottman and M'Kee, 
at the time resident physicians at the Philadelphia Hospital. 2 A 
case of narcosis, produced by this drug in the dose of thirty grains 
— administered for the purpose of restraining a real or supposed 
tendency to hemorrhage after the expulsion of the placenta— was 
communicated to the author by Dr. Beckwith, of Raleigh, North 
Carolina. 3 

Dr. Hooker, of New Haven, 4 found, when a quantity of pul- 
verized ergot was macerated for several days in sulphuric ether, 
and the liquid evaporated in a glass vessel until it no longer 
afforded a smell of ether, that there remained at the bottom of 
the vessel a small quantity of thick heavy oil, resembling in ap- 
pearance fish oil ; above this was a lighter oil, much more abun- 
dant than the former, of a light reddish brown colour, and of a 
sweetish nauseous taste. The light oil was found to be possessed 
of decidedly narcotic properties. In two experimental cases, the 
effects of ergot continued apparent for nearly a week ; the pupils 
of the eye were dilated ; the pulse, respiration, and capillary action 
were very slow, and the skin livid, — with loss of appetite, general 
languor and lassitude, and rigidity and soreness of the muscles; 

1 See a Resume, by M. Piorry, of the Memoire of M. Arnal, in Bouchardat, An- 
nuaire de Thcrapeutique pour 1849, p. 124. 

2 Amer. Med. Intelligencer, Sept. I, 1839, p. 161. See, also, M. Cordier, in Jouni. 
Gen. de Med. Avril. 1823, and U. T. De Gravina, in Annali Universali di Medicina, 
Ottobre, 1839, cited in Brit, and For. Med. Rev. Oct. 1840, p. 555. 

3 Amer. Med. Intelligencer, Oct. 15, 1839, p. 213. See, also, Trousseau and Pidoux, 
Traite de Therap. i. 54G ; Paris, 1837. 

* Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, x. 298, Boston, 1837. 



ERGOTA. 319 

those of the thighs and other parts of the lower extremities being 
more particularly affected. For three days, the pulse continued 
below fifty, with a proportionate infrequency of respiration. 1 

In the experiments made with this substance, by Dr. M'Kee, 2 
he found that in every case, when given in doses of from ten to 
forty drops, it at first produced slight exhilaration of the spirits 
with increase of circulation; but these symptoms were soon fol- 
lowed by sedation, and in the larger doses by nausea, also. The 
sedative properties were equally exhibited in experiments insti- 
tuted on the healthy individual, by Dr. Q. Gibbon, 3 of Salem, 
New Jersey, with the decoction, extract, and oil. The experi- 
ments of Dr. De Gravina, 4 led him to infer that ergot is a direct 
sedative, like digitalis, and hence he considers it a good antiphlo- 
gistic remedy, and well calculated to lower the vital powers. 

An ethereal solution has been prepared by Dr. Rees, by digest- 
ing four ounces of powdered ergot in four fluidounces of ether 
for seven days. The ether dissolves the fatty matters contained 
in the drug. It is then poured off, evaaporated to dryness, and 
the residue again dissolved in two fluidounces of ether. Repeated 
trials of this preparation have been made by Mr. J. C. W. Lever, 5 
who affirms that it acts most powerfully on the parturient powers 
of the uterus during and after labour. What is singular, — Mr. 
Lever remarks, — whilst all the other preparations of ergot not un- 
frequently produce acro-narcosis, he has not once seen these symp- 
toms supervene on the use of the ethereal solution. He thinks 
they are most probably caused by some constituent of the drug, 
which ether does not dissolve, — a view which cannot be recon- 
ciled with the results of the experiments detailed above. Each 
ounce of the preparation, Dr. Rees thinks, may be considered 
equivalent to two ounces of ergot; or fifteen drops to half a dram 
dose of the powdered drug. Mr. Lever gave it, dropped upon 
sugar, in doses varying from fifteen drops to thirty, and found 
that uterine action commenced in twenty minutes or half an hour. 

Although ergot is capable of producing the acro-narcotic effects 
described above, 6 their supervention is not desired by those w T ho 
regard it to be possessed of peculiar powers by which it causes 

1 See Amer. Med. Intelligencer, Dec. 15, 1837, p. 329. A case has been recently 
published, by Dr. Myddleton Michel, of sudden death, which he ascribes to ergot taken 
with the view of producing abortion in one who, owing to her having been previously 
afflicted, in two attacks, with well-marked opisthotonos and emprosthotonos and nervous 
depression of the vital energies, was a fit subject for the occurrence of such fatal re- 
sults. It does not, however, appear to the author as clearly as it does to the nar- 
rator of the case, that the sudden — immediate — death, was owing to the toxical influence 
of the ergot. Charleston Med. Journal and Review for Sept. 1850. 

2 Ibid. Sept. 1, 1839, p. 161. 

8 Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, Jan., 1844, p. 244. • 4 Op. cit. 

5 London Medical Gazette, April 10, 1840, p. 108. 

6 Bonjean, cited in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1843, p. 85. 
Paris, 1843. 



320 



ERGOTA. 



contraction of the uterine fibres of the parturient female, and who 
administer it with that view. When given in appropriate and 
properly repeated doses, the uterine action, they assert, becomes 
more energetic, and the contractions constant and almost unremit- 
ting; but there is no accompanying disorder. Cases are on record 1 
in which it has appeared to induce rupture of the uterus, where 
the obstacles to delivery were invincible. ; It has been largely 
administered, and in no country, perhaps, more than in this. 
Practitioners of eminence — here and elsewhere — have placed the 
fullest reliance on its powers to excite contraction of the uterine 
fibres, and although in many of the cases which fell under their 
observation, the parturient efforts might have recurred without 
the agency of the ergot, this could scarcely have been the case 
with the remainder. From the results, therefore, of these cases, 
we seem compelled to admit, that ergot is possessed of expulsive 
properties by which it acts upon the parturient uterus ; but that 
it is capable of producing any effect upon the unimpregnated 
uterus, or upon the impregnated, at any time except when par- 
turition has commenced, is denied by many. It has been affirmed, 
indeed, that in the neighbourhood of Trois Croix, in France, there 
was, during the season of 1841, an epizootic abortion amongst 
the cows, which had produced much consternation amongst the 
farmers ; and that M. Bodin, 2 director of the school of agriculture, 
had discovered that the grains of rye, and of many other of the 
gramineae, contained a considerable quantity of ergot. This, he 
concluded, was the cause of the epizootic. On the other hand, 
the experiments of Dr. Wright, 3 and of Dr. De Gravina, 4 seem to 
exhibit the singular fact, that ergot appears to have the power 
of prolonging gestation in the guinea pig and rabbit, when ad- 
ministered for a considerable period ! 5 The result of all observa- 
tions precludes the belief, that the increased parturient efforts 
resulting from its agency are produced indirectly by violence 
done to the constitution of the mother, inasmuch as, in most of 
the recorded cases of benefit accruing from its administration, no 
such violence would appear to have been perpetrated. Yet, ad- 
mitting the full power ascribed to ergot, in these cases, it can be 
rarely necessary to have recourse to it; and it is doubtless often 
employed, where the propriety of the administration of it, or of 
any other agent, is extremely questionable. A writer, who places 
the discovery of its powers in the same rank with that of the 
vaccine virus, states, that he has administered it in 1500 cases ! 6 
But the effect produced by ergot upon the mother has not been 

1 Delmas, Journal de Medecine de Montpellier, and Journal de Pharrnacie, Juin, 1842, 
p. 546. 

- Journal de Med. et Chirurg. Pratiq. Oct 184 I. 3 Op. cit. 4 Op. cit. 

* Brit, and For. Med. Review. Oct. 1840, p. 55(5. 

6 Wardleworth, Essay on the Chemical. Botanical, Physical and Parturient Proper- 
ties of the Secale Cornutum. London, 1840. 



ERGOTA. 321 

the only topic of interest in regard to its use in parturition. It 
has been maintained by many, that, since its introduction, the 
number of the still-born has augmented, and that observation has 
sufficiently shown, that where it is given to expedite delivery, 
more or less danger always accrues to the offspring J 1 either by the 
induction of asphyxia, or of positive death, owing to the violence 
of the uterine contractions, or to the deleterious agency of the 
drug on the foetus in utero. 3 Observations by Dr. Hardy, 3 of 
Dublin, show, that it exerts a powerful sedative influence on the 
action of the heart of both mother and foetus. But even were we 
to admit its prejudicial effect on the foetus to be true — and it has 
been deposed to by many obstetricians — and that the number of 
the % still-born is greater than formerly — which, however, appears 
to be by no means the case — its influence could be but small, and 
could not account for the statistical differences that have been 
noticed. 4 

Mr. Braithwaite 5 affirms, that in order that ergot should act 
perniciously on the child, it is necessary that its action on the 
uterus should be uninterrupted. He has seldom or never seen 
any bad effects on the child when the patient had some rest 
between the pains. In many cases, it has been largely adminis- 
tered, and yet the child has been born alive. Dr. James Patterson, 6 
of Glasgow, details the particulars of a case in which the enor- 
mous quantity of four ounces was given, yet the movements of the 
child continued lively; and he refers to an excellent paper, now 
before the author, by Professor Von Busch, 7 of Berlin, which 
contains a reference to one hundred and seventy-five cases, in 
which it was given on account of deficient labour-pains. One 
hundred and seventy-seven children were born ; of these, one hun- 
dred and forty-tw r o were born alive; eighteen in a state of asphyxia, 
which was removed by appropriate treatment; and seventeen still 
born. Of the seventeen dead, seven had evidently died before 
labour, and were more or less putrid; and ten, during labour; of 
these, two lost their lives from turning; one from presentation of 
the breech ; two from prolapsus of the funis ; one from narrow pel- 

1 Chevasse, in Transact, of the Provincial Med. and Surg. Association, iv. 306, Lon- 
don, 1836. Huston, North American Med. and Surg. Journal, 1829; and Chatto, in 
London Med. Gaz., July 13, 1839, p. 575 ; also, Reports of Med. Society of London, 
in Lancet, Oct. 26, 1839, p, 168, and Wright, Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan., 
1840, p. 25. 

3 Mojon, in Gaz. Med. de Paris, 19 Janv., 1839; and T. E. Beatty, Dublin Journal 
of Med. Science, May, 1844, p. 218. 

3 Dublin Journal of Medical Science; cited in Med. Examiner, for Jan., 1848, p. 75. 

4 Avery, in Transact, of the Med. Society of the State of New York, vol. iii. Pt. 2, 
p. 185, Albany, 1837. 

5 Retrospect of Pract. Med. and Surg., vol. i. No. 1, p. 181, 3d edit. London, 1842. 
8 Lond. Med. Gaz., June I, 1839, p. 337. See, on this subject, E. Warren, New 

England Quarterly Journal of Medicine and Surgery, July, 1842, p. 10. 

' Die geburtschulfliche Klinik an der kbniglichen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat zu 
Berlin, in neue Zeitschrift fur Geburtskunde, u. s. w. B. v. H. i. S. 107. Berlin, 1 837. 



322 ERGOT A. 

vis and detention of the head therein; one from the long duration 
of the fourth stage of labour; one from a difficult forceps case, 
which required perforation afterwards; one from a peculiar de- 
formity of the extremities; and one from no assignable cause; so 
that, of the one hundred and seventy-seven cases, there was but 
one which could be referred to the agency of ergot, and there 
was no reasonable ground for such reference. 

A recent writer 1 is disposed to think, that ergot, improperly ad- 
ministered, produces puerperal convulsions as a remote effect, — and 
that it gives rise to hour-glass contraction, and to a predisposition 
to hydrocephalus in the early stage of infantile life ! The chief or 
only cases in which Dr. Catlett seems to think it admissible are, 
when there is serious hemorrhage, owing to detachment of the 
placenta, accompanied by deficient uterine tone; and in the latter 
stage of labour, in checking hemorrhage from whatever cause. 

Dr. Frank Ramsbotham, 2 who regards ergot as capable of ex- 
erting specific powers on the uterus at all periods of utero-gestation, 
and who has referred to several cases of premature labour, induced 
in his own practice by its use, is disposed to conclude, that al- 
though it may bring on labour without having recourse to any 
operation, yet that it does not present a more likely, or indeed, so 
probable a means of saving the infant as the older method of 
puncturing the membranes; and he infers, from his experience, 
that whatever might have been the quantity administered, unless 
it exerted a decided influence over the uterus, the child suffered 
no detriment. 3 

Dr. Paterson 4 and Mr. Heane 5 have directed ergot successfully 
in large doses with the view of inducing premature labour. 
The former of these gentlemen is disposed to think, that its 
abortive properties are not exerted upon the impregnated uterus 
at an early period of utero-gestation, but that, at a certain stage 
of development, the uterine fibres are capable of being excited by 
it so as to expel the foetus. It would be strange were its agency 
to be thus restricted. 

When ergot was found to be possessed of the power of exciting 
uterine contractions, it was philosophical to employ it in retention 
of the placenta, in after-pains, 6 and in cases of uterine hemor- 
rhage, and of convulsions 7 in the parturient state, accompanied by 
atony of the uterus. 8 In such cases, means of more speedy action 

1 Catlett, Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan. 1842. 

2 London Med. Gaz., June 15th, 1839, p. 420. See, also, Ibid. June 28, 1834. 

8 See, on this subject, J. J. Kelso, in London Lancet, June 22, 1839, p. 462; and 
Duparcque, in Revue Medicale, Mars, 1838. 

4 Lond. Med. Gaz., June 1, 1839, p. 332. See, also, Ibid., Sept., 1838. 

s Ibid., Jan. 26, 1839. For various opinions on this subject, see Dr. Wright, in 
Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan. 1840, p. 27. 

6 Hoffman, in Berl. Med. Zeitung, June 29, 1836; and Beatty, in Op. infra cit 

T Duparcque, Revue Med. Mars, 1838. 8 Von Busch, Op. cit. L 105. 



ERGOTA. 



323 



are needed ; but still, cases might arise in which its administration 
might be serviceable, and several such, attesting the benefit ren- 
dered by it, have been published. 1 It has been strongly recom- 
mended, likewise, for the prevention or removal of uterine he- 
morrhage, by Stearns, 2 Dewees, 3 Bradley, 4 Abraham, 5 Kisch, 
Trousseau, 6 T. E. Beatty, 7 and others. In a case of copious 
hemorrhage from the uterus connected with polypus, Mr. Moyle 8 
administered two drams of the tincture, which was repeated at 
intervals, with the effect of inducing uterine contraction and the 
expulsion of the polypus, " which equalled in size two large pla- 
centae." He was equally successful in a similar case. Other 
cases, in which the effect of the ergot was to force down the 
polypus so that a ligature could be applied to it, have been re- 
lated by Dr. Somerville and Dr. M'Farlane. 9 

The employment of ergot has been extended to amenorrhcea, 10 
and dysmenorrhea, and to uterine hemorrhage in the unimpreg- 
nated female, and many cases have been published in confirmation 
of its being possessed of decided virtues. 11 It was thought, also, 
that it might be serviceable, — and was found so by Bazzoni, 12 
Negri, Langlet, 13 and others, — in leucorrhcea, and in gonorrhoea, 14 
dysentery, 15 &c; and again, as it proved to be useful in uterine 
hemorrhage, it was conceived that it might exhibit like powers in 
other hemorrhages ; and, accordingly, it was given in cases of 
epistaxis, 16 haemoptysis, hcematemesis, hcematuria, &c. In these 
last cases, it has not been so often employed. 17 The author has 
frequently administered it in them, but has never had reason to 
believe that it exerted any efficacy; and such has been the case 
with MM. Trousseau and Pidoux, 18 Dr. Pereira, 19 and others. 20 

* Camps, London Med. Gaz., Jan. 13, 1843. 

2 Philada. Journ. of Med. and Phys. Science, v. 44. ^ 3 System of Midwifery. 

4 Lancet, April 15, 1837. 5 Ibid. April 22, 1837. 

8 Journal des Connoissances, 1839. 

I Dublin Quarterly Journal of Med. Science, May, 1846, p. 322. 

8 Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journ. of Med. Science, June, 1841. 9 Ibid. Aug. 1841. 

10 Enriotti, in Repertorio Med. Chirurg. del Piemonte, cited in Journ. des Connois- 
sances, Mars, 1838. Langlet, Bulletin Medical Beige, Juin, 1839, p. 125. Dewees, 
Midwifery, chap. Amenorrhea; Locock, Cyclop, of Practical Medicine, i. 70. Nauche, 
Nouveau Diet, de Med. et Chirurg., art Ergot; and Dr. Wright, in Med. and Surg. 
Journal, Jan. 1840, p. 34. See, also, Churchill, (with whom it failed,) Diseases of 
Females, Amer. Med. Library edit. p. 54. Philada. 1839; and G. Fyfe, Med. Gazette, 
June 18, 1841. 

II G. Fyfe, Op. cit. ; and John Yale, Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, July 8, 1846, 
p. 459. 

12 Annali Universali di Medicina, Feb. 1831 ; and Ryan, Medical Formulary, p. 264, 
3d edit. London, 1839. 13 Op. citat. 

14 Muller, in Rust's Magazin, B. xl. H. iii., cited in Amer. Journal of the Medical 
Sciences, Feb. 1835, p. 527; Ryan, Op. cit. and Desruelles, Gazette des Hopitaux, 
2 Juin, 1842. 

15 Mojon, Op. cit. 18 John Yale, loc. cit. 

11 Duparcque, Op. cite, and De Gravina, Annali Universali di Medicina, Ottobre, 1839. 

18 Traite de Therap. i. 546. Paris, 1837. 

19 Elem. of Mat. Med. and Therap. ii. 925. Lond. 1842. 

80 See the author's General Therap. and Mat. Med., 4th edit ii. 198. Philad. 1850. 



324 ERGOTA. 

The narcotic or sedative property, however, which it exhibits in 
certain cases and doses, and the sedative action which it exerts in 
others, may render it, at times, serviceable in these affections, 
whatever may have been the process of reasoning which led ori- 
ginally to its employment. 1 

Where hysteria depends upon simple atony of the generative 
system; or of the nervous and generative systems combined, Dr. 
Nardo 3 found the internal administration of ergot followed by the 
rapid removal of the disease. His practice consists in giving 
about a scruple of the powder mixed with sugar, in divided doses 
each day, intermitting the dose every third or fourth day. Many 
cases are related by him to show the efficacy of the practice* — 
the hysteria, and the irregularity or absence of the menstrual 
secretion being removed at the same time. In spermatorrhea, 
too, dependent upon atony or excessive irritation of the genital 
organs, it has been useful in the dose of from three to five grains 
three times a day. 3 

Dr. Wright 4 affirms, that when applied to an abraded surface, 
it gives rise to profuse sloughing. He tried it on wounds 
nearly healed, and in less than 24 hours they discharged purulent 
matter abundantly, which was generally of an offensive character: 
and the wounds, thus treated, even under the application of proper 
curative means, were long and tedious in healing. In the form of 
powder, he found it very serviceable in arresting hemorrhage : 
and not simply in a mechanical manner, as was proved by experi- 
ment. Even in the form of infusion, it possessed the power in 
an extraordinary degree. Muller divided the popliteal artery in 
the sheep, and completely arrested the bleeding by lint dipped in 
an infusion of ergot. The caudal artery, and the anterior crural 
artery of a horse were cut, and the bleeding was similarly subdued. 
Dr. Wright says, that he has several times divided the external 
jugular and the saphena major veins, and has never failed to arrest 
the hemorrhage by an infusion of ergot, although with arteries he 
has been generally less successful. In the greater number of his 
experiments, he used a dilute solution of ergot, in the place of 
warm water, to sponge the bruised parts, and always succeeded in 
preventing that continued flow of blood, which is often a serious 
obstacle to the safe direction of the knife. He consequently re- 
commends it as a valuable means of preventing troublesome he- 
morrhage from small vessels in the course of surgical operations; 
and, upon the same principle, believes the injection of a similar 
solution into the uterus, in cases of flooding, will be found to an- 
swer every practical end that can be desired. The decoction has 

1 See some remarks on this subject, by the author, in his Amer. Med. Intel, vol. i. p. 2 1 9 
a Cited in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan., 1843, p. 225, and in Bouchardat, 
Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1843, p. 93. Paris, 1843. 

3 Ibid, pour 1848, p. 80. Paris, 1848. * Op. cit., Jan. 1840, p. 20. 



ERGOTA. 325 

proved to be an equally efficacious hasmastatic in the hands of 
others. 1 

In a severe case of epistaxis, Dr. Wright 2 arrested the hemor- 
rhage by injecting up the nostrils equal parts of very dilute spirit 
and oil of ergot; and he has little doubt, that in the severe cases 
of uterine hemorrhage that follow delivery, the injection of the 
oil diffused through water into the uterus would be productive of 
the happiest results. It proved also serviceable in arresting he- 
morrhage after the extraction of a tooth, and from leech-bites. It 
will be seen, presently, however, that the styptic properties of the 
ergot have been supposed to reside chiefly, if not exclusively, in 
the ergdtin, or extract of ergot. 

Snuffed up the nose, powdered ergot was observed, by M. 
Cowperat, 3 to have the power of removing the dilatation of the. 
pupil caused by belladonna. Dr. J. F. M'Evers 4 repeated the 
experiment, and found that it did not cause any change when 
employed on the same day with the belladonna ; but, in every case, 
on the subsequent morning, whilst the pupils were still largely 
dilated, the ergot had a marked effect in a few minutes. In a 
case of mydriasis he prescribed it with success. 

Dr. Wright found the oil a valuable external application in cases 
of local rheumatism. In three instances, it was entirely suc- 
cessful. The affected part was well rubbed with it for a quarter 
of an hour, night and morning until relief was obtained. He 
states, farther, that it is one of the most valuable remedies with 
which he is acquainted in toolhach, and has repeatedly known it 
subdue the pain when creasote had failed. By M. Lisfranc, 5 the 
powder was employed in the dose of from two to eight grains, in 
cases of hypertrophy of the uterus of various kinds, whenever 
reduction of the organ to a less size seemed to be the prominent 
indication ; and Dr. Perrine 6 has published some cases of periodi- 
cal disease, in which it was administered with advantage during 
the intervals; but no farther results appear to have been elicited. 

M. Payan 7 thinks it demonstrated, that ergot is primarily and 
essentially an excitant of the spinal marrow; and he conceives, 
that its action on the uterus, bladder, and muscles of the lower 
extremities is but secondary, from a reflex action transmitted from 
the spinal marrow to those organs through the nerves distributed 
to them. He has given the details of some cases of paraplegia, 
which seemed to be relieved by it ; an infusion of fifteen grains in 

1 Wright, cited in Liston's Lectures, London Lancet, Aug. 31, 1844, p. 69] . 

2 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ., July, 1840. 

3 London Medical Gazette, Sept., 1848. 

4 Dublin Quarterly Journal of Med. Science, November, 1848. 

5 Pauly's Lisfranc, translated by Lodge, p. 330. Boston, 1839. 

8 American Journal of the Medical Sciences for Nov., 1833, p. 279. 
1 Revue Medicale, Fevrier et Mars, 1839; and Journal de Pharmacie, Juin, 1842, 
p. 545. 



326 ERGOTA. 

water being given at first in the course of the day, and the dose 
being gradually augmented. 1 

M. Allier, fils, 2 from having observed, as he believed, contrac- 
tion of the fibres of the bladder under the administration of ergot, 
has recommended it highly in cases of retention of urine; and 
feels himself justified in inferring, from the results of varied ob- 
servation, that it is capable of restoring to the bladder the con- 
tractility it may have lost, owing to immoderate distention of its 
coats by accumulation of urine; — that its action has been evinced 
in cases in which this kind of paralysis has resisted all known 
therapeutical agents; and that, owing to the fugacious character 
of its operation, it ought to be administered at short intervals, in 
broken doses, and these be long continued. He recommends, that 
it should be commenced in the quantity of a scruple in the day, 
divided into six equal parts; that the dose should be afterwards 
raised to forty grains, and then gradually diminished to a scruple ; 
and afterwards discontinued by degrees in eight or ten days after 
the cure, in order to consolidate it. A case of retention in the 
male, cured by ergot, is recorded by Dr. Kingsley, 3 of Roscrea. 
Ten grains were given three times a day. Similar testimony is 
afforded by Dr. J. J. Ross, 4 of Cambusmore, Dr. Houston, of 
Dublin, Dr. Sainmont, 5 and others. 6 

It has been recommended by Dr. Steinbeck, 7 in incontinence of 
urine, from want of power in the sphincter of the bladder. It was 
associated, however, with extract of belladonna, nux vomica, and 
phosphoric acid; so that it is impossible to say what precise influ- 
ence was exerted by it. 

Lastly, in the Annates de la Societe de Medicine de Gand, M. 
Guersant 8 has published two cases in which he administered it 
with the greatest advantage to effect the expulsion of fragments 
of calculi after the operation of lithotrity. Twenty-four grains 
were first given in three doses during the day; but no effect having 
been produced, the dose was increased to thirty grains, when the 
patient experienced frequent desire to pass the urine, followed by 
pain in the hypogastric region, pricking in the limbs, and slight 
derangement of vision. After using the medicine for five days, 
fragments of calculi were passed, and, during twenty-four hours, 
in three times the quantity that had been discharged during the 
whole previous period subsequent to the operation. 

1 See, also, Petrequin, Bulletin de Therapeutique, Mars, 1840. 

2 Journal des Connoissances Medico-Chirurgicales, Nov. 1838. 
s Dublin Medical Press, April 26, 1843. 

* London and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Jan. 1844. p. 43. 
s Gazette des Hopitaux, Juillet, 1848, cited in Schmidt's Jahrbucher, u. s. w. No. 7, 
S. 17. Jahrgang, 1849. 

8 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, April 24, 1844. 
1 Medicin. Zeitung, cited in Lond. Lancet, March 4, 1843. 
8 Journal de Medicine et de Chirurg. Pratiq. Novembre, 1839, 



ERGOTA. 327 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The great difference which has been observed in the effects of 
ergot has led to the belief, that there must be much difference in 
the article, and that every care must be taken to have it good. 
Dr. Ryan, 1 indeed, affirms that not one druggist or chemist in a 
hundred has it genuine. According to Dr. Wright, if it be clear 
and smooth on its surface; not powdery; of a deep purple colour; 
neither entirely black, nor light brown; have a full strong odour; 
break clearly, exhibiting a pink blush internally; be unpunctured 
by insects; burn with a clear jetting flame, and be of less specific 
gravity than water, its activity may be trusted. 

It must be recently pulverized, too, if we are desirous to count 
upon its action when given in this form. 2 

When prescribed with the view of augmenting parturient energy, 
it is most commonly perhaps given in powder, in the dose of from 
ten to twenty grains, repeated every twenty minutes until the 
effect upon the uterus is elicited. By many, as by M. Arnal, 3 it 
is considered more active than any of its preparations. Professor 
Von Busch 4 found the best results when it was given in the dose 
of ten grains at short intervals — from ten to fifteen minutes. In 
one case it was requisite to repeat it eight times ; in four cases, six 
doses were sufficient; in twelve, five; in thirty-three, four, and in 
the remainder of the one hundred and seventy-five cases, three 
and less : the smallest quantity exhibited was a single dose of ten 
grains ; the largest, nine doses often grains. Dr. Ryan 5 says the 
maximum dose is a dram and a half; but it, obviously, cannot be 
thus limited. 

Dr. Samuel Hardy, of Dublin, 6 has observed, that it has always 
commenced its action within twenty-five minutes at the farthest, 
when the child has been expelled alive; and that if a longer time 
than this has elapsed, instruments have been necessary, and the 
child has been born dead. The beneficial effects of ergot are evi- 
denced by the pains running into one another without any appre- 
ciable interval. Professor Beatty, of Dublin, affirms that when 
delivery was not effected within two hours from its exhibition, the 
child's life was generally lost ; and such is the result of the obser- 
vations of Dr. Hardy. 7 Several cases are, however, reported by 
Mr. J. Pratt, which disprove this statement. In one, three hours 
elapsed between the taking of the medicine and delivery ; in ano- 
ther, five hours; in another, three and a half; and in a fourth, six 
hours; and, in all the cases, fine healthy children were born. 8 

Dr. Hooker, who considers, that the ecbolic and the narcotic 

1 Formulary, p. 264. 2 Allier, op. cit. 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 124. 4 Op. cit. S. 1 06. 
5 Op. cit. 6 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, May, 1845. 

1 Dublin Journal of Med. Science, cited in Med. Examiner, Jan. 1848, p. 76. 
8 Dublin Hospital Gazette, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, Jan. 1846, 
p. 244. 



328 ERGOTA. 

properties of ergot may be separated, recommends, in these cases, 
the clear infusion, which possesses, he conceives, the former pro- 
perty only. The powder of course contains both. 

Dr. Bishop, of New Haven, 1 asserts, that he has seen but once 
any unpleasant effects from ergot, and then he gave it in powder; 
the labour was protracted and narcotism induced. In New Haven, 
it is the general practice to administer the infusion, and in that 
form it is considered safe and effective in parturition. It is not 
easy, however, to see how the fixed oil can be taken up by hot 
water. 2 The infusion is termed in France, " Thede Seigle noirci 
des sages-femmes Americaines"! 2, By some, as will be seen 
hereafter, the sedative and other properties of ergot have been af- 
firmed to exist in the aqueous extract or ergotin. It is proper to 
remark, that the form of infusion, as well as of decoction, was 
found by Dr. Jorg to be highly unpleasant to the stomach, and it 
could not be repeated in his experiments — which, it must be 
remembered, were not made on the parturient female — in large 
doses for any length of time, without irritating the bowels, pro- 
ducing loss of appetite, and general impairment of the digestive 
function. 

Dr. Wright 4 recommends the oil of ergot to be given in the 
dose of twenty to fifty drops in tea, weak spirit and water, some 
aromatic water, or made into an emulsion with mucilage and syrup. 
It would seem to be the most advisable form of exhibition, as the 
oil retains its properties for several years, if kept in well closed 
bottles excluded from light. As to the form of tincture, Mr. 
Battley affirms, that alcohol will not extract the active property, 
and Dr. Ryan 5 states, that he has certainly found the tincture 
to fail in the majority of cases. Mr. Battley prefers the w r atery 
extract. 

For the purpose of inducing premature labour, it has been ne- 
cessary to give ergot in larger doses. Dr. Paterson 6 gave it in the 
form of infusion, until the patient took six drams of the medicine. 
The infusion w ? as likewise given by Dr. F. Ramsbotham, 7 and the 
quantity which each of his patients took varied from two to twelve 
drams. 

As a parturifacient, Dr. W. R. Gore 8 has recommended the 
ammoniacal solution of ergot, a formula for w ? hich is given here- 
after. This, he says, contains all the active principles in a conve- 
nient form, and with increased efficacy, the ammonia causing the 
ergot to act more rapidly, and with greater certainty. 

When ergot is given w T ith other views, the usual dose is 10 or 

1 Amer. Med. Intel. Dec. 15, 1837, p. 330. 

3 See the author's General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. 4th edit. i. 429. Philad. 1850. 

3 Journal de Pharmacie, Fevrier, 1842, p. 177. 

4 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Julv, 1840. 

3 Op. cit. p. 266. 6 Lond. Med. Gazette, June 1, 1839, p. 333, 

T Ibid. June 15, 1839, p. 421. 



ERGOTA. 329 

15 grains of the powder, three or four times a day : the results of 
the observations of Dr. Cottman * have shown, however, that in 
30 grain doses its sedative effects are more marked. , This, too, 
was the dose in which it was administered by Dr. Hooker. In 
such cases, the tincture, and the light oil described by him may 
also be prescribed; — the latter, in the dose of ten to thirty drops. 

Infusuni ergots.. 

Infusion of ergot. 
R. Ergot. 3j. 

Aquas bullientis f ^iv. 
Infunde. 

Dose. — One third, to be repeated every 15 or 20 minutes in 
deficiency of uterine contractions. 

R. Ergot, ^ss. 

Aquae bullientis f |xxiv. 
Colaturae adde 

Syrup, simpl. f gj. 

Dose. — Two ounces every three or four hours, to induce pre- 
mature labour. Paterson. 
R. Ergot. gss. 
Infunde per semihoram in 

Aquae bullientis f ^iss. et cola. 

This quantity to be taken for a dose, and repeated every four 
hours. F. Ramsbotham. 

R. Ergot. £ss. 
Infunde in 

Aquae bullient. f ^iij. 
Cola et adde 

Ergot, in pulv. gr. x. — gr. xv. M. 

This quantity sweetened with sugar to be taken for a dose. 
To be repeated in twenty minutes; and if the uterus should not 
contract well, to be given a third time. S. L. Hardy. 

R. Ergot, in pulv. crass, gij. (avoirdupois.) 
Aquae bullient. §ix. 
Infuse for an hour in a covered vessel and strain. 

The product should measure about eight ounces. 

Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. 

Liquor ergots ammoniacalis. 

Ammoniacal solution of ergot. 

Into half a pint of spiritus ammonias aromaticus put four 
ounces of fresh ergot, bruised coarsely. Let them stand for a 
month, frequently stirring with a glass rod, after which squeeze 
out every drop of the spirit. In a glass stoppered bottle, it may 
be preserved for any length of time without deterioration. 

Dose. — Thirty drops in a wineglassful of cold water, every 

1 American Medical Intelligencer, Sept. 1, 1839, p. 161. 



330 ERFOTA. 

ten minutes, until the action required is sufficient, applying at the 
same time a gentle pressure with the flat of the hand on the 
abdomen. When the pains are present, three doses are usually 
enough. W. R. Gore. 

Decoctum ergots. 
Decoction of ergot. 
R. Ergot, gj. 
Aquae Oijss. 
Coque ad Oij. et cola. 

Dose. — A table-spoonful every quarter of an hour. 

Tinctura ergots. 

Tincture of ergot. 
R. Ergotse in pulv. crass. §viij. (avoirdupois.) 
Alcohol, dilut. Oij. f Jxl. 
Macerate for fourteen days, and strain; express, and filter. 

Five fluidrams contain one dram of ergot. 

Dublin Pharmacopoeia of\S50. 

R. Ergot, gijss. 

Alcohol, dilut. Oj. 
Macera per dies quatuordecim et cola. 

Dose. — Twenty minims to two fluidrams, two or three times a 
day, as a sedative agent. Guy's Hospital. 

Sympus ergotse. 
Syrup of ergot. 
(Sirop de Calcar. — Desgranges.) 
R. Ergot, gr. xx. 

Extract, opii. gr. f. 
Syrup, f §viij. M. 

Dose. — Two table-spoonfuls (one ounce) in cases of engorge- 
ment of the uterus. Lisfranc 

Pnlveres ergots compositi. 

Compound powders of ergot. 
(Antihemorrhagic powders. — Ryan. ) 
R. Ergot. 5ss. 

Pulv. aromat. ^ss. 
Sacch. ^ss. 
M. et divide in chartulas x. 

Dose. — One, every hour or every second or third hour, in ac- 
tive hemorrhage from any outlet. In leucorrhoza and gleet, one 
may be given three or four times a day, and should they fail the 
following may be substituted. 

R. Ergot, pulv. 9rj. 
Cubeb. pulv. §j. 
Pulv. aromat. £ss. 
Sacchar. gj. 
M. et divide in chartulas. viij. 

Dose. — One, three or four times a day. Ryan. 



ERGOTA. 



331 



Pilule ergotae, 

Pills of ergot. 
B. Ergot, pulv. gr. ix., xij. vel xviij . 
Ext. hyoscyam. gr. i. 
Potass, nitrat. gr. xv. 
Camphor, pulv. gr. iij. M. et divide in pil. xl. 

Two to four, every two hours, in cases of urethritis of the 
prostatic or membranous portion of the canal. Desruelles. 

Yinum ergots, 

Wine of ergot, 

R. Ergot, contus. |jij. 
Vini Oj. 

Macerate for 14 days, shaking occasionally ; then express, and 
filter through paper. 

Dose.— f 3j. to f 3ij. Pharm. U. $. 1842 

Injectio ergotra. 

Injection of ergot. 
R. Ergotse |ss. 

Aq. bullient. Oss. 

Used in cases of erythemoid vaginitis and urethritis. 

Desruelles. 
Extractum ergots. 
Extract of ergot. — Ergotin. 
(Ergotine ou Extrait hemostatique, of Bonjean.) 

Powdered ergot is exhausted by water, by the process of dis- 
placement, and the watery solution is heated in a water batho At 
times it coagulates, owing to the presence of a portion of albumen ; 
at others, it does not. In the former case, the coagulum is sepa- 
rated by the filter, and the filtered liquor is evaporated in a water- 
bath, until it has the consistence of a clear syrup. A considerable 
excess of alcohol is then added, which precipitates all the gummy 
matters. The mixture is left at rest, until the whole of the gum 
is precipitated, and the liquid has assumed a state of limpidness. 
The liquor is then decanted to reduce it in a water-bath to the 
consistence of a soft extract. In the latter case, the w T atery solu- 
tion is brought directly to a half syrupy state, and is treated by 
alcohol as mentioned above, to obtain from it the extract, whichj 
procured by this process, is soft; of a red or brown colour; very 
homogeneous ; of an agreeable odour of roast meat, and of a 
slightly piquant and bitter taste, more or less analogous to that of 
damaged wheat. It forms with water a limpid solution of a beau- 
tiful red colour. 500 parts of ergot furnish from 70 to 80 parts 
of extract. 

M. Bonjean affirms, contrary, as has been seen, to the opinions 
of other observers, that whilst ergotin contains the medicinal 



332 ERGOTA. 

property of ergot, the oil and the resin contain the poisonous 
properties. He considers it a real specific [?] in hemorrhage 
in general. "When my ergotin," he remarks, "shall have been 
tried, observers will be struck with the immediate effect it pro- 
duces in the most frightful (foudroy antes) hemorrhages: the 
most rebellious cases of hxmatemesis yield in a short time 
under its use ; and relapses are generally rare, especially when 
the precaution is taken to continue it's employment some time 
after the cessation of the symptoms." To be convinced that the 
ergotin is also the obstetrical principle, we have only to treat pow- 
dered ergot with ether, by the process of displacement, until the 
whole of the matter that is soluble in the liquid is exhausted : in 
this manner the poison is removed, — that is all the oil of ergot and 
the resin. A powder remains, which is no longer unctuous, but 
rough like sand, without any disagreeable taste or poisonous influ- 
ence, and which in the dose of 6 or 8 grains, powerfully excites 
uterine contractions, in every case of inertia of the womb, in 
which the employment of ergot would be esteemed proper. 1 

Dr. Sachero, 2 Professor of clinical medicine in the University 
of Turin, prepared two extracts of ergot, the one aqueous, and the 
other alcoholic. The former had the characters described above, 
whilst the latter was of a deep brown colour, with no particular 
smell, and was very pungent and slightly bitter to the taste. The 
watery extract he regards as a hyposthenic remedy, well adapted 
for cases of hemorrhage ; the resinous extract, he thinks, probably 
acts as an excitant; whilst the oily is the poisonous principle. — 
"The action of the ergot," he remarks, "when administered in its 
natural state, appears to be of two kinds ; the one, as in labour, 
affects the sanguineous system, the energy of which it diminishes 
{hyposthenises,) by means of the ergotin : the other affects the 
nerves of the uterus, which it stimulates by its resinous principle. 
To this double action must be added a third, equally hypos- 
thenic, that of the oily or poisonous principle." 

Dr. Ebers 3 found ergotin of very marked advantage in ute- 
rine hemorrhage. He employed it "with the most perfect 
success" in those forms that are attendant upon cancer of the 
uterus, and which so greatly exhaust the patient's strength, and 
lead rapidly to death. These he treated exclusively with ergo- 
tin, in doses of two grains every two hours. In almost all the 
cases, twelve doses were sufficient to arrest the hemorrhage. In 
uterine hemorrhage occurring at different periods of life, in youth, 
and especially at the critical period, he has found it of equal ad- 
vantage. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1843, p. 83, & pour 1844, p. 21. 

2 Cited in Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journ. of Med. Science, Aug. 1844, and in 
the Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences.' Oct. 1844, p. 463. 

3 London Medical Gazette, Nov. 1845. 



ERGOTA. 333 

It is proper to remark, that Drs. J. Lawrence Smith and S. 
D. Sinkler infer, from the results of a trial of ergotin on the 
divided carotid of a sheep, that it depends greatly, if not altoge- 
ther, upon the manner in which the lint is applied to the wound 
of the artery, whether the hemorrhage is arrested or not. If it 
be placed immediately upon the orifice of the cut vessel, " success 
is certain : if, however, the vessel shrinks from contact with the 
lint, the animal is almost certain to bleed to death." 1 Such, also, 
is the opinion of M. Velpeau, 2 and of M. Bouchardat 3 , the latter 
of whom had done much to disseminate the views of M. Bonjean. 
He has concluded, that the facts adduced by M. Bonjean, in "sup- 
port of his discovery, are very far from presenting the charac- 
ters of demonstration." "As regards the success on animals," he 
remarks, " it is well known how plastic their tissues are, and with 
what ease they are repaired after serious injuries ; and as respects 
the effects of ergotin on wounds in individuals of the human spe- 
cies, those that have been hitherto published may be attributed 
with probability to the circumstances that were associated with 
the application of the remedy almost as much as to the action of 
the remedy itself." 4 

Mistura extract i ergots. 

Mixture of extract of ergot* 

{Potion d'ergotine.) 

R. Extracti ergotsejgr. xv. 
Aquae f |iij. 

Syrup, flor. aurant. seu limonis f ^j. M. 
Dose. — A table-spoonful every quarter of an hour, in cases of 
hemorrhage, or of inertia of the uterus. In very violent cases 
of hemorrhage the quantity of ergota must be increased, and the 
doses be given more frequently. Bonjean. 

Syrupus extracti ergotse. 

Syrup of extract of ergot. 

(Sir op d'ergotine.) 

R. Extract, ergot, giiss. 
Solve in 

Aq. flor. aurant. seu 
Aq. rosae f ^j. 
• Syrupi f §xvj. r 
Coque syrupum et adde solutum. 

Dose. — Two to four table-spoonfuls a day, more or less, accord- 
ing to the urgency of the case. Bonjean. 

1 Southern Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, July, 1846, p. 406. 
3 Comptes rend us, 6 Juillet, 1846. 

3 Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c, pour 1847, p. 49. Paris, 1847. 

4 Annuaire, &c, pour 1848, p. 81. Paris, 1848. 

22 



4 EUPHORBIA LATHYRIS. 

Pilule extracti ergots. 

Pills of extract of ergot. 
(Pilules d'Ergotine.) 
R. Extract, ergotse 3j. 

Glycyrrhiz. pulv. q. s. ut fiant pil. i. 

Dose.— Six to ten in the day. Bonjean. 



LXXVIII. EUPHORBIA LATHYRIS. 

Synonymes. Cataputia Minor, Lathy ris, Tithymalus Latifolius, Caper 

Spurge. Garden Spurge, Mole Plant. 
French. E purge, Catapuce. 
German. Kleines Springkraut, Purgi rko rn er-Euph orbie. 

The oil of spurge — Oleum Euphorbia Lathyridis — has 
been recently recommended in medicine. Although the euphor- 
bia is not a native of this country, it is sometimes met with in 
situations where it has the appearance of growing wild. It is 
easily cultivated, and in some parts of New Jersey, where it has 
been introduced, is found in abundance. 1 

The oil obtained from the seeds resembles in colour oleum 
ricini, but is less dense. It has no odour when newly prepared, 
and no perceptible taste. It is soluble in sulphuric ether, insoluble 
in alcohol, and forms a soap with the alkalies. Its s. g. is .920. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Dr. Charles Calderini found, that, in the dose of from four to 
eight drops, it acted as a cathartic on the adult, without occasion- 
ing colic or tenesmus. In half the quantity, it proved cathartic 
to children. He gave it in sugared water, or in the form of an 
emulsion ; and was of opinion that it might be advantageously 
substituted for castor oil, especially for children. After him, it 
was employed by M. Grimaud, and subsequently by M. Bally, 2 
who carried the dose as far as ten drops, and by M. Martin Solon, 3 
at the Hotel-Dieu of Paris, who uses it with excellent effects as 
a hydragogue cathartic in various diseases, in the dose of from 23 
to 46 grains — or one and a half to three grammes. Louis Frank 4 
has suggested its employment in cases of taenia, hysteralgia, 
ascites, &c. 

It would appear, from the remarks of Mr. Scattergood, that the 
oil obtained from the beans grown in this country, does not pos- 
sess the mild qualities ascribed to the European article. Six, eight, 

1 Scattergood, in Philad. Journ. of Pharmacy, iv. 124, Philad. 1833. See, also, Journ. 
de Chimie Med. ii. 178. 2 Journal Universel des Sciences Medicales, xli. 264. 

3 Bullet. General deTherapcutique, Aoiit, 1S48. 

4 Journ. de Pharrn. xi. 273: and Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Me'd. iii. 183. 
Paris, 1831. 



FERRI PR^PARATA. 335 

ten, and twelve drops were given to several individuals as a ca- 
thartic; and although administered in conjunction with aromatic 
oils, and in one or two cases with an alkali in the form of soap, it 
invariably produced nausea, and even vomiting. Mr. Scattergood 
adds, that he has been informed by the manufacturer, Mr. Thomas 
Bellangee, of Crosswicks, New Jersey, that when administered 
in small quantities, and repeated at intervals of half an hour or 
an hour, it operates on the bowels freely as a cathartic, without 
producing^much nausea. 

. PichonnierMias proposed the following formula for a cathartic 
mixture. 

Mistura olei euphorbias. 

Mixture of oil of euphorbia. 
R. Olei euphorb. lathyr. gtt. viij. 
Acac. pulv. gj. 
Sacchar. 5fij. 
Aquae destillat. f 3 iij. M. 



LXXIX. FERRI PRiEPARATA. 

Synonymes. Preparations of Iron. 
French. Les Preparations de Fer. 
German. Eisenpraparate. 

Metallic Iron has long been employed in the cases in which 
chalybeates in general are indicated. The French Codex directs it 
to be formed into an impalpable powder prepared by porphyrizing 
bright and clear iron filings without water. Of late years, it 
has been proposed by M. Quevenne to reduce the sesquioxide by 
means of hydrogen, which is done by passing a stream of the gas 
over the oxide, contained in an iron or porcelain tube heated to low 
redness. The iron, thus prepared, Ferri pulvis 2 — Lefer re'duit 
par Vhydrogene — must be kept in a dry, well stopped, bottle, on 
account of its great liability to oxidation. Mr. Wm. Procter pre- 
pares it by placing precipitated carbonate of iron on layers of iron- 
gauze in a tube of wrought iron; passing a stream of hydrogen 
through it heated to a dull red ; maintaining this for some hours, 
and keeping up a small current of gas till cool. 3 

MM. Miquelard and Quevenne combine it with sugar and choco- 
late, and form it into granules and pills. 4 M. Raciborski 5 has 
strongly recommended it in anaemic and, especially, in chlorotic 

1 Journ/de Chimie Medicale. Paris, 1827. 

2 A formula for this is introduced into the last edition (1850) of the Dublin Pharma- 
copoeia. 

3 R. E. Griffith, Universal Formulary, &c, p. 199. Philad. 1850. 

4 Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de TMrapeutique et de Matiere Medicale, i. 2. Paris, 
1847. ■ De la Paberte, &c. Paris, 1844. 



336 FERRI ARSENIAS. 

cases: and it is a favourite chalybeate with the author's col- 
league, Professor Meigs. 1 The ordinary dose is about two grains 
three times a day in the form of pill made with sugar and gum. It 
has not appeared to the author to possess any marked advantage 
over the carbonate or sesquioxide. 



LXXX. FERRI ARSENIAS. 

Synonymes. FerrumArseniatumseu ArsenicicumOxydulatum, Arseniate 

of Iron, Arseniate of Protoxide of Iron. 
French. Arseniate de Fer. 
German. Arsensaures Eisenoxydul, Ar seniksaur es Eisen- 

oxydul. 

This preparation has been recommended by Mr. Carmichael, 5 
who often applied it externally in cases of cancerous ulcers. 
Naturally, it presents itself in small, clear, bluish-green crystals, 
of a regular octahedral shape, and is called scorodite. Artificially, 
it is formed by double decomposition. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Glaser gives the following formula for its preparation: — Eight 
ounces of semivitrified white arsenic, sprinkled with a little spirit 
oj 'wine , and reduced to fine powder, are mixed with as much 
purified saltpetre. The mixture is then placed in an uncovered 
Hessian crucible, which should only be half filled with it, and 
then be placed in a wind furnace. At first, a slight degree of heat 
is applied, under which the mass soon melts, giving off copious 
red fumes, the inhalation of w T hich should be carefully avoided. 
The process had better, therefore, be carried on in the open air, or 
in a laboratory that has a chimney with a good draft. When the 
mass no longer gives off red fumes, and flows tranquilly, the cru- 
cible must be carefully removed from the fire, the contents be 
suffered to cool somewhat, and boiling distilled water be poured 
upon them : under active boiling they will dissolve altogether. 
Hot ivater, sufficient to fill the crucible, is now added, and the 
whole is allowed to remain at rest for twenty-four hours; at the 
expiration of which time a considerable quantity of beautiful crys- 
tals of acid arseniate of potassa is found on the sides of the crucible. 
The fluid, holding the salt in solution, is now filtered into a clean 
porcelain or glass vessel; the crystals are collected, dried carefully 
in the shade, and put away amongst the poisons as the idrsenias 
potassx acidus. 

The fluid, poured from the crystals and filtered, is now diluted 
with distilled water, and a solution of pure sulphate of iron 

1 Females and their Diseases, p. 371. Philad. 1848. 

2 An Essay on the Effects of the Carbonate and other Preparations of Iron upon Can- 
cer, 2d edit. Dublin, J 809. 



FERRI ARSENIAS. 337 

added thereto so long as any precipitate is thrown down. The 
bluish-green precipitate, insoluble in water, is the ferri arsenias, 
which must be collected on a filter, washed and dried in the shade. 
The process must be conducted with the greatest care, and the 
vessels used be cautiously cleansed or broken, for fear that mis- 
chief may arise. In these chemical operations, the acid of the 
saltpetre is decomposed by being heated with the arsenious acid or 
white arsenic, a part of its oxygen is taken by the latter, and ar- 
senic acid is thereby formed, which unites with the potassa of the 
saltpetre and forms acid arseniate of potassa : the nitric acid be- 
ing converted into nitrous acid is given off in the form of red fumes : 
by admixture of a solution of sulphate of iron with the solution of 
the acid arseniate of potassa, a double decomposition ensues, the 
result of which is the formation of sulphate of potassa and arse- 
niate of iron, which last, being insoluble, falls to the bottom of the 
vessel 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

According to Carmichael, this preparation acts more powerfully 
on the vitality of cancerous formations than any other agent, and 
the dead slough caused by it is much deeper than that caused by 
the application — which was at one time so much celebrated — called 
"Plunket's caustic." He allows, however, that the greatest cau- 
tion should be observed in its use. Of late, he has employed a 
compound of arseniate of iron with phosphate of iron; half a dram 
of the former to two drams of the latter. This mixture must be 
applied very thin by means of a camel's hair pencil, and not over 
the whole surface of the ulcer when it is extensive. It has also 
been administered internally in cancerous affections and lepra, 
by Cazenave ; and Biett 1 recommends it in lupus, elephantiasis, 
psoriasis, chronic eczema and lichen. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Arseniate of iron may be applied externally in the form of oint- 
ment, composed of from Bj. to £>ss. to from §ss. to %]. of lard ; or 
the compound, just mentioned, may be applied in the following 
manner : — 

Ungucntum ferri arseniatis compositum. 
Compound ointment of arseniate of iron, 
R. Ferri arseniat. gss. 

phosphat. 3ij. 

Cerat. cetacei gvi. M. 

This ointment must be spread on lint and applied to the ulcer. 

Carmichael fy Wernech. 

Werneck gives it the preference over all the usual arsenical pre- 
parations. The dose is from T Vth to f ^th of a grain, made into a 
pill. 

1 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, S. 131. Erlangen, 1848. 



338 FERRI BROMIDUM. 

The following formula may be used in cancerous and other 
affections. 

PilulSB ferri arseni atis composite. 
Compound pills of arseniate of iron. 
R. Ferri arseniat. gr. iij. 
Extract, gentian, gj. 
Glycyrrhiz. pulv. £ij. 
Syrup, cujusvis q. s. ut fiat 
massa, in pilulas xlviii. dividenda. 

Dose. — One, three times a day. 



LXXXI. FERRI BRO'MIDUM. 

Synonymes. Ferrura Bromatum seu Perbromatum. Brometum Ferricum, 
Bromated Iron, Bromide of Iron; — in solution, Hydrobromate of Iron, 
Ferri Hydrobromas, Ferrum Hydrobromicum Oxydatum. 

French. Bromure de Fer. 

German. Bromeisen, Eisenbromid, Bromwasserstoffsaures 
Eisenoxy d. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
This preparation is made by heating equal parts of bromine 
and iron filings under water. As soon as the fluid becomes of 
a greenish colour it is filtered and evaporated to dryness: the 
reddish residue — again dissolved in water and evaporated — is 
bromide of iron. It has a brick-red colour ; dissolves readily in 
water, is deliquescent in the air, and has a very styptic taste.' 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY, AND MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Magendie has prescribed it successfully, in cases in which the 
preparations of bromine have been indicated. (See Brominum, 
p. 142.) He recommends the following formula. 

Pilulse ferri bromidi. 

Pills of bromide of iron. 
R. Ferri bromid. pulv. gr. xij. 
Confect. rosae gr. xviij. 
Acacise pulv. gr. xij. 
Fiat massa in pilulas xx. dividenda. 

Dose. — Two, morning and evening. Magendie. 

R. Ferri bromid. gj. 

Extract, glycyrrhiz. q. s. 
ut fiat massa in pilulas Ix. dividenda. 

Dose. — One or two, morning and evening, in cases of scrofula, 
and hypertrophy — of the uterus especially. Werneck. 

1 Magendie, Formulaire pour la preparation, &c, de plusieurs nouveaux medicamens, 
derniere edit 



FERRI CARBURETUM. 339 



LXXXII. FERRI CARBURETUM. 

Synonymes. Ferrum Carburetum seu Carbonatum seu Supercarburetum ," 
Carburetum Ferri Nativum, Graphites, Plumbago, Plumbum Nigrum, 
Carbo Mineralis, Cerussa Nigra, Black Lead, Carburet of Iron. 

French. Carbure de Fer, Graphite, Crayon noir, Plombagine. 

German. Kohlenstoffeisen, Graphit, Reissblei, Mineral- 
ische Kohle. 

This well known substance was formerly considered to be 
slightly astringent and desiccative. By Weinhold, 1 it has been 
advised strongly in certain cutaneous affections, but although it 
has been received into various pharmacopoeias of continental 
Europe, as the Antwerp, Bavarian, Brunswick, Spanish, Parisian, 
Finnish, Prussian, Saxon, and Swedish, it has never been recog- 
nised as a therapeutical agent in this country or in Great Britain. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
As crude graphite is frequently very impure from the attached 
matrix, the Prussian Pharmacopoeia has a formula for its purifica- 
tion, the product of which bears the name graphites depuratus. 
With this view, the graphite muat be very finely pulverized : a 
pound of it is boiled in a proper quantity of common water for 
an hour; the water is then decanted, and two ounces of nitric 
acid and of muriatic acid, and eight ounces of common water are 
poured upon the graphite. This mixture is digested for twenty- 
four hours, frequently shaking it ; the acid fluid is then poured 
off, and, after the residuum has been washed by an appropriate 
quantity of common water, it is dried. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The internal use of graphite produces no perceptible change on 
the organic functions, except that, according to Weinhold, under 
its protracted use, the urinary secretion is augmented, and a dis- 
position to micturition excited. He found, however, that in her- 
petic and other cutaneous affections, it occasioned a very favour- 
able modification in the eruption, and wholly removed it. In 
consequence of the results of his observations, he published a 
monograph in which he recommended it to physicians in those 
diseases. He employed it as well internally as externally. The 
urine, he asserts, after its administration, commonly began to 
make a deposit, and this continued until some change in the cu- 
taneous affection announced its approaching cure. In cases of 
complication of herpes with other affections, Weinhold combined 
it with other remedies; — in syphilitic eruptions, adding corrosive 
sublimate, &c. 

The efficacy of graphite in herpetic and other cutaneous affec- 
tions has also been attested by many other respectable physicians, 

* Der Graphit als ein neu entdecktes Mittel gegen Flechten. Leipz. 1809. 



340 FERRI CARBURETUM. 

as Horn, Heira, Ruggieri, Brera, Bernstein, Hildenbrand, Richter, 
Hufeland, Marc, 1 &c. This circumstance gave occasion to its 
admission into the Prussian Pharmacopoeia ; yet it has not the 
confidence of physicians, even in those countries into the pharma- 
copoeias of which it has been received, and is consequently but 
little prescribed. Its use in chronic cutaneous diseases is said to 
have been suggested by the circumstance, that in Venice the 
makers of crayons are speedily cured of any such affections under 
which they may labour. 2 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Internally, graphite is given in doses of from five to fifteen 
grains, from two to four times daily; and the dose may be aug- 
mented, according to circumstances, to a dram in the day. It is 
given in powder or in the pilular form. Externally, it is applied 
in the form of ointment or plaster — from 3ij. to 3vj. of the gra- 
phite to an ounce of the constituent. 

Pulyis ferri carbureti. 
Powder of carburet of iron. 
R. Ferri carburet. 

Sacch, aa. gss. M. 
Divide in partes aequal. vi. 

Dose. — One, every two hours, in lichen lepro'ides. 

Von Hildenbrand. 

Electnarium ferri carbureti. 

Electuary of carburet of iron. 

R. Ferri carburet, ^ss. 

Mellis despumat. ^ij. M. 
Fiat eiectuarium. 

Dose. — A coffee-spoonful, morning and evening. — Weinhold. 

Pilulae ferri carbureti. 
Pills of carburet of iron. 
R. Ferri carburet. 

Extract, dulcamar. aa. gj. 
M. riant pilulas pond. gr. ij. sing. 

Dose. — Six, three times a day. Marker. 

R. Ferri carburet, gij. 
Zinci oxid. gss. 
Adipis 3J. M. 

Mayer. 

1 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. Stuttgart, 1837, S. 214; see, also, Wein- 
hold, in Hufeland's Journal, B. xxxiv. St. 1, S. 118: Heim in Horn's Archiv. 1810, 
xii. 326, and Ibid. 1811, B. 1, S. 91 ; Huber, in Med. Chir. Zeitung, 1811, No. 68, S. 
282; Hufeland, Journ. der prakt. Heilkunde, B. xxxviii. St 6; Bernstein, Ibid. B. xli. 
St. 5; Mayer, Ibid. B. lx. St. 2, and Osann, in Encyclop. Worterb. der Med. Wissensch. 
x. 434. Berlin, 1834. 

a Merat and De Lens, in Diet, de Mat. Med., art. Carbone. 



FERRI CITRAS. 341 

Unguentum ferri carbureti. 

Ointment of carburet of iron. 

R. Ferri carburet. 
Sulphur, aa. ^ij. 
Adipis q. s. ut fiat unguentum. 



Br era. 



Emplastrum ferri carbureti. 

Plaster of carburet of iron. 

R. Ferri carburet, ^ij. 
Emplast. sapon. ^iv. 
Misce intime. 



Weinhold. 



LXXXIII. FERRI CITRAS. 

Synonymes. Ferrum citricum, Citras ferricus, Citrate of Iron. 
French. Citrate de Fer. 

German. Citronsaures Eisenoxydul, Citronensaures Ei- 
senoxy d . 

Two citrates of iron have been proposed, of late years, by M. 
Beral 1 — the one the sesquicitrate or citrate of the sesqui- 
oxide of iron ; the other, the citrate of the protoxide of 

IRON. An AMMONIO-CITRATE, a POTASSIO-CITRATE, and a SODIO- 

citrate have likewise been introduced. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The citrate of the sesquioxide, according to Mr. Duhamel, 2 is 
prepared as follows: — Take of Citric acid, crystallized, ^iij. or 
three parts; Hydrated oxide of iron, dry, ^ij. or two parts; 
Distilled water, ^xij. or twelve parts. If the moist hydrate be 
used, about §vj. are required; but as the degree of moisture is not 
always the same, Mr. Duhamel suggests, that the oxide should be 
in excess. The water may be heated to about 180° : a boiling 
temperature should be avoided, as it renders the sesquioxide less 
readily soluble. 3 The solution is filtered, and the filter washed 
with distilled water sufficient to obtain twelve parts of liquid. 
This forms what is kept by the French Pharmaciens under the 
name Liquid Citrate of Iron, marking 24° of Beaume. It holds 
in solution one-third of its weight of dry citrate of iron. The 
solution is evaporated to the consistence of thick syrup. It is 
then spread out on glass or porcelain plates, where it speedily 
dries in thin layers, which are separated and broken into fragments. 

1 Journ. de Chimie Medicale ; cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharm., April, 1841, p. 72. 

2 Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Oct., 1842, p. 225. 

3 W. Procter, cited in Dispensatory of the United States, 8th edit., p. 1246. Phila., 1848. 



342 FERRI CITRAS. 

Its taste is acid, but not disagreeable, and it is said to be, of all 
chalybeate salts, the least unpleasant to the taste. 

Citrate of protoxide of iron is prepared by M. Beral, 1 by 
treating iron flings with citric acid previously dissolved in dis- 
tilled water. It has a strongly marked chalybeate taste. 

Citrate of sesqui-oxide of iron is a somewhat insoluble salt: it 
occurs in transparent laminae of a garnet hue, which are perma- 
nent in the air. Citrate of the protoxide is of a dark-green 
colour; soluble, and the solution does not change its green colour 
by exposure to air. 

Ammonio-citrate of iron, Citrate of iron and ammonia, 
Ammonias ferro- citras, A. ferrico-citras, Ferri et ammo- 
nias citras, Ferrum citricum cum ammoniaco, Ferrum 
ammoniaco-citricum ; German, Eisenoxyd mit Ammo- 
nia k, is prepared by neutralizing the excess of acid in pre- 
paring the nitrate of the sesquioxide by ammonia, and evaporating 
as before. 2 It is a much more soluble salt than the citrate of the 
sesquioxide, and is slightly deliquescent. If the acid or the citrate 
be neutralized by soda or potassa in place of ammonia, the sodio- 
citrate, and the potassio-citrate of iron, are formed, which 
greatly resemble the ammonio-citrate. 3 The ammonio-citrate — 
Ferri ammonio citras— is officinal in the last Dublin Pharma- 
copoeia. 4 

A citrate of magnetic oxide of iron is prepared by com- 
bining the magnetic oxide with citric acid. 

Mr. Edward Parrish 5 makes a syrup of citrate of iron as fol- 
lows. He first prepares a moist protocarbonate of iron, by mix- 
ing together solutions of sulphate of iron and carbonate of soda, 
precisely as directed for Vallet's ferruginous mass, and washing 
with sweetened water. This is then dissolved by means of a 
slight excess of citric acid in water, and is evaporated to dryness. 
A greenish deliquescent, freely soluble, uncrystallizable salt results, 
the taste of which is ferruginous, but not very unpleasant. To 
make the syrup, one ounce, Troy, of this salt is dissolved in five 
fluidounces of simple syrup. The solution is easily effected, and 
forms a dark greenish-brown liquid. The dose is from thirty drops 
to a tea-spoonful. The syrup of citrate of iron of Beral, is a sac- 
charine solution of the citrates of ammonia and sesquioxide of iron. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 
The citrates of iron resemble, in their properties, the tartrate 
and the lactate of iron, and may be given in the same cases. The 

1 Amer. Journ. of Pharm., April, 1841, p. 72. 

2 For forms of preparation see Redwood, in his edition of Gray's Supplement to the 
Pharmacopoeias. 2d edit., London, 1848. 

3 Ballard and Garrod, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap., p. 389. London, 1845. 

4 The Pharmacopoeia of the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland, 
1850, p. 43. Duhlin, 1850. 

b Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, October, 1848, p. 649. 



FERRI CITRAS. 343 

author has used the citrate largely, and is much pleased with it. 
It is unquestionably one of the most agreeable of the chalybeates, 
and equally effective perhaps with any. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose of citrate of iron may be the same as that of the salts 
above mentioned. The author generally prescribes it in the quan- 
tity often grains three times a day. The citrates are not decom- 
posed by alkalies, and hence may be given with them if desirable. 
The ammonio-citrate, according to MM. Ballard and Garrod, is 
the most used, and may be conveniently administered in porter, 
which conceals its taste, without its own flavour being impaired. 

It has long been administered in wine, of which the following 
are two forms ; — the first from the Hamburg, and the latter from 
the Wirtemburg, Pharmacopoeia. 

Yinnm ferri citratis aromaticum. 
Jlromatic wine of citrate of iron. 
R. Ferri liraatur. ^j. 
Limon. succ. giij. 
Macera per noctem, et adde 
Gentian. |[s's. 
Cinnam. ^ij. 
Vinifgxvj. 

Dose. — Of the decanted wine, f ^ss. to f ^ij. and more. This 
preparation, or one analogous to it, is said to be prescribed by 
certain physicians of this country — of Charleston, for example. 1 

Take of Iron filings, four ounces; Bitter oranges, four. 
Remove the peel, the white, and the seeds; beat them in a stone 
mortar, and let the paste remain at rest for two days; then pour 
upon it Madeira wine, ten ounces, and Spirit of orange peel, 
two ounces. After sufficient digestion, express and filter. This 
preparation is called, in the Wirtemburg Pharmacopoeia, Tinctura 
Ferri Jlurantiaca seu Tinctura Martis cum Vino Malvatico 
et Pomis Aurantiis? According to Mr. Gore, 3 it possesses the 
most agreeable odour and taste of any medicinal compound ever 
introduced into practice. It is aromatic, carminative and tonic; 
and, he adds, that he has no doubt it will supersede the prepara- 
tions in general use, when once it has been fairly tried. In 
strumous habits; in passive uterine hemorrhage; in anasarca 
from general debility; in chlorosis; in malignant disease, in 
which iron has been extolled ; and in all diseases that arise from a 
general deficiency of tone, Mr. Gore considers this preparation 
to be " of exceeding utility, from its agreeable and chalybeate 
qualities." He suggests, also, its use in chronic bronchitis, in 
which he gives it in combination with ipecacuanha wine. 

1 Duhamel, loc. cit. 3 Jourdan, Pharmacopee Universelle, i. 545. Paris, 1828. 

8 Dublin Medical Press, April 29, 1840. 



344 FERRI ET MAGNESLE CITRAS. 

Aqua chalybeata effervescens. 

Effervescing chalybeate water. 
R. Aquae Oiss. 

Ferri citrat. sice. 9j. 
Acid, citric, ^iv. 
Sodse bicarb, ^v. 

Add first the citrate of iron and citric acid, then the bicarbonate 
of soda, corking the bottle at once, and securing the cork. 1 This 
is a delicate but active chalybeate. It may be formed, also, con- 
veniently and agreeably, by dissolving 5 to 10 grains of the citrate 
in f §vj. of the mineral water of the shops, and flavouring with 
syrup of orange peel. It is said, however, to be apt to excite un- 
pleasant eructations. 2 It has been called ' Chalybeate Champagne? 

A citrate of iron and magnesia, Ferri et Magnesia Citras, 
is prepared by dissolving hydrated oxide of iron in a solution of 
citric acid, saturating the liquid with carbonate of magnesia, and 
evaporating to dryness. 3 The salt presents itself in the form of 
brown brilliant scales, of a sweetish and feebly inky and not disa- 
greeable taste. It is perfectly soluble in water, and has the advan- 
tage over the ferro-citrate of ammonia, that it is not deliquescent, 
so that it can be given in powder. Moreover, it does not induce 
constipation, like most of the salts of iron. The dose is from 4 to 
15 grains in solution. It may also be given in powder or pill. 

Syrupus ferri et magnesise citratis. 

Syrup of citrate of iron and magnesia. 

R. Ferri et magnes. citrat. p. x. 
Solve in 

Aq. flor. aurant. p. xx. 

Syrup, p. cc. M. • 

Van den Corput. 

Pnlvis ferri et magnesia citratis. 

Powder of citrate of iron and magnesia. 
(Saccharure de citrate defer et de magnesie.) 
R. Ferri et magnes. citrat. p. v. 
Sacchar. pulv. p. xl. 
Canellse albse p. v. M. 
Dose. — Fifteen grains. Van den Corput. 

Troschisci ferri et magnesia? citratis. 
Lozenges of citrate of iron and magnesia. 
R. Ferri et magnes. citrat. p. v. 
Sacchar. pulv. p. xl. 

Vanill. Sacchar. (Saccharure de vanille.) p. 2. 
Mucilag. tragacanth. p. v. M. 
Each lozenge to contain fifteen grains. Van den Corput. 

1 Bullet, de Therap. cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. Dec. 10, 1842. 

2 Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica and Therap. 3d edit. i. 791. Lond. 1849. 

8 Van den Corput, cited in Bouchardat, Annuaire fie Therap. pour l8oO,"p. 186. The 
formula of Van den Corput, with remarks by Mr. Wm. Procter, Jr. is given in Amer. 
Joum. of Pharmacy, October, 1650, p. 314. 



FERRI FERROCYANURETUM. 345 

M. Beral has likewise introduced a Citrate of Protoxide of Iron 
and Quinia — Ferri et Quinia Citras, Ferrum et Chininum 
citricum] German, Citronensaures Eisenchinin; which is 
formed by the union of four parts of Citrate of iron with one part 
of Citrate of quinia in solution, and evaporating. It may be 
given in the form of pill, wherever a combination of these tonics 
is needed. An extemporaneous formula may be made by uniting 
citrate of iron, and citrate or even sulphate of quinia together, 
which may be given either in pills or solution. 



LXXXIV. FERRI FERROCYANURETUM. 

Synonymes. Ferri Cyanidum seu Cyanuretum seu Borussias seu Sesqui- 
cyanidum seu Ferrosesquicyanidum seu Percyanidum seu Ferrocy- 
arias, Ferrum Cyanogenatum seu Cyanuretum seu Zooticum seu Bo- 
russicum seu Hydrocyanicum seu Oxydulatum Hydrocyanicum, Cse- 
ruleum Borussicum seu Beroliniense, Prussiate or Cyanide or Cyanu- 
ret of Iron, Prussian Blue, Berlin Blue. 

French. Trito-hydro-ferro-cyanate de Fer; Deutoxicyanure de Fer Hy- 
drate, Tritohydrocyanate Ferrure de Fer, Prussiate de Potasse et de 
Fer, Bleu de Prusse. 

German. Cyanei sen, BlaustofFeisen, Blausaures Eisenoxy- 
dul, Eisenblausaures Eisenoxyd, Blausaures Eisen, Ei- 
sencyanurcyanid, Berliner Blau, Pariser Blau. 

In commerce, this preparation, with us, bears the name of "Prus- 
sian blue" but in Germany it is called "Pariser blau." It is not 
in a state of purity, and, consequently, that which the apothecary 
prepares is best adapted for internal use. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The form given by Buchner is as good as any. Ferrocyanuret 
of potassium, as commonly met with in commerce, is dissolved in 
warm distilled water, and to the clear filtered solution is gradually 
added, in a glass vessel, a solution of chemically pure sulphate of 
iron so long as a precipitate is thrown down. After the precipi- 
tate has fallen to the bottom of the vessel, and the supernatant 
fluid, which contains sulphate of potassa, has been poured off, the 
precipitate is first digested with dilute sulphuric or muriatic acid, 
in order to dissolve the excess of oxide of iron ; the beautiful dark 
blue precipitate is then collected on a filter, carefully washed with 
boiling water, and dried. 

The following form for the preparation of " pure Prussian blue," 
is admitted into the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the United 
States : — Take of Sulphate of iron, giv. ; Sulphuric acid, f siiiss. ; 
Nitric acid, f 3VJ., or a sufficient quantity; Ferrocyanuret of Po- 
tassium, givss.; Water, Oij. Dissolve the sulphate of iron in a 
pint of water, and, having added the sulphuric acid, boil the solu- 
tion. Pour it into the nitric acid in small portions, boiling the 



346 FERRI FERROCYANURETUM. 

liquid for a minute or two after each addition, until it no longer 
produces a dark colour; then allow the liquid to cool. Dissolve 
the ferrocyanuret of potassium in the remainder of the water, and 
add this solution gradually to the first liquid, agitating the mixture 
after each addition; then pour it upon a filter. Wash the precipi- 
tate with boiling water until the washings pass tasteless. Lastly, 
dry it and rub into powder. 1 

Ferrocyanuret of iron is of a beautiful deep blue colour, and 
devoid of odour and taste. It is decomposed by heat, and is inso- 
luble in water, alcohol, ether, oils and dilute acids. Potassa and 
soda decompose it. It adheres firmly to the tongue, which Riecke 
thinks is owing to its containing argil. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Of the effects of ferrocyanuret of iron on the human economy 
in health we have no evidence. Coullon gave it to various ani- 
mals, but observed no action from it. It has been given, however, 
and not without success, in several diseases; and Dr. L. W. Sachs, 
who has not unfrequently administered it, considers it one of the 
most important chalybeates with which we are acquainted. He 
thinks it probable, that the hydrocyanic acid has not much agency; 
yet it certainly seems to differ from all the other preparations of 
iron. It has been especially recommended in epilepsy by Kirck- 
hoff, 2 of Ghent; and more recently by M. Faivre d'Esnans. 3 In 
very obstinate cases, not dependent upon organic mischief, Kirck- 
hoff succeeded entirely with it; with the adult, he commenced with 
half a grain daily, and raised the dose gradually to three, four, and 
even six grains and upwards. When the patient was plethoric, 
he premised blood-letting, or applied leeches, from time to time, to 
the temples. Hildenbrand and Gergeres confir#n its efficacy in 
epilepsy. M. Faivre d'Esnans used the following formula: — 

R. Ferri ferrocyanuret. gr. xv. 

Ext. Valerian, gr. xlv. 
M. et divide in pil. xxiv. 

One pill to be taken three times a day, at an interval of six 
hours, and each pill to be followed by a wineglassful of infusion 
of valerian. 

It has also been administered by Dr. Zollickoffer 4 successfully 
in a case of chorea; three grains being given in the form of pill, 
three times a day. In six days, the girl, twelve years old, was 
entirely cured, after camphor, opium, quinia, and asafostida, nitrate 
of silver, and subcarbonate of iron had been given in vain. In 

1 Pharmacopoeia of the United States, p. 109. Philad. 1842. 

2 Journal de Chimie Medicale, iii. 285. See, also, Journ. des Connais. Med. Chirur. 
Aout, 1841 ; or Encyel. des Sciences Med. Sept. 1841, p. 468. 

3 Journal de Medecine et de Chirurgie Pratiques, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med. 
Sciences, July, 1850. p. 202. 

4 Medical Examiner, May 16, 1840, p. 314. 



FERRI FERROCYANURETUM. 347 

intermittent fever, Dr. Zollickoffer * found it so efficacious, that 
he even gave it the preference over cinchona : and his experience 
has been confirmed by that of Eberle, 2 Hosack, 3 J. E. Craighead, 4 
Hasse, 5 and others. Wutzer, in Germany, also exhibited it suc- 
cessfully ; and Stosch gave it advantageously, in combination with 
cinchona and rhubarb, in a case of obstinate intermittent. Sachs 
likewise tried it frequently, but as often without, as with, success. 
When it has proved efficacious in intermittents, the dose has been 
by no means large. Some have given six or eight grains every 
four hours during the apyrexia, and even as much as a scruple has 
been administered. Sachs found it several times efficacious, when 
four doses of two grains each were taken; and Riecke 6 affirms, 
that his father obtained essential service from it in the leucophleg- 
matic conditions resulting from intermittent fever. Zollickoffer 
extols the ferrocyanuret also in remittent fever ; and there may, 
doubtless, be periods when it may be administered with benefit; 
but it is not often used. He recommends it, likewise, in dysentery? 
when the inflammatory condition has passed away, either sponta- 
neously or under the efforts of art ; and Sachs remarks, that in 
atonic conditions of the intestinal canal, which supervene on 
dysentery, it may doubtless be of great service. Gergeres admi- 
nistered it successfully in chronic diarrhoea. L. W. Sachs enters 
into a long theoretical disquisition on the precise action of the 
remedy, in which there is, doubtless, much that is speculative. 
He used it, he says, with success, in many cases which it would 
be difficult to classify under any formal nosology ; their common 
bond, however, was, that they were dependent upon " nervous 
disorders, especially of the plastic functions of the abdominal organs, 
the mischief appearing first of all to be gastric." In such affec- 
tions he found a combination of the ferrocyanuret of iron with 
rhubarb especially serviceable. He gave it in not less than two 
grain doses, which were gradually augmented to six, three times 
a day. Dr. Moll saw decidedly good effects from its use in a case 
of immoderate menstruation from atony of the uterus, with gene- 
ral elevation of nervous excitability, after he had employed the 
remedies, commonly recommended, unsuccessfully. He found it 
also extremely beneficial to children of a 'strumous habit, and of 
great torpor. Stosch found it serviceable in a case of scrofula, in 
which hsematosis was imperfectly accomplished; and Dr. Bridges 8 
obtained great advantage from it in a case of severe and protracted 
facial neuralgia. 

1 American Medical Recorder, v. 540. 2 Materia Medica, 2d edit. i. 233. 

3 New York Medical and Physical Journal, 1823, 
* American Medical Intelligencer, May, 1S42, p. 230. 

5 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w, S. 122. Erlangen, 1848. 

6 Op. citat. S. 217. T Chapman's Philadelphia Journal, Aug. 1823. 
8 Wood and Bache's Dispensatory, art. Ferri Ferrocyanuretum. 



348 FERRI FERROCYANURETUM. 

It has been also recommended as probably more effective than 
any other remedy in inveterate cases of ascarides in the rectum. 
With this view, five grains of the salt may be rubbed up in two 
ounces of warm water or mucilage of gum arabic, and be thrown 
up into the rectum, to be retained there " until the next regular 
defecation." This must be repeated daily, gradually increasing 
the quantity of the cyanuret, until perfect and permanent relief is 
afforded. 2 

Externally, the ferrocyanuret has been used in the form of oint- 
ment, in cases of ill-conditioned, torpid and foul ulcers, and 
even of noli me tangere. Stosch applied it in a case of fungous 
ulcer with marked advantage; making it into a paste with water 
and using it in that form. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Pulvis ferri ferrocyanureti. 
Powder of ferrocyanuret of iron. 
R. Ferri ferrocyan. gr. iij. ad. xxxvj. 

Sacchar. 31J. M. et divide in pulveres vj. 

Dose. — A powder, two or three times a day, in epilepsy. 

Kirckhoff. 
R. Ferri ferrocyan. gr. j., iv., vj., ad xij. 

Sacch. ZY 
Fiat pulvis in partes xij. aequales dividendus. 

Dose. — A powder, every two hours, in epilepsy. 

Von Hildenbrand. 
R. Ferri ferrocyan. 

Guaiac. pulv. aa. gj. 
Misce et divide in chartulasxij. 

Dose. — One, three times a day. — Employed successfully in m- 
termittents. 3 

Pilulae ferri ferrocyanureti. 

Pills of ferrocyanuret of iron. 
R. Ammoniac. 

Rhei 

Ext. taraxac. aa. gj. 

Ferri ferrocyan.gr. xviij. ad. xxxvj. 
M. et fiat massa in pilulas lx. dividenda. 

Dose. — Four to six, twice a day, in disorder of the ganglionic 
system. L. W. Sachs, fy Radius. 

Unguentum ferri ferrocyanureti. 
Ointment of ferrocyanuret of iron. 
R. Ferri ferrocyan. 3J. 

Unguent, cetacei ^j. M. et fiat unguentum. 

' Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, Jan. 1847, p. 247. 
' Ellis's Formulary, 8th edit p. 186. Philad. 184b*. 



FERRI IODIDUM. 349 



LXXXV. FERRI IODIDUM. 

Synonymes. Ferri Ioduretum, Ferrum lodatum, Iodated Iron, Iodide or 
Ioduret, Protoioduret, Protoiodide or Protiodide of Iron. 

French. Iodure de Fer, Protoiodnre de Fer. 

German. Iodeisen. 

In solution, Ferri Hydriodas, Ferrum Hydriodatum seu Hydroiodicum 
Oxydulatum, Hydriodated Iron, Hydriodate of Iron, Hydriodate of Pro- 
toxide of Iron. 

French. Hydriodate de FeT. 

German. H ydroiodsaures Eisenoxydul, Iodeisen, Iodwas- 
se r s t of fsaure s Eisenoxydul, Eiseniodiir. 

Although attention had been directed, several years ago, to this 
preparation, it was not much used, until Prof. A. T. Thomson, 1 
of the London University, recommended it strongly in a special 
monograph several years since. It has been received into different 
Pharmacopoeias. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
The following method is recommended by Dr. Thomson. One 
part of iron wire should be rubbed in a porcelain or wedgewood 
mortar with about three or four parts of iodine, gradually adding 
distilled water, until fifteen parts of the fluid have been used ; the 
whole is then to be introduced into a Florence flask, with an ad- 
ditional portion of wire and of distilled water. This excess of iron 
is a matter of indifference in the preparation of the hydriodate, 
and in that of the iodide it is necessary for preserving the combi- 
nation from decomposition during the evaporation of the solution. 
These materials are next to be boiled together, until the fluid ac- 
quires a pale greenish colour, when it must be filtered. This solu- 
tion contains a hydriodate of the protoxide of iron; and, if the 
exact quantity of the iodine be previously ascertained, so as to 
enable the solution to be procured of a definite strength, it may be 
kept in this state for medicinal use. In general, however, the 
solution is evaporated to dryness, and, for this purpose, it may be 
poured into a clean flask, containing a piece of iron wire suffi- 
ciently long to reach from the bottom to the surface of the fluid, 
and the boiling should be continued until the bulk of the solution 
is reduced to one-third. It must then be filtered, after which 
the evaporation should be continued to dryness. It is necessary 
to break the flask as soon as the mass is cold, in order to obtain 
the solid iodide, which should be immediately transferred to a 
dry bottle, accurately fitted with a ground stopper. The bottle 
should not hold more than two ounces of the preparation; for 
when it is large and not full, the iodide deliquesces nearly as 
rapidly as when it is exposed to the free action of the atmosphere. 

1 Some Observations on the Preparation and Medicinal Employment of the Ioduret 
and Hydriodate of Iron, 8vo. p. 64. Lond. 1834. 

23 



350 FERRI IODIDUM. 

When the flask is broken, and the iodide bottled before the mass 
is cold, deliquescence also takes place, a peroxide of the metal is 
formed, and iodine is evolved. 

The form for the preparation of the solid iodide recommended 
in the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States is the 
following: — Take of Iodine, jij., Iron filings, gi., Distilled 
water, a pint and a half. Mix the iodine with a pint of the dis- 
tilled water in a porcelain or glass vessel, and gradually add the 
iron filings, stirring constantly. Heat the mixture gently until 
the liquid acquires a light greenish colour ; then filter, and after 
the liquid has passed, pour upon the filter half a pint of the dis- 
tilled water boiling hot. When this shall have passed, evaporate 
the filtered liquor, at a. temperature not exceeding 212°, in an iron 
vessel, to dryness. Keep the dry iodide in a closely stopped bot- 
tle. 1 

The plan proposed by Mr. Durand, 2 of Philadelphia, after that 
by MM. Baup and Caillot, 3 for preparing the solution of the pro- 
tiodide of iron (hydriodate of protoxide of iron) is the following: — 
Take of Iodine, 3x., Iron filings, perfectly pure and unoxidized, 
3 v., Distilled ivater, ^xiiss. Put the iodine into a porcelain cap- 
sule, with one half the quantity of water, and add the iron filings 
by small portions, stirring the mixture w T ith a glass rod. The com- 
bination soon takes place; heat is evolved with the disengagement 
of a small quantity of vapour of iodine, and the mixture acquires 
an orange colour, which gradually deepens to a dark red. When 
the whole of the iron has been added, the capsule is put in a sand 
bath, or over the flame of a spirit lamp, and heated slowly ; con- 
tinuing to stir the liquid. An ioduretted hydriodate of iron is first 
produced, which, under the action of heat, soon passes to the state 
of a simple hydriodate. This point is indicated by the entire dis- 
coloration of the solution. In this state it is filtered ; and the 
dregs and filter are carefully washed with the remaining half of 
the distilled water, previously heated to the boiling point. In 
this manner, a solution forming twelve and a half fluidounces is 
afforded, one ounce of which represents one dram of iodide of iron. 

The solution, which is at first colourless, acquires a deep red 
colour by standing, and precipitates some oxide of iron; by which 
it is reduced to the state of an ioduretted hydriodate of iron; but 
it may be easily restored to its former state by heating it again 
with a small quantity of iron filings, until the liquid becomes 
colourless : or, to prevent these changes, a coil of soft iron wire 
may be kept immersed in it; a fact which has been long known, 4 
but which M. Dupasquier has recently rediscovered. 5 

1 Pharm, of the United States, p. 1 1 0. Philad. 1842. 

2 Philad. Journ. of Pharmacy, iv. 287. Philad. 1833. - 3 Ibid. i. 201. 
* Squire. Annals of Philosophy, May, 1836, p. 79. 

5 Journal de Pharmacie, Mars, 1842, p. 224. 






FERRI IODIDUM. 



351 



The iodide of iron is obtained by evaporating to dryness the 
filtered solution, taking care, towards the end, to stir incessantly 
with an iron spatula, and to detach the salt from the bottom of 
the capsule as it forms. The heat must be managed most care- 
fully, diminishing it gradually, and removing the capsule quickly 
from the fire as soon as the odour of iodine is evolved. The 
solution of this salt, when the iodide is well prepared, is of a pale 
greenish colour, and deeper in proportion to the decomposition 
which some parts may have undergone towards the end of the 
operation. 

Iodide of iron requires to be well secured from the influence 
of the atmosphere, both on account of its deliquescent property, 
the rapid oxidation which the metal undergoes when deliquescence 
occurs, and the consequent decomposition which takes place. It 
is important to prevent this, as the peroxide of iron is compara- 
tively inert as a medicinal agent; whilst the free iodine extricated 
during its oxidation, according to Dr. Thomson, alters altogether 
the virtues of the medicine. This partial decomposition of the 
iodide is rendered immediately apparent on dissolving it in twenty 
times its weight of distilled water, and filtering: instead of a per- 
manent, clear, very pale greenish-yellow, we obtain an ochre- 
coloured, completely insoluble precipitate. Much of the iodide 
usually prepared is of this description, and to this may, doubtless, 
be referred some of the disappointment and discrepancy amongst 
practitioners as to the operation of the medicine in cases appa- 
rently similar. Even when the iodide has been carefully prepared, 
it often contains a little free iodine; but, according to Thomson, 
it is chiefly owing to the carelessness of assistants and apprentices 
in compounding prescriptions, by frequently exposing the iodide 
to the air, that its properties, and, consequently, its medicinal 
powers, are impaired : hence, it is preferable to keep it in solution, 
or in the form of hydriodate, which it becomes, whenever water 
is added to it. 

If the solution be prepared with a definite quantity of iodine, 
as described, it will keep without changing its characters; but as 
it is usually made by dissolving the iodide in distilled water, it 
requires to be rendered neutral by the following means: — Intro- 
duce into a flask the solution of any given strength, and place in 
it two or three doubles of clean and soft iron wire, sufficiently long 
to extend to the surface of the fluid; boil for a few minutes, and 
then leave it at rest, until the solution becomes clear, after which 
it may be either decanted off from the precipitate which forms, or 
filtered: no farther change takes place in a solution thus treated, 
however long it may be preserved, provided it be kept in a black- 
ened or, a green bottle. In this process, the wire affords iron 
to saturate any free iodine present in the solution, or that may 
have been extricated by the formation of the peroxide of iron in 



352 FERR1 IODIDUM. 

the iodide; and a perfectly neutral solution being thus obtained, 
by the immediate conversion of the newly formed iodide into the 
hydriodate of the protoxide, no subsequent change takes place so 
long as the solution is kept secluded from the light. The best 
proportions, according to Dr. Thomson, for forming the medicinal 
solution, are three grains of the dry solid iodide to each fluidram 
of distilled water. If the water be not either distilled or filtered 
rain water, perfectly free from foreign ingredients, and particu- 
larly if it contain any earthy or saline carbonates, decomposition 
instantly takes place, iodine is extricated, and a carbonate of iron, 
which rapidly passes into the state of a peroxide of that metal, is 
precipitated. 

To protect the solution of iodide from decomposition, it has 
been advised to associate it with sugar, which appears to exert 
the same protective agency as it does on the protocarbonate. 
With this view, the following preparation has been proposed by 
Mr. Procter. 1 Take of Iodine, eleven drams; Iron filings, four 
drams; Syrup, Uncryst alii z able honey, or Uncrystallizable 
sugar, four ounces; Distilled water, a sufficient quantity. Mix 
the iodine with eight fluidounces of the distilled water, and 
gradually add the iron filings, stirring constantly; then apply a 
gentle heat until the solution shall have acquired a light green 
colour, or shall not give a blue colour to a solution of starch ; then 
add whichever of the three protecting saccharine substances may 
be chosen; continue the heat a short time and filter. Lastly, wash 
the filter with as much distilled water as will make sixteen fluid- 
ounces of solution of iodide of iron. 

Liquor Ferri Iodidi, or Solution of Iodide of Iron of the 
last edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States (1842,) is 
essentially the same as this. The saccharine matter employed in 
it is prepared honey. The solution, thus obtained, is of a pale- 
greenish colour. It has little or no sediment. 

M. Oberdorffer, of Hamburg, 2 gives the following form for the 
preparation of the sesqui-iodide of iron; whose effects, and mode 
of administration are the same as those of the iodide. It may 
be preserved a long time without undergoing decomposition. Mix 
in a glass vessel half an ounce of iodine; a dram and a half of 
iron filings; and an ounce of water. When the reaction is com- 
pleted, the mixture is to be slightly shaken, until it becomes of a 
clear green colour, which is due to the iodide of iron. It is then 
diluted with four ounces of water, filtered, and some water is 
passed through the filter. To the solution two drams of iodine 
are afterwards added, which are readily dissolved. A deep red- 
dish-brown liquid results, to which a sufficient quantity of water 

1 American Journal of Pharmacy, for July, 1840, p. 13; and Ibid, for January, 1841, 
p. 3Q3. 
* Zeitschrift fur die gesammte Medicin. Juin, 1S40, 



FERRI IODIDUM. 6Do 

is added to make the weight of the whole ten ounces. Each dram 
contains about four grains and a half of iodine. 

When iodide of iron is carefully prepared, it is of an iron-gray 
colour, foliated texture, brittle, and exhibits a crystalline arrange- 
ment similar to metallic antimony, except that it is darker. In 
the dry state, it is inodorous; but, when moist, it smells somewhat 
of iodine: the taste, w r hen dry, is simply styptic; when moist, 
somewhat acrid, before it impresses the gustatory organs. At 
350° of Fahrenheit it fuses ; and, at a higher temperature, is de r 
composed — the iodine being volatilized, and the iron remaining 
in the state of oxide. It dissolves in alj proportions in water, — 
the changes supervening, which have been already indicated. It 
is decomposed by chlorine, the mineral acids, oxide of arsenic, 
meconic acid — consequently by opium and laudanum — gallic and 
tannic acids, the pure and carbonated alkalies, different metallic 
salts, and by the infusions of digitalis, belladonna, hyoscyamus, 
tobacco, amylaceous substances, &c. : such articles ought not, 
therefore, to be given in combination with it. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 
From experiments made on his own person, Dr. Thomson states 
the following to be the physiological effects of iodide of iron. 
When taken in doses of from three to five grains, it makes no 
sensible impression on the stomach, although it sharpens the 
appetite, and improves the digestive function : it seems to stimu- 
late moderately the digestive canal through its entire length ; for 
it opens the bowels ; and, whilst it produces the black colour of 
the alvine discharges, characteristic of all the preparations of iron, 
it corrects their foetor. When it does not affect the bowels, it 
augments the action of the kidneys, increasing the flow of urine ; 
and if the solution be taken two or three times a day, for several 
days in succession, the presence of both the iodine and the iron 
can be readily detected in the urine. The temperature of the 
skin is moderately elevated, and the insensible perspiration in- 
creased. On one occasion, having taken ten grains for a dose, it 
almost immediately caused an uneasy sensation at the epigastrium, 
accompanied with nausea, that continued for several hours, and a 
slight degree of headach. These symptoms were relieved by a 
copious evacuation, which was perfectly black. Two hours after 
taking the medicine, a large quantity of urine was discharged ; 
which, on being tested, displayed the presence of both iodine and 
iron. The experiments on animals, made by Dr. Cogswell, 1 in- 
duced him to infer: — 1. That it acts as a local stimulant, possess- 
ing the power of affecting peculiar disorganization. — 2. That its 
action is more particularly directed to the tract of the alimentary 
canal. 

1 Essay on Iodine, p. 132. Edinburgh, 1837. 



354 PERRI IODIDUM. 

When added to blood out of the body, it promotes its coagula- 
tion. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

From the chemical composition of iodide of iron, Dr. Thomson 
considered it might be specially adapted for cases in which aug- 
mented activity of the capillary or intermediate system, with a 
tonic effect, might be indicated, and particularly in scrofulous 
affections, tabes mesenterica, chlorosis, incipient scirrhus, 
rickets, amenorrhea, bronchocele, atonic dyspepsia, — indeed 
in all cases accompanied by debility. In such affections, he con- 
ceives the iodide will act more efficiently than any of the other 
preparations of iron. In secondary syphilis, it may be combined, 
he suggests, with iodide of potassium; and in incipient cancer, 
its efficacy is aided by the administration of arsenic at the same 
time. Dr. Thomson has found it serviceable in atonic gastric 
dyspepsia, when combined with bicarbonate of potassa, and taken 
at the moment of admixture, in the dose of from three to eight 
grains or more. 2 A great advantage it possesses is its ready solu- 
bility, owing to which it can enter the circulatory system with 
facility, and modify the condition of the fluids. In chronic scro- 
fulous cases, it produces all the good effects of the preparations 
of iron, without any of the concomitant and subsequent symptoms 
that are so apt to supervene, especially in impressible individuals. 
Where the case is accompanied by vascular erethism, or fulness, 
it must be reduced before the iodide can be esteemed appropriate. 
In chlorosis, occurring in strumous habits, it has been found 
most serviceable. Dr. Ashwell 3 prescribed it with success in such 
cases, in association with colomba or gentian, according to the 
formula given hereafter. Its efficacy in cancer is elucidated by 
Dr. Thomson, by the details of a case of scirrhous mamma, 
which, after protracted and fruitless treatment by other agents — 
as by other preparations of iron combined with conium — ultimately 
yielded to a combination of iodide of iron and conium. Some 
cases are also detailed in which it was very effective in removing 
old syphilitic affections, especially of the skin. M. Baumes, 4 
who employed the iodide with the most satisfactory results in old 
and obstinate syphilitic ulcers, especially when the patient was 
feeble and scrofulous, gave it in the form of pills with extract of 
opium, — increasing the dose of the iodide from two or three to 
twelve or twenty grains in the twenty-four hours. Along with 
the cicatrization of the sores, the improvement of the general 
health was most remarkable. 

1 Magendie, Lecons sur le Sang, &c.; or translation in the Lancet. Jan. 26, 1839. 

2 London Dispensatory, and Brande's Dictionary of Mat. Med., p. 252. Lond., 1839. 
See, also, Solon, in Diet, de Med. et de Chirurg. Pratiq., art. lode ; and Ashwell, in 
Guy's Hospital Reports, pt. i. 128; and pt. iii. 555. 

3 A Practical Treatise on the Diseases Peculiar to Women, American edit., p. 32. 
Philad., 1845. « Medico-Chirurgical Rev., Oct., 1840. 



FERRI IODIDUM. 355 

Prior to the publication of Thomson, Pierquin had given the io- 
dine in cases of leucorrhcea, and amenorrhoza ; and Eager 1 had 
recommended it in scrofula. Ricord 2 found the very best effects 
from its internal use in cases where tonics required to be combined 
with antisyphilitic remedies, especially where any scrofulous vice 
(lymphatisme) constituted a complication. He administered it, 
likewise, with great success, to remove the consequences of 
syphilis; and found it advantageous in atonic ulcers of the legs, 
and in spreading ulcers of the throat, which had been aggra- 
vated or had not yielded to mercury. The strength of M.Ricord's 
solution was half a dram of the iodide to §viij. of water, given, 
we presume, in the twenty-four hours. M. Ricord 3 also uses it in 
the form of injection in cases of blennorrhea: wherever, indeed, 
tonic astringent injections are needed, the iodide, in his opinion, 
should occupy the first rank. Its use, he thinks, can only be 
contraindicated when there is much inflammation or pain in pass- 
ing the urine, or when cystitis exists. The strength of the in- 
jection should be three grains to the fluidounce of water. 

In consequence of its promoting the coagulation of the blood 
out of the body, Magendie 4 prescribed it in the form of injection 
(f gi. to Oij. of water,) several times a day in a case of severe 
uterine hemorrhage. The hemorrhage ceased. 

A case of confirmed diabetes 5 was treated in the Hotel-Dieu of 
Paris, by the iodide given in the form of pill, each pill containing 
five grains. Four pills were taken in the twenty-four hours. In 
this case, the iodide must have been efficacious, for the usual 
animal diet recommended in such cases had failed previously to do 
good, until the iodide was associated with it. 

It has likewise afforded apparent benefit in cases of tubercular 
phthisis, and in the mass of such cases is as well adapted for 
modifying the morbid action of the system of nutrition, so deeply 
implicated in that fatal malady, as any other agent, with the ex- 
ception, perhaps, of cod liver oil. The syrup is the best prepara- 
tion. 

Dr. C. J. B. Williams 6 considers the iodide to answer better 
than any other chalybeate in chorea. It pervades the system 
more rapidly, he thinks, and keeps the secretions more free. He 
gives it in doses of one grain three times a day, increased to four 
or five grains, taking care, at the same time, that the bowels are 
open. 

1 Dublin Journ.of Med. Science, 1834 ; also, Cogswell on Iodine, p. 138. Edinb. 1837. 

3 J. J. L. Rattier, in La Lancette Franchise, 4 Fev., 1837. 

3 J. J. L. Rattier, Ibid. 16 Fev., 1837; see, also, Revue Medicate, Janvier, 1838, 
cited in Amer. Med. Intel., Sept. 15, 1838. 4 Op. cit. 

5 Cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Nov. 5, 1842. The results obtained 
in the Hotel-Dieu are referred to in London Lancet, July 8, 1843, p. 517; see, also, 
M Boissiere, Gazette Med. de Paris, 24 Dec, 1842; cited in Amer. Journ.of the Med. 
Sciences, April, 1843, p. 454. 6 Medical Times, May 24, 1845, p. 133. 



356 FERRI IODIDUM. 

Mr. B. Phillips 1 prefers it in scrofula to any of the preparations 
of iodine. The minimum dose was a grain twice a day; the max- 
imum, three grains, three times a day. In 232 cases, it was only 
necessary to intermit its use for a few days in three cases. In 
one, it excited ptyalism. About once a week he gave an aperient 
or cathartic. In cases of scrofulous ulceration, as a consequence 
of abscess, or from other causes, he employed, with the best effect, 
a lotion containing three or four grains of the iodide to an ounce 
of distilled water. Where parts are irritable, he usually recom- 
mends the ointment of iodine to be applied to the part on lint. 

Stauss 3 gives the case of a young female affected with ascites, 
hydrothorax and anasarca, who had been tapped for the ascites, 
and had taken gratiola and lactuca virosa without any benefit, 
who was cured by a mixture of Tinctura ferri iodid., Tinct. 
cort. aurant. aa. 3ij., and Aq. for. aurantior. ^ij., of which a 
spoonful was given four times a day. Under this, the status 
hydropicus disappeared. 

The author has frequently given this remedy in public and 
private practice, and has considered it especially adapted for those 
cases in which there appears to be torpor in the system of nu- 
trition, as in asthenic dropsy, old visceral engorgements, and 
indeed of hypertrophy of any kind, accompanied by defi- 
cient action in the system of nutrition. In oligemia, where 
there is paucity of red corpuscles of the blood, and the fluid is alto- 
gether too thin, it would seem to be especially indicated, from its 
property, mentioned above, of promoting the coagulation of the 
blood, and, therefore, of inspissating it. Hence, in all cases of 
scorbutic, hydropic and other dyscrasies, and in hemorrhages 
occurring in such pathological conditions, the author has pre- 
scribed it largely, and with excellent effects. It appears to him 
to be the best remedy we possess w 7 herever a eutrophic and tonic 
is indicated. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose of iodide of iron, administered in the cases above 
referred to was generally three or four grains two or three times 
a day. 

Pilulse ferri iodidi. 

Pills of iodide of iron. 

These pills may be prepared in the following manner, according 
to a formula communicated by Mr. Robert Leslie, of Glasgow, to 
Dr. Christison of Edinburgh. 3 Take of iodine, 127 grains; iron 

1 London Med. Gazette, Jan. 10, 1840; see, also, Scrofula; its Nature, Causes, &c. 
by B. Phillips, F. R. S., Amer. edit., p. 248. Philad. 1846. 

a Casper, Wochenschrift, No. 24, cited in Canstatt und Eisenmann's Jahresbericht 
iiber die Fortschritte in der Heilkunde im Jahre 1848, V. 135. 

3 Pharmaceut. Transact., Aug. 1, 1844, p. 79. 



FERRI IODIDUM. 357 

wire, of about the thickness of a thin quill, half an ounce ; dis- 
tilled water, 75 minims. Agitate them briskly together in a strong 
ounce phial provided with a well fitted glass stopper, until the 
froth which forms becomes white. This will happen in less than 
ten minutes. Pour the liquid upon two drams of finely powdered 
loaf sugar in a little water, and triturate immediately and briskly 
for a few minutes; add gradually a mixture of the following pow- 
ders, — liquorice powder, half an ounce; powder of gum Arabic, a 
dram and a half; flour, a dram. Divide the mass into 144 pills. 
Each pill will contain about a grain of iodide of iron. 

Yinum ferri iodidi. 
Wine of iodide of iron. 
R. Ferri iodidi gss. 

Vin Bordgalens. Oj. M. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful, morning and evening. Pierquin? 

Tinctura ferri iodidi. 
Tincture of iodide of iron. 
R. Ferri iodidi gij. 

Alcohol is, 

Aquae, aa. f gij. M. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful, morning and evening. Pierqain. 

Mistura ferri iodidi composita. 
Compound mixture of iodide of iron. 
R. Ferri iodidi gr. xvj. 
Tinct. colomb. seu 

gentianae comp. f ^j. 

Aquae destillat. f^vij. M. 

Dose. — Two table-spoonfuls two or three times a day. 

Jishwell. 
Syrupus ferri iodidi, 
Syrup of iodide of iron. 

Various forms have been given for this preparation. 3 The 
following is the one admitted into the last edition of the Edin- 
burgh Pharmacopoeia:— Take of Iodine (dry,) 200 grains; Fine 
iron wire, recently cleaned, 100 grains; White sugar in powder, 
four ounces and a half; Distilled water, six fluidounces. Eoil the 
iodine, iron and water together in a glass matrass, at first gently, 
to avoid the expulsion of iodine vapour, afterwards briskly till 
about two fluidounces remain. Filter this quickly, while hot, into 

1 Journal de Chimie Medicale, p. 310, Mai, 1831. 

2 Frederking, Repertor.fiirdie Pharmacie, 1839, cited in Amer. Journ. Med. Sciences, 
Feb. 1840, p. 499; Dupasquier, Journ. de Pharm. Mars, 1841, p, 116, and Mars, 1842, 
p. 225; F. Boudet, ibid. Sept. 1841, p. 335; Beral, Journ. de Chim. Med. cited in Amer. 
Journ. of Pharmacy, April, 1841, p. 74 ; A. T. Thomson, Lond. Pharmac. Transactions, 
Aug. 1841; and Leistner, Journ. de Pharmacie, Fevrier, 1842, p. 122. 



358 FERRI IODIDUM. 

a matrass containing the sugar; dissolve the sugar with a gentle 
heat, and add distilled water to make up six fluidounces. 

Twelve minims of this syrup contain one grain of the iodide. 
It ought to be nearly colourless or pale yellowish-green, and with- 
out sediment. Dr. Christison states, that it will always be defect- 
ive in strength "when made with British iodine, as now commonly 
met with in the market, unless allowance be made for the water, 
which it very generally contains in large proportion." 1 

Trochisci ferri iodidi. 

Lozenges of iodide of iron. 

R. Ferri iodidi ^ss. 
Croci pulv. gij. 
Sacchar. ^iv. 
M. fiant trochisci No. 120. 

Dose. — Six to ten, daily. Pierquin. 

Solutio ferri iodidi. 

Solution of iodide of iron. 

(French, Eau d'Hydriodate de Fer.) 

R. Ferri iodidi ^ss. 

Aqua3 Oij. M. 

Added to enemata, lotions and injections. 

R. Ferri iodidi ^ss. ad ^ij. 

Aquse destillat. Oj. M. 

To be added to a general bath in cases of leucorrhcea, amenor- 
rhcea, &c. 

In jectio ferri iodidi. 
Injection of iodide of iron. 
R. Ferri iodid. gr. iij. 

Aquse destillat. f Jvi. M. 

The quantity may be increased to nine grains to the ounce of 
water, care being taken to avoid irritation. 

Used in gonorrhoea. Ricord. 2 

Unguentum ferri iodidi. 

Ointment of iodide of iron. 

R. Ferri iodidi ^iss. 

Adipis §j. M. ut fiat unguentum. 

A piece the size of a hazelnut to be rubbed, morning and even- 
ing, on the inner part of the thigh, in cases of leucorrhcea and 
amenorrhcea. 

' Dispensatory, p. 431. Edinb. 1842. 

' A Practical Treatise on Venereal Diseases, translated by Drummond, Araer. edit p. 
237, 249. Philad. 1843. 



FERRI LACTAS. 359 



LXXXVI. FERRI LACTAS. 

Synonymes. Ferrura lacticura, Lactas ferrosus, Lactate of Iron, Lactate 

of Protoxide of Iron. 
French. Lactate de Fer. 
German. MilchsauresEisenoxyd 3 MilchsaiiresEisenoxyduh 

This preparation was recommended by MM. Gelis and Conte, 
internes at La Charite,in Paris, and has been favourably reported 
upon by M. Bouillaud, in the name of a committee, consisting of 
MM. Bally, Fouquier, and Bouillaud. 1 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

MM. Gelis and Conte prepare lactate of iron by treating pure 
iron filings with lactic acid, diluted with water. M. Louradour 2 
extracts lactic acid from whey, which he collects from the dairies 
in the neighbourhood of Paris, where much cheese is made. The 
whey, exposed a long time to fermentation under the influence of 
an elevated temperature, becomes charged with a large quantity 
of lactic acid. It is evaporated to one-third or one-fourth of its 
volume, decanted and filtered ; and is then saturated with milk of 
lime, which produces an abundant deposit, chiefly of phosphate of 
lime. The filtered solution is precipitated by oxalic acid, and 
again filtered, and then concentrated to a syrupy consistence. It 
is now diluted with alcohol, which precipitates the lactine and the 
salts. The solution, on being filtered, and the alcohol distilled off, 
yields pure lactic acid. Lactate of protoxide of iron is pre- 
pared by digesting in a sand-bath, at a low temperature, this acid, 
diluted with water, upon iron filings. At the end of six or seven 
hours of reaction, the liquid is boiled, filtered, and concentrated; 
when, on cooling, it deposits crystals. These crystals, drained on 
a funnel, and washed with alcohol by displacement, should be 
dried rapidly, and be preserved from any contact with air. The 
salt presents itself under the form of crystalline plates, which are 
very white, and but slightly alterable. It is sparingly soluble in 
water; reddens litmus paper, and possesses the ferruginous taste in 
a tolerable degree. When dissolved in water, it attracts oxygen, 
and quickly becomes yellow. 

The sparing solubility of the lactate has permitted M. Loura- 
dour to simplify still more his process, by omitting the purification 
of lactic acid by alcohol, and treating it immediately with iron 
filings: the liquor, suitably evaporated, affords crystals of the 
lactate: the foreign salts and the lactine remain in the mother 
waters, which are rejected. 

1 .Journal de Pharmacie, cited in Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, July, 1 840, p. 121 . See, 
also, Beral, Journ. de Chimie Medicale, cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharm. April, 1841, p. 
74; and Gelis and Conte, in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1848, p. 
166. Paris, 1848. 

9 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mars, 1840. 



360 FERRI LACTAS. 

As the lactate would seem to be often adulterated with efflo- 
resced sulphate of iron, or the same precipitated with alcohol, or 
with starch or sugar of milk, M. Louradour recommends, that no 
lactate should be used except what is under the form of crystalline 
plates, which do not readily admit of fraud. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Lactate of iron has been used in cases in which protocarbonate 
of iron is employed, and chiefly in chlorosis. MM. Gelis and 
Conte are disposed to refer the beneficial agency of the proto- 
carbonate to its becoming lactate of iron in the stomach, by 
uniting with the lactic acid, which has been presumed to be one 
of the healthy gastric acids. This idea led them to administer 
lactate of iron ready formed. In chlorosis the remedy has been 
given by MM. Fouquier, Bally, Beau, Rayer, Nonat, Andral, 
Bouillaud, Gerdy, Franz, and others, who have collected a great 
number of cases, which show its success in that disease. 2 M. 
Bouillaud 3 made trial of it in twenty-one cases, fourteen of which 
were treated at La Charite. One of the last cases not being de- 
cidedly chlorotic may be excluded. Of the thirteen, ten were 
females, and three males. Of the ten females, eight presented 
well marked chlorosis; two were rather of anaemia. The dose was 
carried to six, eight, ten, twelve, and fifteen lozenges, each con- 
taining about five centigrammes of the salt (gr. |) in the twenty- 
four hours. It was well borne, and always sensibly increased the 
appetite; but, as Mialhe 4 and Pereira 5 remark, there seems to be 
no evidence of its superiority over the citrate or tartrate of iron. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

MM. Gelis and Conte form freshly prepared lactate of iron into 
lozenges, in which the sugar prevents the superoxidation of the 
iron, and preserves the medicine; whilst, at the same time, a form 
is given, which allows of great facility of administration. MM. 
Andral and Fouquier seldom exceed twelve grains of the lactate 
in twenty- four hours; and M. Bouillaud never gives more than 
twenty. 

The following formulae have been proposed by Mr. Cap : 6 

1 Journ. de Pharmacie, and Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Oct. 1840, p. 230. Wohler' 
process is given by Christison, Dispensatory, Amer. edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 978. Philad. 
1848. F. Roder's process, which resembles it, is given in Dierbach. Die neuesten Ent- 
deckungen in der Mat. Med. 3er Band. 2te Abth. S. 856. Heidelb. und Leipz. 1847 
See, also, on this subject, Dispensatory of the United States, 8th edit. p. 1278. Philad" 
1849. 

2 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mars, 1840; also, La Lancette Franchise, cited 
in London Lancet, Feb. 8, 1840, p. 707. 

* Encyclographie des Sciences Medicales, Mars, 1840, p. 226. Academie Royale de 
Medecine de Paris, Seance du 4 Fevrier. 1840. 

4 Traite de l'Art. de forrader, p. 184. Paris, 1845. 

1 Elements of Mat Med. and Therap. 3d edit. i. 790. Lond. 1849. 

• Journal de Pharmacie, and Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Oct. 1840, p. 228. 



FERRI NITRAS. 361 

Trochisci ferri laetatis. 

Lozenges of lactate of iron, 
R. Ferri lactat. ^vij. gr. 43 (30 grammes.) 
Sacchar. ^xiss. (360 grammes.) 
Mucilag. acacise q. s. 

Make into lozenges, each weighing gr. x. (65 centigrammes) 
which will contain gr. I (5 centigrammes) of the salt. 

Syrupns ferri laetatis. 

Syrup of lactate of iron. 
R. Ferri lactat. £i. (4 grammes.) 

Aquas destillat. bullient. ^viss. (200 grammes.) 
Sacchar. alb. ^xiij. (400 grammes.) 

M. Cap considers the use of this syrup to be more convenient 
than that of the lozenges, because the ferruginous taste does not 
remain so long in the mouth. 

Pilulse ferri laetatis. 
Pills of lactate of iron. 
R. Ferri lactat. 

Althaeas pulv. aa. gr. xvss. (1 gramme.) 
Mellis q. s. ut fiant pil. xx. 

Chalybeate bread has been administered in one of the largest 
hospitals of Paris to chlorotic patients, and with the best effects. 
From four to five grains of lactate of iron may be mixed with every 
three and a half ounces of bread, without giving it any unpleasant 
taste or injuring its quality. 1 



LXXXVII. FERRI NITRAS. 

Synonymes. Ferri Pernitras, Ferrum Nitratum sen Nitricum Oxydatum, 

Nitras Ferri, Nitras Ferricus, Nitrate of Iron, Eernitrate of Iron. 
French. Nitrate de Fer. 
German. Salpete r sau r es Eisenoxyd. 

LIQUOR FERRI PERSESQUINITRA'TIS. 

Synonymes. Liquor seu Solutio Nitratis sen Pernitratis Ferri, Liquor 
Ferri Nitrici Oxydati, Solution of Persesquinitrate of Iron, Solution of 
Nitrate of Iron. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

This preparation, which has been introduced of late years into 
practice, may be formed in the following manner: 

Take of small chips or pieces of Iron wire, an ounce and a half; 
Nitric acid, three ounces by measure; Water, twenty-seven 
ounces; Muriatic acid, one dram. Put the iron into an earthen- 
ware vessel, and pour on the nitric acid, previously diluted with 
fifteen ounces of the water. Set the vessel aside till the whole of 

1 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, June, 1841. 



362 FERRI NITRAS. 

the acid has united with the iron, so as to form a persesquinitrate ; 
then decant the liquid from the portion of iron, which remains 
undissolved; strain, and filter. Add the muriatic acid with the 
remainder of the water, or with as much of that liquid as will in- 
crease the whole solution to thirty ounces. When the process is 
finished — which takes some hours — the liquid has a red colour, 
so dark, that when viewed by reflected light, it seems almost 
black. 

Three ounces of nitric acid of the usual strength (1.4) generally 
dissolve an ounce of iron, so that when the process is completed, 
a portion of the metal remains undissolved. The solution then 
consists entirely of persesquinitrate of iron ; and, if speedily 
decanted, it may be preserved in that state ; but if allowed to 
stand for a few hours longer on the iron, it will undergo a farther 
change, becoming gradually converted into pernitrate and protoni- 
trate of iron. The first of these is insoluble, and renders the 
liquid turbid; and the latter, which remains dissolved has not the 
medicinal properties that render the persesquinitrate valuable. 
When the solution contains nothing but nitric acid and peroxide 
of iron, it slowly undergoes decomposition on standing, so that, at 
the end of a few weeks, the whole liquid begins to become tur- 
bid. The addition of some muriatic acid prevents this decom- 
position, and the quantity sufficient for this purpose is too small 
to affect the medicinal powers of the persesquinitrate. The solu- 
tion, when properly prepared, is of a beautiful dark red colour, 
when viewed with transmitted light. Its taste is very astringent, 
and not at all caustic. 1 

A formula, since given by Mr. Kerr, is the following. Take of 
Iron wire, (No. 17,) one ounce; nitric acid, three fluidounces ; 
water, fifty-seven ounces; muriatic acid, a dram. Mix the 
nitric acid with fifteen ounces of water in an earthen vessel, capa- 
ble of holding three or four times the quantity. Put into this the 
iron wire broken into a number of pieces : cover the vessel lightly. 
In eight or twelve hours, the solution must be poured off, and the 
remainder of the water, with the muriatic acid, be added. 

The formula admitted into the last edition of the Dublin Phar- 
macopoeia 2 is the following. Take of fine Iron wire, free from 
rust, jj, (avoirdupois;) pure nitric acid, three fluidounces; dis- 
tilled ivater, a sufficient quantity. Into the acid first diluted with 
gxvj. of the water introduce the iron wire, and leave them in con- 
tact until gas ceases to be disengaged. Filter, and add as much 
water as will make the bulk one pint and a half, (f ^xxx.) 

1 Kerr, in American Journal of the Medical Sciences, for May, 1832, cited from the 
Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal. 

2 The Pharmacopoeia of the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland, 1850, 
p. 88. Dublin, 1850. 






PERRI NITRAS. 



363 



EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
This preparation greatly resembles solution of chloride of iron 
in its medicinal properties. Mr. Kerr considers, that to an as- 
tringent power it unites that of diminishing the irritability and 
tenderness of the mucous membranes with which it comes in 
contact; and, of late, he has called attention to it as a remedy in 
cholera. 1 In chronic diarrhoea an experience of eighteen years 
has proved its great value ; but he has not found it serviceable 
where ulceration of the bowels is present; and, therefore, he thinks 
it not applicable in the diarrhoea of phthisis. Kopp adminis- 
tered it with the greatest success in many cases of chronic diai*- 
rhcea, that had resisted every approved remedy. The faeces were 
blackened by it, as by the preparations of iron in general. He 
remarks that it must be continued for some time. The dose he 
gave was ten drops several times a day in oatmeal gruel, and 
this was gradually raised to twenty and twenty-five drops. When 
the cure was accomplished, the remedy was gradually diminished, 
until it was left off altogether. 2 Dr. Graves 3 speaks in equally 
high terms of the persesquinitrate in these cases; and Dr. T. C, 
Adam, of Lenawee County, Michigan, has recorded the remark- 
able assistance which he has derived from its use in the treat- 
ment of several diseases, especially diarrhoea and other affec- 
tions of the mucous membranes accompanied by discharges. 4 
In chronic diarrhoea, depending mainly on an excess in the sen- 
sibility of the organic nerves which supply the digestive tube, 
Dr. Adam rarely orders less than fifteen drops at the commence- 
ment, and after a few days' employment of the remedy, he in- 
creases the quantity to twenty, twenty-five, and thirty drops. 
In leucorrhcea, occurring in such as are pale, exanguious, feeble, 
and languid, the internal, conjoined with the external, use of the 
persesquinitrate has been found very advantageous. In these 
cases, Dr. Adam adds such a quantity of water as a diluent as 
will still leave in the vagina a gentle degree of heat or smarting. 
Dr. Adam recommends it, also, in cases of aphthous sores; and 
he affirms that its application has afforded relief in toothach. 
Dr. J.W.Williams 5 employed it successfully in the diarrhoea and 
intestinal hemorrhage of typhoid fever. 

Mr. Kerr gave it in a case of urticaria, which yielded speedily, 
after having resisted other remedies. He found it also potent in 
allaying hiccough. 

It is, doubtless, a powerful astringent, but it is questionable 
whether it possesses any advantage over the tincture of chloride of 
iron. 

1 Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Jan. 1848. 

2 See, also, Twining on the Diseases of India, i. 217. Calcutta, 1835. 

3 Clinical Lectures, Amer. Med. Library edition, p. 128. Philad. 1838. 

4 Amer. Journal of the Medical Sciences, May, 1839, p. 61. 
* Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, April 7, 1841. 



364 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 

LXXXVIII. FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 

Synonymes. Ferri Sesquioxidum Hydratum, Ferrugo, Hydras Ferricus, 
Ferrum Oxydatum Hydratum, F.O. Hydricum, Oxidum Ferri seu Ferri- 
cum Hydratum, Hydro-oxide of Iron, Hydroxide of Iron, Hydrated 
Oxide of Iron, Hydrated Peroxide of Iron, Hydrated Tritoxide of Iron, 
Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron, Oxyhydrate of Iron. 

German. Eisenoxydhydrat, Wasserhaltiges Eisenoxyd. 

Hydrated oxide of iron has been introduced into practice as an 
antidote to white arsenic. Dr. Bunsen, of Gottingen, had already 
made frequent experiments with it, which satisfied him, that it was 
an efficacious agent; but, along with Dr. Berthold, 1 he subjected 
it to fresh trials. The results of their investigations were published, 
and since then it has received attention every where. 
METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The best mode of preparing it ; according to Dr. Bunsen, is to 
take a solution of pure sulphate of iron > increase the dose of oxy- 
gen by treating it with nitric acid, and precipitate the oxide by 
adding pure ammonia in excess, — washing the precipitate. In or- 
der not to deprive the precipitate of its water, and to diminish its 
loose state of aggregation as little as possible, it is not filtered, but 
is put aside for a few days, until the precipitate is wholly deposit- 
ed, after which the supernatant fluid is poured off. It is then kept 
in well-stopped vessels. 

Riecke 2 has added the formula for pharmaciens, which is re- 
commended by Von Specz: — 

R. Vitrioli ferri puri crystallizati libram; teratur in pulv. subtiliss. et 
detur in vas. porcellan. aut murrhinum, impositum balneo arense ; dein 
adde acidi nitrici concentrati lbss.; terantur ope baculi vitrei usque dum 
massa resolvitur in pultem ; nunc, igne animato, masses pultaceae calidse 
affunde sensim terendo, sensim acid, nitric, concentrat. q. s. donee nullum 
amplius evolvatur gas nitrosum. Massa tunc leni igne evaporetur ad 
siccitatem et solvatur demura in aq.destill. q. s.; solutioni filtratse instil- 
letur ammonia puree q. s. donee praecipitatio cesset: stent nunc per horam 
unam alteramve et liquor limpidus a sedimento bruneo decantetur; mas- 
sae residuae fundum petenti adfunde aq. destillat. lbiij. et agitentur; nunc 
filtra, et prsecipitatum in filtro aq. destill. q. s. edulcora donee aqua in- 
sipida defluat. Prsecipitatum bene edulcoratum in umbra, siccatum con- 
vertat. in pulv. subtilissim. qui servetur vase vitreo bene clauso. 3 

1 Das Eisenoxydhydrat ein Gegengift der arsenigen Saure. Gotting. 1834. 

2 Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 227. Stuttgart, 1837. 

3 " Take of pure crystallised sulphate of iron a pound ; rub it into a subtle pow- 
der, and place it in a porcelain or glass vessel in a sand-bath; then add half a pound of 
concentrated nitric acid; stir them with a glass rod until the mass is resolved into a soft 
paste ; then — the fire being raised — pour gradually on the hot pultaceous mass concen- 
trated nitric acid, until no more nitrous gas is evolved. Let the mass be evaporated by 
a gentle heat to dryness, and at last be dissolved in a sufficient quantity of distilled water. 
Into the filtered solution drop pure ammonia so long as any precipitate occurs; let it now 
stand for an hour or two, and then pour off the limpid liquor from the brown sediment. 
On the residuary mass remaining at the bottom, pour three pounds of distilled water, and 
shake them together: filter and wash the precipitate on the filter with distilled water, until 
the water is tasteless. The well-washed precipitate dried in the shade forms a subtle 
powder, which may be kept in a well closed vessel" 






, 



FERRI 0XIDUM HYDRATUM. 365 

Lassaigne advises it to be prepared as follows: — Take iron 
filings: pour gradually upon them four times their weight of the 
nitric acid of commerce in small portions. Heat is thereby deve- 
loped, and deutoxide of nitrogen, which is transformed by the atmo- 
spheric air into nitrous acid vapours. When the evolution of gas 
has ceased, ten or twelve parts of water are added ; the mixture is 
then filtered, and ammonia added until the mixture begins to exhi- 
bit an alkaline reaction. The precipitate, thus formed, is the hy- 
drated oxide of iron, which is collected on the filter, and washed 
with boiling water until it is tasteless, and ceases to exhibit any 
alkaline characters. 

The mode of preparation recommended by Majeste, agrees with 
this, except that he boils one part of iron filings with four of 
nitric acid and four of muriatic acid. 

The following form was advised by the late Dr. William R. 
Fisher, 1 who asserted that it w T as subjected to practice by Mr. 
Durand, an able pharmacien of Philadelphia, who obtained a per- 
fect result, with a satisfactory economy of material. Take of sul- 
phuric acid, (67° Baume,) 8 oz. or 16 parts; iron wire, 8 oz. or 
16 parts ; nitric acid, (49° Baume,) 5J oz. or 11 parts ; water of 
ammonia, as much as is sufficient; water, a gallon and a half, or 
384 parts. Mix the sulphuric acid with the water in a glass ves- 
sel. Add the iron, and, after the effervescence has ceased, filter. 
Add the nitric acid in divided portions, and apply heat so long as 
orange-coloured fumes are given off. To the heated solution, pour 
in the water of ammonia until a decided excess has been added ; 
then wash the precipitate by decantation, until the washings give 
no precipitate with nitrate of baryta. The water is then to be 
drawn off until just enough remains to give the consistence of thick 
cream. 

It has been supposed that this preparation is not injured by 
keeping ; but some careful experiments by Mr. Wm. Procter, 
Junr., 2 show, that even when kept under water its power of neu- 
tralizing arsenious acid gradually decreases ; that if kept in the 
form of a thick magma, it will retain its properties longer than 
when mixed with much water ; and that this decrease of power is 
probably owing to a change in the relative proportion of the ox- 
ide, and the w T ater chemically combined with it, as well as to an 
alteration in its state of aggregation. Mr. Procter advises, that 
a ferruginous solution similar to that directed in the United States 
Pharmacopoeia should be kept in every shop as a source for 
obtaining the peroxide; that the solution of ammonia should 
be added to it w 7 hen the demand occurs, and the peroxide be 
separated in the manner advised in the Pharmacopoeia. In this 
mode the first doses may be given in ten or fifteen minutes. In 

1 American Journal of Pharmacy, vol. vi. No. 1, April, 1840. 

2 Ibid. April, 1842, p. 37. 

24 



366 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 

the mean time, however, the moist peroxide prepared according 
to the Pharmacopoeia should be given, and if recently prepared 
it may be sufficient; but for the reasons adduced by Mr. Procter 
it is advisable that the recent oxide should always be adminis- 
tered, especially where the amount of poison taken has been 
large. 1 

The form for this preparation admitted into the last edition of 
the Pharmacopoeia of the United States (1842,) is the following : 
Take of Sulphate of iron, ^iv.; Sulphuric acid, f 3iijss.; Nitric 
acid, f 5vj., or a sufficient quantity; Solution of ammonia, a 
sufficient quantity; Water, Oij. Dissolve the sulphate in the 
water, and, having added the sulphuric acid, boil the solution; 
then add the nitric acid in small portions, boiling the liquid for 
a minute or two after each addition, until the acid ceases to pro- 
duce a dark colour. Filter the liquid, allow it to cool, and add 
solution of ammonia in excess, stirring the mixture briskly. Wash 
the precipitate with water, until the washings cease to yield a 
precipitate with chloride of barium, and keep it in close bottles 
with water sufficient to cover it. a 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

If a solution of arsenious acid be decomposed by freshly preci- 
pitated oxyhydrate of iron suspended in water, traces of arsenic can 
no longer be detected in the filtered liquid made acid and tested 
by a stream of sulpho-hydric acid gas. To throw down one part 
of arsenic, in this manner, requires a quantity of the oxyhy- 
drate, which contains at least ten or twelve parts of oxide of iron. 
Yet, even where a smaller quantity is employed, the arsenious 
acid is almost wholly separated, as a stream of sulpho-hydric 
acid gas affords only very slight traces of sulphuret of arsenic 
in the filtered and acidulated liquid. When the substances are 
previously heated, or the arsenious acid is exposed in small por- 
tions to the precipitating agent, the reaction is still slighter. If a 
few drops of ammonia be added to water in which the oxyhydrate 
of iron is suspended, and the mixture be digested with finely pow- 
dered arsenious acid, an insoluble arsenite of iron is formed ; a 
circumstance, which would encourage the belief — even had it not 
been sanctioned by experience — that freshly prepared oxyhydrate 
of iron may serve as an antidote to arsenic; — the union between it 
and arsenious acid forming — as has been seen — an insoluble com- 
pound, devoid of all poisonous influence on the economy, and only 
exciting gastric oppression when given in large doses. 

Accurate microscopical investigation, in experiments on ani- 
mals that had taken arsenious acid in the solid form mixed with 
the oxyhydrate, exhibited to the discoverer of the antidote, that 

1 Procter, loc. citat. 

9 Pharmacopoeia of the United States, p. 112. Philad. 1842. 



FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 367 

under the influence of animal heat and the peristaltic motion, it 
had become completely converted into subarseniate of protoxide of 
iron, and thus rendered innocuous. Such was the 'result of the 
observations of Boulet, 1 Orfila, Chevallier, Lassaigne, Soubeiran 
and Miquel, 3 Nonat, Borelli and Demaria, 3 Lesueur, Boulay, fils, 4 
Monod, 5 Von Specs, Mackenzie, 6 D. Maclagan, 7 and others. 8 On 
the other hand, the experiments of Brett, 9 Reginald Orton, 10 and 
Cramer, were unfavourable ; but Messrs. Bunsen and Berthold 
remark, that the experiments of those gentlemen could not be ex- 
pected to be successful, as they were made with doses of arsenic 
of from two to nine grains; and the stomach of the rabbit cannot 
retain more than from one-ninth to one-half the quantity of the an- 
tidote, prepared according to their formula, which is necessary to 
neutralize that quantity of the poison. 11 

Messrs. Bunsen and Berthold, from the results they have ob- 
tained, recommend the oxy hydrate as the chief antidote in all cases 
of poisoning by arsenic; and they advise emetics to be associated 
with it — along with the agents hitherto employed; first, when the 
quantity of the poison taken has been considerable, and, therefore, 
a very large quantity of the antidote is demanded ; secondly, when, 
at the same time, substances containing tannic acid, as infusion of 
green tea, or sulpho-hydric acid developed after the eating of 
eggs, may be suspected in the alimentary canal, — as these sub- 
stances are closely related to the antidote, and may weaken its 
action; and, thirdly, when, prior to taking the poison, the stomach 
has been overloaded with food, and is, therefore, capable of re- 
ceiving only a small quantity of the antidote. But, whether vomit- 
ing maybe excited or not, recourse must be had to the oxyhydrate 
as speedily as possible. Tepid mucilaginous drinks may also be 
given to envelop the particles of arsenic that may exist in the 
compartments of the stomach. If the quantity of the poison taken 
be unknown, the antidote may be administered in a considerable 
dose, and if the patient should vomit, it may be given after- 
wards in smaller quantity. But, if no vomiting should arise, it is 
recommended that he should continue to take the oxyhydrate until 
the arsenite of iron formed has had time to pass into the intestinal 
tube; and even after this it may be persevered with in small doses 
for a time, as portions of arsenic may possibly remain behind un- 
changed. With the same view, the oxyhydrate may be thrown up 

1 Gaz. Med. de Paris, 1834. 

8 Bullet. General de Therap. Dec. 1834. 

3 Br. and For. Med. Rev. April, 1836, p, 594. 

4 Journal Hebdom. des Progres des Sciences Medic. 14 Mars, 1835. 

s Gazette Medicale, 22 Aout, 1835, and Annales d'Hygiene, &c. xiv. 13 '). 

6 London Lancet, April 4, 1840. 

' Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, July, 1840. 

8 T.R. Beck, Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, July, 1841, p. 90. 

9 London Medical Gazette, xv. 220. 10 Lancet, JNV. 8, 1834. 
u See, also, Maclagan, op. cit. 



368 • FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 

in the way of clyster, whenever it is presumable that the com- 
pound, formed by the oxyhydrate and the arsenic, has reached the 
lower portion of the bowels. To aid this, cathartics may be ad- 
ministered. Of these, castor oil, which would first suggest itself, 
might interfere, it has been conceived, with the operation of the 
antidote. Sulphate of magnesia, or any of the neutral salts, should 
have the preference. 

The antidote may be given suspended in w^ater. Experience 
has shown Messrs. Bunsen and Berthold, that from ten to twenty 
parts of hydrated oxide of iron are more than sufficient to convert 
one part of arsenious acid into the basic salt of iron. 

As the quantity of arsenic in the stomach and intestines can 
scarcely ever be appreciated, it is considered by them advisable, 
to allow the patient to take as large doses of the oxyhydrate as the 
stomach can tolerate ; and it is of essential importance that it should 
be taken as hot as it can be borne. When the arsenious acid has 
been swallowed in the undissolved state — in the form of powder, 
or in larger or smaller pieces — it is necessary, in order to aid its 
solution, and to effect a speedy union with the oxide of iron, to 
add a small quantity of pure ammonia to the antidote, until a 
slight alkaline re-action is evinced. As the ammonia does not 
enter into the composition of the salt formed, and, consequently, 
only plays a secondary part, ten or twenty drops may be sufficient 
for the purpose. In the uncertainty as to the precise quantity of 
poison that has been taken, it has been recommended, that to an 
adult a table-spoonful, and to children a dessert-spoonful should be 
given every five or ten minutes until relief from the urgent symp- 
toms is obtained. 1 

The various experiments that have been instituted on animals 
have showm the protective power of the hydrated oxide: it must 
be borne in mind, however, in all such experiments made on dogs, 
that they readily reject the poison by vomiting; but if the poison 
be retained in the stomach by a ligature passed round the oeso- 
phagus, it exerts its accustomed deleterious effects. 3 It would 
seem, also, that the same result occurs if the dose of the arsenic 
be too small to induce vomiting. The animal may then die of 
the poison. 3 

It w r ould appear, that cases have occurred, in which this anti- 
dote has saved the lives of some who might have been destroyed 
without its agency. Buzorini 4 had a case in which about thirty- 
five grains of arsenic had been swallowed, and where it was suc- 
cessful, although twenty-four hours had elapsed since the poison 
had been taken; but this cannot be regarded as very satisfactory, 

1 T. R. Beck, Amer. Journ. of Med. Sciences, July, 1841, p. 05. 
- MM. Miquel and Soubeiran, Bullet. General de Therapeutique, Dec. 1834. See,on 
this subject, l)r Joseph E. Muse in Amer. Med. Intelligencer, for April 2, 1838. 
3 Robert B. Hall, in Amer. Med Intelligencer, for Sept. 15, 1838, p. 181. 
* La Laucette Francaise, Nov. 17, 1835. 



FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 369 

inasmuch as the patient might probably have been saved by ordi- 
nary means. In another case, which was also treated by the anti- 
dote at a late period, marked alleviation of the suffering was in- 
duced. Three cases are related by Majeste, two by Bineau, 1 one 
by Benoist, and one by Geoffroy 2 of Paris, which were treated suc- 
cessfully in the same manner. The subject of the last was a hair- 
dresser, thirty-five years of age, who, in a paroxysm of delirium 
tremens, swallowed a dram and a half of arsenic. Half an hour 
afterwards, the antidote was given suspended in water. He drank, 
in twelve hours, all the hydrated oxide produced by the decom- 
position of five ounces and five drams of the sulphate of iron. He 
had no violent colic; and, twenty-four hours afterwards, experi- 
enced scarcely any uneasiness. A successful case has, also, been 
related by Mr. John Robson, house-surgeon to the Warrington 
Dispensary. 3 

Dr. Richard H. Thomas, of Baltimore, 4 has published a case, 
in which it was believed that twenty grains of arsenic had been 
taken, which was relieved by the hydrated oxide, administered 
six hours after the poison was swallowed: there was no vomiting; 
but thirst, burning pain, and exquisite tenderness at the epigastrium 
existed, denoting endo-gastritis. Half a fluidounce of hydrated 
oxide, which was in the wet state, and about the consistence of 
thick cream, was given in a tumbler of cool water, and the dose 
was directed to be repeated every ten or fifteen minutes in tw T o 
ounces of water, eight ounces of the suspended oxide were taken 
in the twenty-four hours, after w T hich the patient seemed free from 
disease. " The length of time — six hours" — says Dr. Thomas, 
" before any very severe symptoms supervened, and before the 
antidote was administered, at first caused me to think that the 
patient might have been deceived. Professor Von Specs, of 
Vienna, however, asserts, 'that a dram of arsenic, in powder, does 
not produce its deadly effect on the system in Jess than six or 
eight hours, while the same quantity, dissolved in warm water, 
destroys life in a much shorter time. 5 In the present instance, it 
was swallowed in a dry state, covered with sugar. The prompt 
relief which followed the exhibition of the peroxide is also con- 
firmatory of the impression that the poison w 7 as really taken." 

A case has been published by M. Deville, 5 which was treated 
by this remedy, but as the patient vomited much, and the vomited 
matters were not examined, it is doubtful what was its agency. 

i Journal des Connalssances Medico-Chirurgicales, Nov. 1835. 

2 Journal de Med. et de Chirurg. Pratiq. Sept. 1835; cited in Brit, and For, Med 
Rev., April, 1836, p. 572. 

3 Lond. Med. Gaz. Nov. 5, 1836. 

4 American Medical Intelligencer, for July 16, 1838, p. 167. 

1 Revue Medicale Franq. et Etrangere, Sept. 1838; see, also, Br. and For. Med. Rev. 
and Johnson's Med.-Chir. Rev. for April, 1839; and Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, 
May, 1839, p. 243. 



370 FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. 

Between five and six hours elapsed before it could be procured. 
These remarks apply still more forcibly to a case reported by Dr. 
Chaloner, 1 the subject of which took at eight o'clock, p. m. about 
half an ounce of arsenic, after which he vomited incessantly, and 
did not take the hydrated oxide until three p. m. on the day fol- 
lowing. He got well; and the vomiting appeared to be relieved 
by it. More recently, several cases of the successful exhibition of 
the hydrated oxide have been published ; one by M. Ansroul, of 
Brussels; 2 seven by Puchelt, 3 of Heidelberg; one by Dr. Mac- 
donald; 4 one by Dr. Chilton; 5 and one by Dr. Murray, 6 of India, 
Drs. Smiley and Wallace, 7 of Philadelphia, administered it to a 
family of eight persons. Death followed in two cases. The 
antidote could not be retained by them, but was rejected imme- 
diately. In all the other cases, which recovered, the symptoms 
were mitigated. 

As recommended in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States, 
the hydrated oxide should be kept in the shops, ready mixed with 
a definite quantity of water, in order that it may be always at 
hand, so as to be administered without delay ; and the recommen- 
dation is good. Even if not to be trusted to alone, the evidence 
is quite sufficient to show, that it ought to be regarded as an im- 
portant element in the treatment of every case in which arsenic 
has been taken. 

A commission of the Academie Royale de Medecine, 8 composed 
of MM. Deville, Sandras, Nonat and Guibourt, recommend that 
four ounces of dry hydrated oxide of iron, the subcarbonate of 
iron of the shops, or sesquioxide of iron, should be suspended in 
twenty-four ounces of water, and a good glassful of the mixture 
be taken every ten minutes. After four ounces are consumed, 
fresh doses of the same mixture may be administered in like 
manner, and the patient should not be considered out of danger, 
until he has taken at least half an ounce of the peroxide for each 
grain of arsenious acid supposed to have remained in the stomach. 

Instead of pure hydrated oxide, Von Specs 9 employed sub- 
stances in which the peroxide is known to exist in considerable 
quantity, and which require no previous preparation, as rust of 
iron, and haematite, {red iron ore,) and, from his experiments, he 
is led to conclude that although these substances do not prevent 

1 Medical Examiner, April 18, 1840, p. 251. 

7 Annales de la Societe de Medecine de Gand, Avril, 1840, cited in Encyclographie 
des Sciences Medicales, Mai> 1840, p. 494. , 

3 Heidelberg Medicinisch. Annal. B. v.; cited in Encyclographie des Sciences Medi- 
cales, Mai. 1840. 

* New York Journal of Med. and Surg. iii. 205. s Ibid. p. 54. 

6 Calcutta Med. Journ. Dec. 1837, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med Sciences, Feb. 
1839. p. 503. ' Philad. Med. Examiner, iii. 679. 

8 Revue Medicale, Mai et Juin, 1839. 

9 Med. Jahrbucher des k. k. 6. St., B. xix. S. 621. Wien, 1836; and Ibid. B. xx. 
S. 149. Wien, 18:56. Cited in Brit, and For. Med. Review, July, 1837, p. 237. 



FERRI PROTOCARBONAS. 371 

all the bad effects of arsenic on the system, they may — in the 
absence of the hydra ted oxide — be employed as antidotes to that 
poison. The rust of iron has the advantage of being readily pro- 
curable. 

A case has been published by M. Batilliat, 1 which induced him 
to infer, that the hydrated oxide, dried in the air, is as jefflcacious 
as that which is kept moist. It certainly would seem that the 
dry hydrated oxide — the Ferri Subcarbonas of the Pharma- 
copoeia of the United States, (1842,) — possesses the power to a 
considerable extent, of neutralizing arsenious acid; 2 and hence 
it ought to be used in the absence of the moist and fresh prepa- 
ration. The latter, however, as already remarked, may be ob- 
tained in a condition fit for use in ten or fifteen minutes, by using 
a solution of the persulphate of iron. 3 The experiments of M. 
Guibert 4 would seem to show, that the subcarbonate of iron, as 
ordinarily prepared, is about three times less active in neutralizing 
arsenic than the dry hydrate prepared with ammonia, and six 
times less active than the same hydrate in the moist state. 

A case has been reported by Dr. Spath, of Esslingen, 5 in which 
the hydrated oxide was administered as an antidote to Scheele's 
green — Jirseniate of Copper. A boy, three years of age, poi- 
soned himself by licking a shell covered with the poison. Half 
an hour afterwards, he became pale: violent vomiting soon came 
on, with diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen and burning thirst. The 
hydrated oxide was given in divided doses in warm water, and in 
half an hour the vomiting, diarrhoea, colic and thirst ceased, and 
the next day all the symptoms had disappeared. 



LXXXIX. FERRI PROTOCAR'BONAS. 

Synonymes. Ferri Carbonas, Protocarbonate of Iron, Carbonate of Iron. 
French. Protocarbonate de Fer. 
German. Kohlensaur e s Eisen. 

Precipitated carbonate of iron contains but little carbonic acid, 
— the remainder being chiefly peroxide of iron. The name has 
indeed been changed — in the last London Pharmacopoeia — to 
" sesquioxide of iron." The protocarbonate readily absorbs oxy- 
gen, and, consequently, becomes converted into the sesquioxide; 
and this is an objection commonly urged both against the Mis- 

1 Journal de Chimie Medicale, Janvier, 1.840. 2 T. R. Beck, loc. citat. 

3 W. Procter, Junr., Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, April, 1842, p. 37, and the Report 
of the Committee of the College of Pharmacy on his paper, Ibid. p. 39. 

4 Bullet. General deTherap., Dec, 1841, cited in Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, 
Oct., 1842, p. 490. 

5 Journal des Connaissances Medico-Chirurg., Mars, 1840. Archives de Medecine, 
Fevrier, 1842; cited in Journal de Pharmacie, Mars, 1842, p. 269. 



372 FERRI PROTOCARBONAS. 

tura Ferri Composita, and the Pilulas Ferri Composite, of 
the Pharmacopoeias. M. Vallet has discovered a method of ob- 
viating the objection, which consists in mixing the protocarbonate 
with saccharine matter. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The following method is given by Mr. Procter 1 as a simplifica- 
tion of M. Vallet's process. Take of Protosulphate of iron, 
(pure,) sixteen parts; Carbonate of Soda, (crystallized,) nine- 
teen parts; Pure honey, nine parts; Syrup, a sufficient quantity. 
Dissolve the sulphate in half a gallon of water, at the temperature 
of 180° Fahrenheit, and the carbonate of soda in a like quantity; 
to each of these solutions add four ounces of syrup; and then 
mix them in a jar, which should afterwards be entirely filled 
with sweetened water, and the access of air be prevented. After 
the precipitate has subsided, decant the supernatant fluid, and 
wash it with sweetened water, in the jar, until deprived of the 
adhering sulphate of soda. After the carbonate is thus purified, 
throw the precipitate on a flannel cloth ; express forcibly, and mix 
it with the honey. The mixture should then be reduced by eva- 
poration as rapidly and carefully as possible, to a pilular consist- 
ence. The mass constitutes the "Ferruginous Pills" of M. 
Vallet. 

The following form, founded on the above, has been introduced 
into the Pharmacopoeia of the United States, (1842.) 

Pilnlae ferri carbonatis. 
Pills of carbonate of iron. 

(Vallefs Ferruginous Pills.) 

Take of Sulphate of iron, 3iv.; Carbonate of soda, %v.; Cla- 
rified honey, ^iiss. ; Syrup, Boiling water, each a sufficient 
quantity. Dissolve the sulphate of iron and carbonate of soda, 
each, in a pint of the water, and to each solution add a fluidounce 
of syrup; then mix the two solutions in a bottle just large enough 
to contain them, close it accurately with a stopper, and set it by 
that the carbonate of iron may subside. Pour off the supernatant 
liquid, and having washed the precipitate with warm water, 
sweetened with syrup in the proportion of a fluidounce of the 
latter to a pint of the former, until the washings no longer have a 
saline taste, place it upon a flannel cloth, and express as much of 
the water as possible; then immediately mix it with the honey. 
Lastly, heat the mixture by means of a water bath, until it attains 
a pilular consistence. 

A formula for the Ferri Carbonas Saccharatum is intro- 
duced into the last edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. On 
the continent of Europe the preparation is known under the name 

1 Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Jan., 1839, p. 272. 



FERRI PROTOCARBONAS. 373 

of Klauer's Ferrum Carbonicum Saccharatum. 1 It is in the 
Pharmacopoeia of Baden. 2 

When prepared'in this manner, the protocarbonate has a dark 
olive colour, strong ferruginous taste, contains about 30 per cent. 
of protoxide of iron, and, if carefully prepared, dissolves wholly 
and directly in acids. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The pills of M. Vallet have been prescribed in most of the dis- 
eases in which chalybeates in general are considered to be indi- 
cated; and especially in chlorosis and amenorrhea. 3 It has 
been affirmed, that in cases in which the alterative effects of iron 
are proper, Vallet's preparation is superior to any other derived 
from that metal. 4 This can only be decided therapeutically; and 
as yet the trials have been too few. The author has exhibited it 
freely, but has not had reason to assign it any pre-eminence. It 
is certainly preferable to any other form of preparing the proto- 
carbonate for medical use, in consequence of its stability, but it 
has to be determined, whether the conversion into the sesquioxide 
renders it less efficacious as a medicine. Blaud, as will be seen 
presently, says distinctly not. Fifteen grains of this preparation 
have been observed to occasion sickness; and ten grains, twice a 
day, have produced headach and a sense of fulness in the head. 5 
The author has never witnessed such effects from its administra- 
tion. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The mass of pilular consistence, described above, may be made 
up into pills, each weighing three grains, and containing some- 
what less than a grain and a half of proto-carbonate. They may 
be given to the extent of eight or ten pills daily, and be continued 
for weeks, if necessary. 



A medicine which greatly resembles the Pilulse Ferri Com- 
positde of the Pharmacopoeias, and in which the iron, when it is 
newly prepared, is in the state of protocarbonate, has acquired 
great celebrity in the south of France on account of its beneficial 
effects in chlorosis. It is given in the form of pill, and is called 
after its inventor, — M. Blaud, senior physician to the Hospital of 
' Beaucaire, — " Blaud's Pills." Blaud's formula for the prepara- 
tion of his pills is as follows: — Take of Gum tragacanth, in 
powder, six grains; Water, one dram. Macerate in a glass or 

1 Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica, &c, 2d edit., p. 861. London, 1842, or 2d 
Amer. edit. Philad. 1846. 

9 Oesterlen, Handbuch der Heilmittellehre, S. 457. Tubing. 1845. 

3 Soubeiran, Rapport surles nouvelles pilules ferrugineuses de M. Vallet, in Bulletin 
General de Therapeutique, Mai, 1838, cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharm., x. 244. See, 
also, Berthemot, in Bull. General de Therapeut. Juillet, 1839. 

4 Wood and Bache's Dispensatory of the United States, 8th edit. Phila. 1849. 
* Christison, Dispensatory, p. 426. Edinb., 1842. 



374 FERRI PROTOCARBONAS. 

porcelain mortar, until a thick mucilage is formed; and if it be de- 
sired to prevent the formation of peroxide of iron, and to make 
the pills similar to those of Vallet, substitute — says M. Blaud — a 
dram of powdered sugar for the mucilage. Add, afterwards, of 
Sulphate of iron, in powder, half an ounce. Beat well, until the 
mixture is quite homogeneous; and add, of Carbonate of potassa, 
half an ounce. Beat until the mass, which soon becomes of a yel- 
lowish-green colour, passes to a deep green, and assumes a soft 
consistence. Divide into 48 pills or boluses; which M. Blaud 
considers sufficient for the cure of a chlorotic patient. 1 M. Gui- 
bourt substitutes the bicarbonate for the simple carbonate or sub- 
carbonate; and he gives as reasons: First, the avoidance of a very 
alkaline salt, an excess of which may prove prejudicial to the 
stomach; and, Secondly, the formation of a double carbonate of 
potassa and iron, which is, of all the compounds of iron, the most 
fitted for absorption by the economy, as it is not only soluble, but 
not astringent. His form is the following: — Take of pure crys- 
tallized sulphate of iron, crystallized bicarbonate of potassa, 
each four drams; powdered gum Arabic, one dram; powdered 
marshmallows, half a dram. Mix and divide in ninety-six pills. 2 
A proper objection made to Blaud's pills is their excessive size; 
and farther it has been urged, that a chemical change quickly occurs 
in the mass; the carbonate of the protoxide being, after a short 
time, converted into the sesquioxide of iron. 3 Blaud, 4 however, 
maintains properly, that the virtue of medicines cannot be appre- 
ciated from chemical experiments: " It is," he remarks, " to thera- 
peutical trials, and not to chemical experiments that we must have 
recourse, to learn accurately the medical properties of any agent. 
What signifies it to practitioners that my pills contain little or no 
protoxide of iron, provided they cure chlorosis?" To prove that 
they .do possess this power, Blaud adduces a long list of cases in 
which a cure was obtained in three or four weeks. To prevent, 
however, the change to which the chemists object, but which 
Blaud appears rather to regard with favour, M. Adorne has sug- 
gested the addition of sugar, and the pulvis althaeae according to 
the following form: — Take of Sulphate of iron, recently pre- 
pared, according to the method of BonsdorfT, 5 which is a pure sul- 
phate; Carbonate of potassa, or, what is better, Carbonate of 
soda; Powdered root of marshmallow and Sugar, each, half 
an ounce; Mucilage of gum Arabic, as much as is sufficient. — 
Make into ninety-six pills, which must be covered with a very 
fine layer of gum and sugar, aromatized with essential oil, to cor- 
rect the disagreeable odour. 6 With similar views, M. Simonin, 

1 Revue Medicate, Mars^ 1832, Dec. 1838. 

3 Pharmacopee Raisonnee, i. 383; cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharm., April, 1839, p. 61. 
3 Soubeiran, Bull. General de Therap., Mai, 1838. " Ibid. 

8 See Wood and Baches Dispensatory, 4th edit, p. 906. Phila., 1839. 
6 Bulletin Medical du Midi, Janvier, 1839; cited in Encyclographie des Sciences 
Medicales, Mars, 1839. 



FERRI PROTOCARBONAS. 375 

of Nancy, has proposed the following formula for the preparation 
of Bland's pills, which, he considers, has the double merit of prompt 
and easy execution, and of furnishing pills which keep without 
undergoing alteration. Take of Protosulphate of iron and Pure 
carbonate of potassa, each equal parts. Reduce them separately 
to a fine powder; mix accurately by triturating them together 
until they begin to liquefy; then add enough clarified honey to 
give the mixture complete liquidity: afterwards, heat the mass 
over a very gentle fire, until it has acquired the pilular consistence. 
This process was repeated by M. Felix Boudet, 1 by employing 
pure crystallized sulphate of iron, 100 grammes; 2 pure carbonate 
of potassa, 100 grammes ; white honey, 50 grammes ; from 
which he obtained 130 grammes of a deep green mass, very duc- 
tile, and easily rolled into pills, as M. Simonin had said. The ad- 
dition of the honey prevents the farther oxidation of the iron. 

Dr.W. H. Robert, of Madison, Georgia, 3 who considers Blaud's 
pills to be a capital remedy in chlorosis, the best he has ever used, 
recommends that after pulverizing the sulphate of iron and the 
carbonate of potassa, they should be mixed intimately, and be 
formed into a pilular mass with freshly made corn bread. If fluid 
be added, the mass will be entirely too soft to be divided into 
pills. 

M. Blaud commences with his " antichlorotic pills," in the dose 
of one a day; and, in the course of a few days, gives two, and 
afterwards, three, daily. 

Mr. Donovan 4 recommends the protocarbonate of iron to be 
administered in the following manner, for extemporaneous use: — 
Blue sulphate of iron, in fine powder, half an ounce; Calcined 
magnesia , two scruples; Water, six ounces; Tincture of quas- 
sia, two drams. Divide into six draughts, one to be given night 
and morning. 

Mr. Carmichael, 5 of Dublin, has advised the following mode of 
exhibiting the precipitated carbonate: — Take one dram of Bi- 
carbonate of soda, dissolved in four ounces of Spring water, 
and add a dram of tincture of chloride of iron. This draught 
to be taken three times a day during effervescence. Mr. Car- 
michael remarks, that although the quantity of carbonate of iron 
formed is not considerable, yet it is in such a state of minute sub- 
division, and combined with a solution of chloride of sodium 
equally minute — " the saline most congenial to the system of red- 
blooded animals, as it renders the hematosine active and vivifying," 
that, thus given, he always found it answer the object of a chaly- 
beate much better than the large doses of from one to two drams 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, Mars, 1841, p. 153. 
3 A gramme is gr. 15.444 Troy. 

3 Southern Med. and Surg. Journal, July, 1846. 

4 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, March, 1840, p. 159. 
8 Dublin Medical Press, March 4, 1840. 



376 FERRI SUBCARBONAS. 

of the subcarbonate. If ulceration existed, it was very generally 
improved ; and he has seen many cases of lupus attacking the face 
cured by its joint internal and external use. He formerly thought 
the phosphate of iron, administered internally, possessed superior 
advantages to the carbonate; but now thinks the carbonate given 
during the precipitation answers every purpose of a chalybeate, 
without causing any derangement of stomach. Dr. Stegmann 1 has 
recommended the carbonate in the treatment of hooping cough, 
in the dose of half a grain at least, to be taken every three hours 
with sugar, and increased to as many grains as, and even more 
than, the number of years in the child's age. It should not, he 
advises, be administered in the first stage of the disease; and in 
all cases should be preceded by an emetic. Similar testimony is 
said to have been afforded by Ghisholme, 2 and recently it has been 
strongly advised by R. Froriep, 3 who gives it in the same doses in 
which it is prescribed in chlorosis, and has succeeded in removing 
the disease in two weeks, or, at the farthest, in six. 



XC. FERRI SUBCARBONAS. 

Synonymes. F. Carbonas seu Carbonas Praecipitatus, Ferrum Carbona- 
tum PraBcipitatum seu Carbonicum Oxydulatum, Oxydum Ferri Fus- 
cura, Ferri Oxidum Rubrum seu Sesquioxidum, Deutocarbonas Ferri 
Fuscus, Crocus Martis Aperiens, Subcarbonate of Iron, Sesquioxide of 
Iron, Peroxide of Iron. 

French. Souscarbonate de Fer, Safran de Mars Aperitif. 

German. Kohlen sau res Eisenoxydul, Kohl en saures Eisen, 
Kohlensaures Eisenoxyd, Braunes Eisenoxyd. 

This preparation, which is officinal in the British, United States 
and other Pharmacopoeias, is formed by adding a solution of car- 
bonate of soda to a solution of sulphate of iron: the precipitate is 
the subcarbonate, or — as it is now called in the London Pharma- 
copoeia — the sesquioxide of iron, which must be washed with 
water, and dried. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Subcarbonate of iron possesses the properties of chalybeates in 
general, and has been highly recommended as a tonic, wherever 
such remedies are indicated. It is introduced here mainly on 
account of the favour which it has received, of late years, as a 
remedy for neuralgia. Nearly forty years ago, its use was strongly 
advised in cancer and carcinomatous ulcerations of the uterus, by 

1 Horn's Archiv., 1835, Juli and August, S. 651; and Medicin. Correspondenzz BlatJ, 
cited in Gazette Medicale de Paris, 20 Juin. 1838. 

3 Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therapeutique, &c.,3me edit. i. 26. Paris, 1847. 

3 Tassberichte, Mars, 1850, No. 48; cited in Keller and Tiedemann's Nordamerikan- 
ischer Monatsbericht fur Natur und Heilkunde, Sept, 1850, S. 104. 



FERRI SUBCARBONAS. 377 

Mr. Carmichael, 1 and, subsequently, by Rust,V6Iker, and Kopp; as 
well as in a case of lupus of the ala nasi, by Key : 2 but, in similar 
cases, it proved unsuccessful in the hands of Clarke, El. Yon Sie- 
bold, Meissner, Richter, and others. 3 In chronic nervous diseases, 
of a spasmodic nature, and especially in tic douloureux of the face, 
it was first highly extolled by Dr. Benjamin Hutchinson, about 
thirty years ago, 4 who published several cases of cure effected by 
its agency. Soon afterwards, cases, equally fortunate in their 
termination, were published by various observers, by Drs. A. T. 
Thomson, 5 Stewart Crawford", 6 R. Macleod, 7 Mr. J. E. Beale, 8 
and many others, and its efficacy is now almost universally admit- 
ted. Dr. Rowland 9 has often witnessed the most happy results 
from its exhibition, even after various powerful medicines had been 
tried in vain. Dr. Elliotson 10 published several cases, in which it 
had been efficacious in large doses; and he remarks, that true chro- 
nic neuralgia, not arising from cold, and coming on in a violent, 
stabbing, plunging form, aggravated by the least shake of the 
patient, and by touching the surface, is best treated by subcarbo- 
nateof iron. He observes, however, in a more recent publication, 11 
that he does not recollect that he ever cured the disease, but in 
almost every case improved it, and caused it to disappear for a time. 
In one of the severest cases of neuralgia under the form of hemi- 
crania, which the author ever witnessed, and which had rendered 
the patient's life miserable for years, the subcarbonate, in large 
doses, proved entirely successful. The patient had been bled re- 
peatedly; and when the author saw her, she was under the, most 
favourable circumstances for the exhibition of the remedy, — with 
the surface pale and cool; the pulse small; complaining much of 
debility, and yet suffering under the most intense headache, which 
the least light and noise rendered almost intolerable; yet, after she 
had persevered in the use of the remedy for a month, in large 
doses, the symptoms gradually disappeared, and she has since re- 
mained entirely well. It need scarcely be said, that where ple- 
thora exists, or febrile irritation supervenes, it must be removed: 
the subcarbonate rarely, however, disagrees with the stomach, and 
where it does, the inconveniences are removed by the addition of 
an aromatic, or the administration of a cathartic. 

Subcarbonate of iron, in large doses, has, likewise, been found 

I An Essay on the Effects of the Carbonate and other Preparations of Iron upon Can- 
cer, 2d edit. Dublin, 1809. 2 Lancet, xiv. 92. 

3 Osann, in Encyclop'ad. Worterb. der Medicinisch. Wissensch. x. 424. Berlin, 1834. 

4 Cases of Tic Douloureux successfully treated. Lond. 1820. 

5 Medical and Physical Journal. Feb. 1 823. 

6 Ibid. \ Ibid. June, 1823. 8 Ibid. Sept. 1823. 

9 Treatise on Neuralgia, by Richard Rowland, M. D. p. 84. Lond. 1838; or the 
reprint in the author's American Medical Library. 
10 Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, xv. 161. 

II Principles and Practice of Medicine, &c by John Elliotson, M. L\; with Notes. &c. 
by Nathaniel Rogers, M. D. p. 507. Lond. 1839, 



378 FERRI SUBCARBONAS. 

a valuable agent in a kindred condition of the nervous system — 
chorea. Dr. Elliotson 1 affirms, that he has had — he should sup- 
pose — forty eases, in succession, all cured by it; but perseverance 
in its use is demanded, the affection generally disappearing when 
the remedy has been given about six weeks or two months; but in 
some obstinate cases it has been necessary to continue it for twelve 
weeks. 

Like other tonics, it has been prescribed in intermittents, and 
not long ago, M. Gimon, 2 physician at Thouars, published two 
cases elucidative of the effects of large doses in long protracted 
intermittents, complicated with ascites and enlargement of the 
spleen. One of these occurred in a boy, nine years old, and the 
other in a young man of twenty-one. Both had taken the sul- 
phate of quinia, in large doses, but ineffectually. To the former, 
he prescribed twelve grains of the subcarbonate in the twenty-four 
hours, augmenting the dose by six grains daily. The treatment 
was commenced in the latter end of July, 1835, and the quantity 
taken in the day was pushed progressively to one ounce. In six 
months the traces of ascites and splenocele had disappeared, and 
the cure was complete. The medicine was discontinued by gra- 
dually diminishing the dose. In the second case, the same dose 
was prescribed in the first instance; and it was ultimately carried 
to six drams, with complete success. 

The great efficacy of this preparation — as of every tonic — in dis- 
eases that are paroxysmal, appears to consist in the new impres- 
sion which it makes upon the nerves of the stomach, and, through 
them*, upon those of the whole system; but to effect the revulsion 
to the requisite extent, it appears to be necessary — as in the cases 
of artemisia and indigo in epilepsy — to keep up the effect of the 
remedy by gradually increasing the dose. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The dose of subcarbonate of iron, in cases of neuralgia and 
chorea, should be large. Dr. Hutchinson prescribed it in the 
quantity of 3ss. to 3ij., twice a day, but where it fails to remove 
the complaint in those doses, Dr. Elliotson recommends, that it 
should be increased gradually to one or two ounces. The best 
vehicle for it is molasses. The following formulae have been re- 
commended : 3 

Pulvis ferri snbcarbonatis. 

Powder of subcarbonate of iron. 
R. Ferri subcarb. gr. x. 
Pulv. aromat. gr. v. 
M. Fiat pulvis mane et meridie sumendus. 

' Op. citat. p. 515. 

2 Journal des Connaissances Medico-Chimrjricales, Mai, 1837. 

■ Brande, Dictionary of the Materia Medica" p. 248. Lond. 1839. 



FERRI TANNIS. 379 

Boli ferri snbcarbonatis. 
Boluses of subcarbonate of iron, 

R. Ferri subcarb. gr. x. 

Valerianae pulv. gss. 
Syrup, zingib. q. s. 
Fiat bolus. 

Pilulse ferri subcarbonatis* 

Pills of subcarbonate of iron. 

R. Ferri subcarb. 

Extract, anthemid. aa. gss. 
Misce et divide in pilulas xij. quarum somat binas ter quotidie. 

R. Ferri subcarb. 3j. 

Pilul. aloes cum myrrha, gss. 
Misce et divide in pilulas xviij.: duse bis terve indies sumendae. 

P i 1 u 1 8B ferri sobcarbonatis et hydrargyri. 

Pills of subcarbonate of iron and mercury . 

. R. Ferri sufocarbonat. gj. 
Hydrargyr. gij. 
Confect. rosea, giij. 

Rub until the globules are no longer seen. 

This formula is proposed as a substitute for blue pill. It is 
made in five minutes, whilst blue pill requires a week. Dr. 
Collier 1 recommends it as especially eligible for the strumous, the 
irritable, and for reduced anxmic constitutions requiring mer- 
cury. 

Five grains of the subcarbonate are sufficient to amalgamate and 
divide a large quantity of mercury ; but Dr. Collier proposes the 
larger quantity as a remedy. 

Electuarium ferri snbcarbonatis. 

Electuary of subcarbonate of iron. 
R. Ferri subcarb. 

Confect. aurant. aa. ^j. 
Syrupi zingib. q. s. 
ut fiat electuarium cujus sumatur cochleare minimum bis vel ter die. 



XCI. FERRI TANNIS. 

Synonymes. Ferrum Tannicum. 

French. Tannate de Fer, Tannate de Peroxyde de Fer. 

German. Gerbesaures Eisen oxy d . 

Tannate of iron has been recently employed internally in dis- 
eases in which chalybeates are indicated. 

1 From his second edition of the London Pharmacopoeia, cited in Lond. Lancet, Mar. 
24, 1843 



380 FERRI VALERIANAS. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

To a boiling solution of 90 parts of pure tannic acid add 
gradually 440 parts of subcarbonate of iron prepared from pure 
sulphate of iron and carbonate of soda dried at a moderate heat. 
Agitate the solution until the effervescence ceases. Evaporate at 
176° Fahr., in a porcelain vessel, until it becomes thick; and 
spread it on glass or porcelain to dry in a stove at 95° Fahr. It 
is usually obtained, however, by adding a solution of a salt of 
sesquioxide of iron, as the persulphate, to a decoction of nut- 
galls. The result is a tanno-gallate of iron, as in common ink. 

Tannate of iron is of a blue colour, tasteless, and insoluble in 
water. It is possessed of tonic and astringent properties; and has 
been highly extolled in chlorosis by Benedetti, 1 and been used 
wherever chalybeates, especially astringent bhalybeates, are indi- 
cated ; but it does not appear to possess any special virtues. As 
an external application in herpes circinnatus or ringworm, ink 
has been long a popular remedy. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The dose of tannate of iron is from 10 grains to half a dram in 
the day, given in syrup or in the pilular form. 

Syrupns ferri tannatis. 
Syrup of tannate of iron. 
R. Syrup, gxij^ 

aceli ^iv. 

Ferri oxidi magnetici citrat. gijss. 
Ext. gallse. gj. M. 

This preparation was first proposed by MM. Trousseau and Pi- 
doux, 2 and as the iron, they remark, "is in the state of ferroso- 
ferric tannate, and associated with an acid, it is soluble, sapid, and 
susceptible of useful applications." 



XCII. FERRI VALERIA'NAS. 

Synonymes. Ferrum Valerianicura, Valerianate of Iroo, Valerianate or 

Sesquioxide of Iron. 
French. Valerianate de Fer. 
German. Bald riansau res Eisenoxyd. 

This salt may be formed, according to Ruspini, 3 by putting 
clear iron filings into a wedgewood mortar, adding gradually an 
equal weight of valerianic acid, and stirring continually. In an 
hour, add distilled water; pour the whole into a flask; warm 
gently, and filter. The surface exposed to the air becomes co- 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1847, p. 186. Paris, 1847. 

* Traite de Therapeutique et de Mat. Medicale, Seme edit. i. 7. Paris, 1847. 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1847, p. 54. 



FILIX MAS. 381 

vered with a crystalline layer of valerianate of iron. Collect this 
on a filter, and repeat the process as long as crystals are formed. 
It is a dark, brick-red, loose, amorphous powder, of feeble taste 
and smell of valerianic acid. It is insoluble in water. 1 It has been 
given in the form of pill, in the dose of from two to four grains in 
hysterical symptoms complicating chlorosis. The salt is officinal 
in the last Dublin Pharmacopoeia. 2 



XCIII. FILIX MAS. 

Stnonymes. Filix, Nephrodium seu Aspidium seu Athyrium sen Poly- 
podium seu Polystichum Filix Mas, Male Fern, Male Shield Fern. 

French. Fougere Male. 

German. Farrenkraut, Johanniswurz el , Mannlicher Far- 
renkraut, Fa rr enkr autmannlein, Mannlicher Nieren- 
farrn, Band wurm waldfarrn, Mannle in wur m tiipfelfarrn. 

The rhizoma of male fern, which is indigenous in this country, 
and in the secondary list of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States, 
has long been celebrated — since the time of Dioscorides indeed — 
as an anthelmintic; and especially for the destruction of taenia? 
For these properties, it has been introduced into most of the 
Pharmacopoeias. It was the basis of Madame Nuffer's or Nouffer's 
celebrated remedy for taenia, which was purchased by Louis XVI., 
in 1775, for 18,000 francs. 4 It is noticed here on account of the 
proposition of Peschier, 5 of Geneva, to administer the ethereal 
extract, which has since been carried into effect, and apparently 
with the best results. 6 It appears to possess the advantage of 
being by no means unpleasant to the taste, and to be accompanied 
by none of the disagreeable effects that are associated with the 
action of most of the other vermifuges. 

To prepare the extract, the root is cut small, and digested for 
ten or twelve days, in the cold, in a sufficient quantity of sulphu- 
ric ether: the tincture is then pressed, concentrated by distillation, 
and the ether thereby fully removed. From a pound of the root, 
about eighteen drams of a brownish-green thick extract are ob- 
tained, which possesses the repulsive odour of the plant, and has 
an acrid taste. 

1 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel und Arzneibereitungsformen, S. 1 32. Er- 
langen, 1848. 

a The Pharmacopoeia of the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland, 1850, 
p. \m. f Dublin, 1850. 

* Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. art. Polypodium. 

* For the various forms in which it has been given as an anthelmintic against taenia, 
as well as for the methods of Von Beck, Herrenschwand, Matlhieu, Measeed, Nuffer, 
Odier, and Wawruch: see Linke, Vollstandiges Recept-Taschenbuch, u. s. w, i. 232. 
Leipzig, 1840. 

s Nouvelle Bibliotheque Medicale, Sept. 1823, p. 151, and Biblioth. Univer. 324, 1826. 
6 Rayer, Annal. de Therap., Mai, 1847, cited in Schmidt's Jahrbiicher, u. s. w. No, 5, 
p. 162. Jahrgang 1848. 

25 



382 FILIX MAS. 

In Germany, the extract is generally prepared according to the 
formula of the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, which is as follows: — 
Take an ounce of the powdered root, and pour thereon eight ounces 
of the sulphuric ether of commerce; close the vessel, shaking it 
occasionally, and let it stand until the fluid has acquired a yellow- 
ish colour; then separate the fluid as before described; distil off 
the sulphuric ether until only a third remains, and evaporate the 
remainder in a water bath, until a thin brownish-yellow coloured 
extract remains. 

This extract contains not only the volatile oil of the fern, but 
also a fixed oil, tannic acid, acetic and gallic acids, a muco-saccha- 
rine matter, green and red colouring matter, and a semi-resinous 
substance. By some it is called oleum filicis maris. The ac- 
tive constituents of the fern are highly concentrated in it ; and as 
the result of numerous trials, it was found, that from eighteen to 
twenty grains, given at night, and the same quantity in the morn- 
ing, fasting, destroyed taenia ; so that, on the administration of 
a cathartic, the parasite was discharged — often in the form of a 
ball. Not unfrequently, indeed, it was voided before the cathartic 
was given. 

In Germany, this new preparation has been chiefly recommend- 
ed by Hufeland, who maintained, that in rapidity, certainty, and 
gentleness of action, it exceeds all known means, and many other 
physicians have testified to the accuracy of this opinion. Radius, 1 
who frequently prescribed it, says he never gave it without bring- 
ing away large pieces of the worm, but frequently the head re- 
mained behind. 2 Peschier had found it to be successful in one 
hundred and fifty cases when he wrote; 3 Ullersberger had used it 
in sixty cases, and a medical friend of his in two hundred cases, 
with invariable success. It is affirmed to have proved more suc- 
cessful in cases of Bothriocephalus latus than of Taenia solium; 
and a part of the discrepancy of results amongst observers has been 
ascribed to this circumstance. For example, it has not been found 
as effective in the treatment of taenia at Paris, and the taenia most 
common there is Taenia solium* 

Buchner 5 thought, that the extract might be prepared with al- 
cohol, but many physicians have objected to this menstruum — that 
it does not dissolve the fixed oil. 

The male fern is preferred by M. Rouzel 6 to the bark of pome- 
granate root in the treatment of taenia. 

1 Auserlesene Heilformeln, u. s. w. Leipz. 183(5. 

2 See, also, Ebers, in Hufeland und Osann's Journal, Ixvi. St. 1, S. 43, cited in Gazette 
de Sante, Sept. 25, 1828. 3 Merat and De Lens, loc. cit. 

4 Christison, Dispensatory, p. 451. Edinb. 1842. 

* Repertorium fur Pharmacie, xxiii. 433, xxvii. 337, and Funk, in Medicin. Zeitung. 
17 Mai, 1837, S. 102. 

s Revue Me" ale, Oct 1840. See, also. M. Wawruch, Oesterreich. Med. Jahrbuch. 
cited in Encyc. dcs Sciences Med. Nov. 1841, p. 264; Brit, and For. Med. Rev. Oct 
1844; and M. Daumerie, Archives de la Med. Beige, Sept 1841, p. 5. 



FUCUS AMYLACEUS. 383 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The extract is commonly given in the form of pill : an emulsion 
does not answer, because the active constituents are apt to be en- 
veloped and masked in this form. In Geneva, it is now frequently 
united with castor oil, which renders it unnecessary to give a ca- 
thartic after it. For the cathartic, when needed, they advise, in 
Bern, infusion of senna with Epsom salts, manna, and aniseed. 1 
To children, it maybe given in syrup. 

An ethereal tincture of the buds (one part of the buds to eight 
of ether) has been used with advantage as an anthelmintic; 2 and a 
decoction (one ounce of the rhizoma to a pint of water) has been 
occasionally prescribed. 

Mel filicis maris. 
Honey of male fern. 
R, Ext. aether, filicis maris gss. 
Mel. rosae ^ss. M. 

Half of this to be taken on going to bed ; the other half early in 
the morning fasting. 



XCIV. FUCUS AMYLA'CEUS. 

Synonymes. Plocaria Candida, Gracilaria seu Sphaerococcus seu Gigartina 
seu Fucus lichenoides; Ceylon Moss, Marine Moss, Jaffna Moss, Edi- 
ble Moss. 

The attention of physicians has been directed to this vegetable 
by Messrs. Sigmond and Farre, 3 and by Dr. O'Shaughnessy, of 
Calcutta. 4 Like Chondrus, (p. 210,) it belongs to the Natural 
Order Algse, and was first introduced, some years ago, into Eng- 
land from India. As met with in commerce, it is white, filiform, and 
fibrous, and has the usual odour of sea-weeds. "When analyzed 
by Dr. O'Shaughnessy, it was found to be composed as follows : — 
Of vegetable jelly, 54.50; true starch, 15; wax, a trace; ligneous 
fibre, 18; gum, 4; sulphate of soda, and chloride of sodium, 6.50; 
sulphate and phosphate of lime, 1; iron, a trace; loss, 1: — Total, 
100. When boiled in water, a liquid results, which gelatinizes 
on cooling. It has also been examined chemically by Guibourt, 
Wonneberg and Kreyssig, Bley and Riegel. 5 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The medical properties of fucus amylaceus are similar to those 
of chondrus. The decoction is an agreeable, light, nutritious arti- 
cle of food. According to Dr. O'Shaughnessy, its nutritive quali- 
ties are best obtained in the following manner : — Put into a clean 
stew-pan a table-spoonful of prepared marine moss, add to it a 

1 Hufeland und Osann's Journal lxiv. St. 1, S. 133. 

3 London Lancet, for 1834-5, ii. 597. 3 The Ceylon Moss. Lond. 1840. 

* Medico-Botan. Transactions, vol. i. pt. iv. p. 184. 

8 Cited in Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit. ii. 913. Lond. 1850. 



384 FUCUS AMYLACEUS. 

pint and a half of hot or cold water, and boil gradually for twenty 
minutes; then take a little in a spoon, and let it cool for a minute 
or two, to see if the liquid is sufficiently boiled to congeal firmly ; 
if not, let it boil until it is; then strain it through a cloth into an- 
other stew-pan while it is warm, so as to draw all the liquid from 
the sediment produced by the moss. The sediment must be well 
squeezed. Add to the liquid a table-spoonful of fine loaf sugar, 
half a table-spoonful of lemon juice, a table-spoonful of honey, or 
not, at the option of the maker ; add a small piece of lemon peel, 
and a very small piece of cinnamon: boil the whole gradually for 
ten minutes, and pass it once or twice through a piece of flannel 
into a basin or tumbler, and in ten minutes it will be fit for use. 
Should it be required to be very clear and transparent — which is 
not considered necessary for an invalid, as by clarifying it partly 
loses its strength — add the white of an egg, well beaten into froth, 
before the second boiling; taking care, that after the second boil- 
ing it rests for some minutes by the fire-side, with some hot char- 
coal on the cover of the stew-pan so as to render it perfectly clear; 
otherwise, by adding the whole of an egg, it will have a milky- 
white appearance, which is not so pleasing to the eye, although its 
quality may be the same. When clear, and of a lemon colour, it 
may be passed two or three times through a flannel bag. It may 
then be suffered to cool, or be taken in a liquid state, if preferred 
by the patient. 

The jelly is as good for the table as for the sick chamber. Blanc- 
manger and Italian cream can be made with it without isinglass; 
but in such case, the jelly must be made much stronger before it 
is mixed; and at all times it must be blended whilst warm. The 
quantity it takes for a mould of either is two table-spoonfuls of 
moss to a quart of water, which must be reduced to half a pint. 

Ceylon moss has the advantage over isinglass and the other 
mosses, that it will stand firm and good for twenty -four hours in 
the hottest clays of India; whilst neither isinglass nor any other 
jelly will stand firm for half an hour, even with the aid of ice. It 
also possesses the advantage, that a delicious jelly can be made 
from it in about fifteen or twenty minutes. It has been pro- 
nounced by all the medical faculty of Calcutta to be unequalled for 
its delicate and nutritious qualities, and has been especially and 
highly recommended for the use of the sick. When all other nou- 
rishment has failed, this has proved successful; and Dr. O'Shaugh- 
nessy says he has no doubt, that when the article is better known 
by the faculty in England, it will be much more appreciated, and 
receive the same patronage and support, which it has done from 
the whole of the faculty in India for the last fifteen or sixteen 
years. 1 

1 Braithwaile's Retrospect of Pract. Med. and Surg. No. 1, Jan. to June, 1840, 3d edit 
jw 70. Lond. lo42; and Sigmond and Farre on the Ceylon Moss. Lond. 1840. 



FULIGO. 385 



XCV. FULIGO. 



Synonymes. Fuligo Splendens seu Fornacum seu Ligni, Soot, Woodsoot. 

French. Suie. 

German. Glanzruss, Spiegelruss ? Kaminruss, Ofenruss, Russ. 

The discovery of creasote, and its extensive application to the 
treatment of disease, gave occasion to the resuscitation of this 
article — much employed by the ancients, but subsequently fallen 
into oblivion. The older physicians frequently used it as an ex- 
citing diaphoretic agent in cachexia of every kind, in chronic rheu- 
matism, cutaneous affections, and especially in the evil results of 
their sudden repercussion ; in glandular indurations, rickets, exos- 
toses, &c. It has also been employed as a domestic remedy, in colic, 
and in the simple and dysenteric diarrhoea, and cholera of children. 
Several modern recommendations — as by Schutte and Weisen- 
berg — remained unheeded until the attention of physicians was 
drawn to it, especially by Blaud. 1 He is of opinion, that the 
costly — and by no means easily prepared — creasote may be wholly 
replaced by soot. Both are products of the dry distillation of 
organic substances; their odours are analogous, and as soot; is 
much cheaper and more easily obtained, it deserves, he thinks, to 
be tried more extensively in therapeutics. Soot has a nauseously 
empyreumatic, more or less bitter, and acrid, saline taste. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Blaud 2 has exhibited soot in different diseases, especially in the 
form of ointment, or in decoction, with excellent and rapid effects, 
in herpes, itch, tinea, gutta rosea, and pruritus vulva; and he 
asserts, that he even healed cancer of the breast by frequent ablu- 
tions with a tepid decoction of it, and an ointment composed of 
equal parts of lard and soot with one-eighth part of the extract of 
belladonna ; but the same applications were of no benefit in a case 
of cancer of the nose, and in one of cancer of the uterus. He also 
cured a scabby eruption of the mucous membrane of the nose by 
an ointment of it. In diphtheritis, he used, in two cases, a de- 
coction, as a mouth-wash, with the best effects. In confirmation 
of Blaud's remarks, Voisin asserts, that he cured a case of cancer 
of the face by soot ointment. 

Dr. J. R. Marinus 3 has found it very efficacious in chronic 
eruptions {dartres,) and in tinea; and his observations have been 
confirmed by MM. Nobele* and Le Montagnier. 5 M. Nobele's 

1 Revue Medicale, Juin, 1834, et Janvier, 1835, and E. Grafe, in Grafe und Wal- 
ther's Journal, xxiii. 310. Berlin, 1835. 

3 Journal des Connaissances Medico-Chirurg. Mai, 1 834. 

3 Bulletin Medical Beige, Nov. 1838, p. 289. For farther testimony in its favour, see 
London Lancet, Nov. 25, 1 843. 

4 Annales de la Societe de Medecine de Gand, Gazette Medicale, or Encyclographie 
des Sciences Medicales, Mars, 1840, p. 540. 

5 Bullet. Gener. de Therap. Nov. 1840, or Encycl. des Sciences Med., Fev. 1841, p. 

<69y. 



386 FULIGO. 

conclusions are, — 1. That it cannot be applied, with any expec- 
tation of success, until the crusts have been removed, and the ir- 
ritation of the parts has been diminished by means of emollient 
applications. 2. That the gray layer, left by it on the skin, whe- 
ther it be used in the form of ointment or of decoction, should be 
removed by a weak wash of soap and water. 3. That in chil- 
dren an ointment, made with equal parts of soot and lard, is fre- 
quently too irritating for the small wounds exposed by the falling 
off of the crusts ; that it is better to commence with one part of 
soot to three parts of lard ; and lastly, that wood soot is alone 
useful, — soot from coal being devoid of any agency. 

Dr. Ebers, of Bourdeaux, 1 has employed a decoction of soot 
with great advantage in a case of severe burn in which the pa- 
tient was suffering from the profuse discharge. A handful of soot 
was boiled in eight pounds of water, until the fluid was reduced 
to two pounds. Lint was then soaked in it and applied to the 
granulating surface. 

Carron du Villards 3 advises a collyrium prepared from soot in 
cases of strumous ophthalmia. He infuses two ounces in boiling 
water, filters and evaporates to dryness ; the shining residuum is 
then infused in very strong boiling vinegar, and to every twelve 
ounces of the liquid, twenty-four grains of extract of roses are 
added. A few drops of this solution, in a glass of tepid water, 
form an excellent resolutive collyrium, which may be made 
stronger or weaker at pleasure. He has, also, in cases of spots 
on the cornea ,used soot — either blown into the eye alone, or mixed 
with powdered sugar-candy, and has seen good effects from it. 
United with butter, it forms an eye-salve, not inferior perhaps, he 
says, to any other. As in the treatment of specks on the cornea , 
by dropping laudanum into the eye, the organ quickly becomes ac- 
customed to it, Carron du Villards advises, that the eye should be 
excited to a more lively action by means of the combination of 
soot and tincture of opium given below. It is, he says, an energetic 
agent, and may be applied by means of a pencil to granulations on 
the cornea. He likewise recommends a decoction of soot as an 
injection in discharges, v)hich are the consequence of chronic 
inflammation of the vagina. 

M. Andre Gibrin 3 has detailed to the Academie Royale de 
Medecine of Paris, six cases of chronic inflammation of the Madder, 
in which soot was beneficially used in the way of injection. M. 
Gibrin took from the chimney two ounces of compact soot, broke 
it up, washed it, and boiled it in a pound of water. The decoc- 

1 Journ. de Med. et Chirurg. Pratiq. Juin, 1841, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Medical 
Sciences, Jan. 1842, p. 231. 

1 Gazette Medicale, Janvier, 1831; see, also, Baudelocque, on its Use in Scrofulous 
Ophthalmia, in Bulletin General de Therapeutique. Mars, 1834. 

3 Bulletin de 1' Academie, 15 Mars, 1837. 



FULIGO. 387 

tion was filtered through paper, and injected into the bladder twice 
a day. The good effects supervened so closely on the administra- 
tion of the remedy, that there could be no doubt as to the cause. 
The pain ceased, and the patient obtained sleep, to which he had 
been for some time a stranger. The urine gradually became clear, 
and recovered its natural appearance. 

To these remarks may be added, that, according to Schiitte, 
an ointment composed of two parts of fresh butter or hog's lard, 
and one part of soot — is a popular and efficacious remedy on the 
Rhine for cases of porrigo, itch, and herpes ; not more than a 
dram being rubbed in at a time. Weisenberg ascribes to the soot 
a protective power against contagious affections of the skin, and 
recommends, especially, lotions of soot water, — partly, as a pre- 
ventive agent, and partly as a therapeutical application in itch. 

Employed as an injection, an infusion of soot was found by 
Dr. Hewson, of Philadelphia, an efficacious remedy in ascarides 
vermiformes. 1 

But soot has not been used, of late, externally only ; its in- 
ternal use, in the form of the old "tincture of soot/' has been re- 
vived. This was long known under the name of "soot drops," 
"hysteric mixture" and "Jit drops," and was employed as an 
anti-spasmodic in hysterical and other affections ; but its em- 
ployment has been extended, and it is given in chronic rheuma- 
tism, chronic affections of the chest, suppressed cutaneous 
eruptions, — in many cases under precisely the same notions that 
prevailed years ago. From thirty to sixty drops of the following 
tincture are given several times in the course of the day. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Mistura fuliginis. 
Mixture of soot. 

Tinctura Fuliginis Clauderi. 
R. Fulig. gss. 

Potassse carbonat. ^iss. 
Ammonise carb. gij. 
Aq. sambuc. f %ix. 
Digere leni calore, et filtra. 

Dose. — From thirty to sixty drops, several times a day. 

A similar preparation has been used in Philadelphia, under the 
names medical lye, soot tea, alkaline solution, and dyspeptic 
lye, as a popular remedy in dyspepsia. It is made by infusing a 
pint of clean hickory ashes and a gill of soot in half a gallon of 
boiling water, allowing it to stand for twenty-four hours, and 
then decanting. Of this, a small wine glassful is taken three or 
four times a day. 

1 United States Dispensatory, 6th edit. p. 1297. Philad. 1845. 



388 



FULIGO. 



Lotio f ul i gin is . 
Lotion of soot. 
R. Fulig. manip. maj. ij. 
Coque cum aq. Oi. per semihoram. Cola cum expressione. 

Used as a wash, several times a day, in herpetic, psoric and 
syphilitic ulcers. Blaud. 

Unguentnm fuliginis. 

Ointment of soot. 

R. Fulig. 

Adipis aa. ^ ss. 

Extract, belladon. 3J. M. exacte. 

To be spread upon lint or tents in case of cancer. Blaud. 

R. Adipis. 

Fulig. aa. gij. 
Coque leni igne per horas vj. 

As a dressing in cases of tinea and of foul ulcers. Blaud. 

R. Fulig. 

Ciuchon. flav. aa. ^ss. 

Carbon, pulv. 

Sulph. aa. §j. 

Cerati simplicis q. s. ut fiat unguentum. 

A dram to be rubbed in, once or twice a day, in cases of tinea. 

Carron du Villards. 
R. Fulig. Jss. 
Opii §ij. 
Caryoph. 3j. 
Aq. cinnam, f ^viij. 
Alcoholis f ^iv. 
Digest in a gentle heat for six days; filter and express the residuum. 

Applied in cases of specks of the cornea. 

Carron du Villards. 

R. Fulig. 3iss. 

Zinci sulphat. ^vj. 
Adipis ^iv. M. 

Applied in cases of tinea. It is the Pommade contre la teigne, 
of Bories. 1 

Cataplasma fuliginis. 
Cataplasm of soot. 

R. Folig.gij. 

Alb. ovi No. vj. 
Tere simul. 

As a dressing for herpes and tinea. It is the Pommade reso- 
lutive of Sainte Marie. 2 

1 Formulaire de Montpellier. Montpellier, 1822. 

3 Nouveau Formulaire Medicale et Pharmaceutique. Paris et Lyon, 1820. 



FULIGOKALI. 3S9 

XCVI. FULIGOKALI. 

Synonyme. German. Russkali. 

This new remedy called from fuligo, 'soot,' and kali, ' potassa,' 
has been introduced as an analogous preparation to anthrakokali 
(p. 80.) 1 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
Fuligokali is prepared as follows : — Take of Potassa, 20 parts ; 
Shining soot, in powder, 100 parts ; Water, a sufficient quantity. 
Boil for an hour; suffer the decoction to cool ; dilute with water 
so that filtration may be better accomplished ; filter, evaporate, and 
dry, in order to obtain the fuligokali in scales or powder ; and en- 
close it in dry and warm bottles. 

A sulphuretted fuligokali has been prepared as follows : — 
Take of Fuligokali, 60 parts ; Potassa, 14 parts ; Sulphur, 5 
parts. Dissolve the sulphur and potassa in a little water ; then 
add the fuligokali ; evaporate, dry, and enclose in dry and warm 
bottles. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Fuligokali has been employed by M. Gibert at the Hopital 
Saint-Louis of Paris, both internally and externally, but chiefly 
in the latter mode, in various chronic cutaneous diseases. An 
ointment may be made of either the simple or the sulphuretted 
article, by mixing one or two parts with thirty of lard. M. Gi- 
bert ascribes to these ointments resolvent, detergent and slightly 
excitant virtues. 2 

Mr. E. Wilson 3 thinks it probable, that both anthrakokali and 
fuligokali owe much of their therapeutic value to the alkali which 
forms their basis. He has employed fuligokali in several cases, 
and especially in psoriasis palmar is, and with better success than 
he has obtained by the usual remedies. The preparation referred 
to on the last page but one, as having been used in Philadelphia 
under the names of medical lye, &c, may be regarded as a weak 
solution of fuligokali. 4 

1 Journ. des Connaiss. Med. Chir. and Encyclogr. des Sciences Med., Juillet, 1842, 
p. 9. 

3 See, also, Duhamel, Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Jan. 1843, p. 284, and Deschamps, 
in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1843, p. 153. Paris, 1843. 

3 A Practical and Theoretical Treatise on the Diagnosis, Pathology, and Treatment 
of Diseases of the Skin, p. 397. Lond. 1842 ; or Amer. edit. Philad. 1843. 

4 Duhamel, op. cit. 



390 GALEOPSIS GRANDIFLORA. 



XCVII. GALEOPSIS GRANDIFLORA. 

Synonymes. Galeopsis Ochroleuca seu Prostrata seu Villosa seu Segetum 

seu Angustifolia seu Dubia, Herba Sideritidis. 
German. Grossbluthiger Holzahn, Grossblumige Hanf- 

nessel, Gelbe grossbliit hige Hundsnessel, Katzermaul. 

This plant, which belongs to Natural Family Labiatse, Sex- 
ual System Didynamia Gymnospermia, grows in the western 
part of Germany, in sandy corn-fields. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The fresh plant has a peculiar, feeble, balsamic smell, and a 
somewhat bitter and saltish taste, and has been considered, in 
Germany, to be worthy of a distinguished place amongst the 
" bitter resolvents." It has been much sold as a nostrum under the 
name of " Blankenheimer Tea," (Blankenheimer Thee,) 
or " Lieber's pectoral and phthisical herbs," (Liebersche 
Brust oder Auszehrungskrauter,) and enjoyed 
great repute. In the Ardennes also, particularly in the district of 
Malmedy, it has been long employed as a popular remedy. In 
the year 1828, Lejeune 2 directed attention to its therapeutical im- 
portance. According to his observation, it is very useful in dis- 
eases of the mucous membrane of the respiratory and digest- 
ive organs, and especially in chronic pulmonary catarrh, even 
when it exists to such a degree as to merit the name Phthisis 
mucosa (Schleimschwindsucht.) In actual phthisis, 
the affection seemed to him to be diminished by it; the hectic 
being moderated, the expectoration rendered easier, or the cough 
assuaged. Lejeune generally boiled half an ounce of the plant 
in a pint of water down to half; sweetened the decoction with 
sugar or honey, and directed the whole to be taken in the 
twenty-four hours. In other cases, in which a milk diet was ap- 
propriate, the decoction was made with an equal quantity of milk. 
Wesener 3 found it advantageous in phthisis mucosa and chronic 
pulmonary catarrh. Giinther, who had many opportunities for 
observing the action of the remedy, affirms that the L i e b e r - 
schen Krauter not unfrequently produced some amelioration 
in phthisis, especially in scrofulous phthisis, but he never saw 
any actual recovery therefrom. It seemed to him to moderate the 
colliquative sweats, and to facilitate and diminish the expectora- 
tion. In one case especially, of scrofulous phthisis in the last 
stage, it appeared to be of essential service, and to prolong life; 
and from all his observations he is disposed to infer, that if it be 
not the sole or the main remedy to be employed in every stage of 

1 Von Schlechtendal, in Encyclop'ad. Worterb der Medicin. Wissenschaft. xiii. 115. 
Berlin, 1835. a Annales Generates des Sciences Physiques, p. 331, Sepr. 1820. 

8 Hufeland und Osann's Journ. der Pract Heilk. 1823, 1824. 



GALEOPSIS GRANDIFLORA. 391 

phthisis, it may be used with advantage throughout the disease 
as a supporting agent. 

Riecke 1 asserts, that he has seen many cases in which the 
Lieberschen Krauter were of great service in thoracic 
affections threatening phthisis. In one case, which promised 
to terminate unfavourably in a short time, owing to the complica- 
tion of violent hemoptysis with hectic fever, and in which an 
experienced physician had exhausted every effort of art, they 
were given with the best effect. The thoracic affection ceased, 
and at that time — a period of five or six years since the use of the 
remedy — the patient — an officer — was capable of performing his 
military duties without difficulty. On the other hand, Richter 
affirms, that in two cases in which he administered the galeopsis, 
no benefit resulted from it. In this country, it has not been em- 
ployed ; so that we have chiefly the testimony afforded by the 
German writers. This, as they themselves admit, 2 is not yet suf- 
ficient to enable them to lay down any positive rules as to the 
exact indications and counter-indications that must regulate its 
employment. It is probably of no farther service than as a mild 
bitter; and its place may be supplied, perhaps advantageously, by 
many of the tonics that are admitted into the lists of our remedial 
agents. Geiger 3 subjected it to analysis, and found in it 2.765 
parts of fatty matter, wax and chlorophyll; 0.247 of a brown, 
bitterish resin, insoluble in ether; 0.312 of a yellowish, stimulating 
and bitter resin, soluble in ether; yellow, bitter extractive matter, 
soluble in ether, and a brownish matter, insoluble therein ; phos- 
phate and malate of lime ; salts of potassa ; muco-saccharine mat- 
ter and fecula, and 65.882 of ligneous matter. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Decoctum galeopsidis grandifloree. 

R. Galeopsid. grandifl. summitat. ^j. 
Coque in Aquae Oj. per minut. xv. et cola. 

To be used in the twenty-four hours. Wesener. 

R. Galeop. grandifl. summitat. 
Althaeae aa. ,§]. 
Glycyrrhiz. gij. M. 

A fourth part of this to be boiled in a pint and a half of water : 
to be used daily in chronic catarrh, and in the expectoration 
produced by the softening of pulmonary tubercles. — Radius* 

Galeopsis versicolor, and galeopsis villosa, which have 
also been examined by Geiger, 5 appear to be possessed of the 
same virtues as galeopsis grandi flora* 

1 Reicke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 241. Stuttgart, 1837. 

2 Ibid. 

3 Magaz. fur Pharmacie, ix. 134. 

4 Auserlesene Heilformeln, u. s. w. S. 274. Leipz. 1836. 
8 Allgem. Med. Annalen, S. 1 141. 1825. 

6 Richter's Specielle Therapie, B. x. S. 397. Berlin, 1828. 



392 GALVANISMUS. 



XCVIII. GALVANISMUS. 

Synonymes. Electricitas Animalis seu Galvanica seu Metallica, Irrita- 
mentum Metallorum seu Metallicum, Galvanism, Voltaism, Galvanic 
Electricity. 

French. Galvanisme. 

German. Galv anismus, Volta'sche El e c t r i c i t a t . 

The ordinary effects of common and galvanic electricity and of 
electro-magnetism are so well known as to require but little com- 
ment. They are decidedly excitant ; and, like all excitants, when 
applied to a part of the frame, are counter-irritant or revellent. 
All have been employed in paralysis, — general and local, — 
amaurosis, deafness and dumbness 1 of recent duration, 
asthma, rheumatism, neuralgia, amenorrhoea? incontinence 
of urine} sprains,* &c. The effect, however, which galvanism 
exerts on the contractility of the muscular fibre, and the great simi- 
larity in its agency to the nervous influence, 5 has led to its employ- 
ment more frequently in the various nervous and spasmodic diseases 
referred to, and in others belonging to the same class. 6 Resting on 
his views of the absolute identity between the nervous and gal- 
vanic fluids, 7 Dr. Wilson Philip employed it in many diseases, and 
especially in asthma. In a paper read by him before the Royal 
Society of London, in January, 1816, he details some experiments, 
which he made on rabbits. The eighth pair or pneumogastric 
nerves were divided by incisions made in the neck. After the 
operation, the parsley, which the animals had eaten, remained un- 
changed in their stomachs, and, after evincing much difficulty of 
breathing, they seemed to die of suffocation. But when, in other 
animals, whose nerves had been divided, the galvanic agency was 
transmitted along the nerve, below its section, to a disc of silver, 
placed closely in contact with the skin of the animal, opposite to 
its stomach, no difficulty of breathing occurred. The galvanic 
action being kept up for twenty-six hours, the rabbits were killed 
and the parsley was found digested. 

The removal of dyspnoea, in these cases, led Dr. Philip to em- 
ploy galvanism as a remedy for asthma ; and, by transmitting its 
influence from the nape of the neck to the pit of the stomach, he 
gave decided relief in every one of twenty-two cases, of which four 
were in private practice, and eighteen in the Worcester Infirmary. 

1 See a case of aphonia cured by galvanism, cited in London Lancet, May 27, 1843. 
a G. Bird, Guy's Hospital Reports, April, 1841, p. 84. 

3 Froriep, cited in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Joum., 1844, p. 491. 

4 Raciborski, Gaz. Med. Chirurg.; cited in Med. Chir. Rev., April, 1846. 

5 See the author's Human Physiology, 7th edit, i. 118. Philad., 1850. 

s Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med., 2d edit., p. 42. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit, 
Philad. 1846. See, also, the author's General Therapeutics and Mat Med., 4th edit., 
i. 509. Philad. 1850. 

1 Experimental Inquiry into the Laws of the Vital Functions. London, 1817. 



GALVANISMUS. 393 

The power employed varied from ten to twenty-five pairs of 
plates. Since then, galvanism has been repeatedly used in such 
cases, and at times with manifest relief. Commonly, however, the 
plates, described hereafter, are employed for this purpose. The 
disease, in the majority of cases, appears to be dependent upon 
erethism of the pneumogastric nerves ; all the phenomena indi- 
cating that there is a spastic constriction of the small bronchial 
tubes, occasioned by irritation at the extremity, or in the course 
of the nerve. The new impression, made by the galvanic agency, 
breaks in upon the concentration of nervous action, by exciting 
other portions of the nervous system, in the same manner as we 
observe spasms or ordinary cramp relieved, or paroxysmal dis- 
eases warded off, by agents that are capable of suddenly impress- 
ing some part of the nervous system. 

Not long after these researches of Dr. Philip, galvanism was 
employed satisfactorily by Mr. Mansford 1 in a congenerous dis- 
ease — epilepsy — and his plan was afterwards — although tardily — 
extended to some other paroxysmal disorders. The mode of ap- 
plication recommended by him is as follows. A portion of the 
cuticle, of the size of a sixpence, is removed by means of a small 
blister on the back of the neck, as close to the root of the hair as 
possible, and a similar portion is removed from the hollow beneath, 
and on the inside of the knee, as the most convenient place. To 
the excoriated surface on the neck, a plate of silver, varying— 
according to the age of the patient— from the size of a sixpence 
to that of half a crown, is applied, having attached to its back 
part, a handle or shank, and to its lower edge — and parallel with 
the shank — a small staple, to which the conducting wire is fas- 
tened. This wire passes down the back, until it reaches a belt of 
chamois leather, buttoned round the waist; it then follows the 
course of the belt to which it is attached, until it arrives opposite 
the groin of the side on which we desire to employ it ; it then 
passes down the inside of the thigh, and is fastened to the zinc 
plate in the same manner as to the silver one. The apparatus, 
contrived in this way, is thus applied. A small piece of sponge, 
moistened in water, and corresponding in size to the blistered part 
of the neck, is first placed directly upon it; over this, a large piece, 
of the same size as the metallic plate, also moistened, is laid, and 
next to this, the plate itself, which is secured in its situation by a 
strip of adhesive plaster passed through the shank on its back; 
another above, and another below it. If these be properly placed, 
and the wire which passes down the back be allowed sufficient 
room, that it may not drag, the plate will not be moved from its 
position by any ordinary motion of the body. The zinc plate is 
fastened in the same manner, but in place of the second layer of 

* Researches into the Nature and Causes of Epilepsy, &c. Bath, 1819. 



394 GALVANISMUS. 

sponge, a piece of muscle answering in size to the zinc plate is 
interposed ; that is, a small piece of moistened sponge being first 
fitted to the exposed surface below the knee, the piece of muscle 
moistened, or — what has been found equally effectual and less 
inconvenient — a piece of moistened flannel 1 follows, and on this 
the plate of zinc. 

The apparatus, thus arranged, will continue, according to Mr. 
Mansford, in gentle and uninterrupted action from twelve to 
twenty-four hours, according to circumstances. " This last is the 
longest period that it can be allowed to go unremoved ; the sores 
require cleaning and dressing, and the surface of the zinc becomes 
covered with a thick oxide, which must be removed to restore its 
freedom of action : this may be done by scraping or polishing ; but 
it will be better if removed twice a day, both for the greater se- 
curity of a permanent action, and for the additional comfort of the 
patient." 

The adoption of this plan of treatment in cases of tic doulou- 
reux; the confidence reposed by Laennec in the use of plates on 
the breast and back in angina pectoris, and similar neuralgic 
affections of the chest; and the communications of Drs. Thos. 
Harris and Chapman, brought it into extensive use, so that ample 
trial was given to it in this country, both in public and private 
practice. In three cases, it was — to employ the language of Pro- 
fessor Chapman 2 — " triumphantly directed" by Dr. Harris ; but it 
was only found effectual in affections of the face ; and in these 
cases it had to be persevered in for some time before any marked 
benefit was experienced. 3 About the same period, this mode of 
applying galvanism was recommended by Dr. Miller, 4 formerly of 
Washington University, Baltimore, and a case of paraplegia and 
another of general paralysis, were published by him, in which it 
was found efficacious. A similar arrangement, employed for the 
purposes of counter-irritation, has been described by Dr. Golding 
Bird 5 under the title of the " electric moxa." It w r as long ago 
observed by Humboldt, and afterwards by Grapengiesser, that when 
a simple galvanic arc was applied to a blistered surface, the part 
opposed to the most oxidizable metal was more irritated than that 
to w T hich the negative plate was applied. In adopting such an arc 
in the treatment of paralysis, Dr. Bird was struck with the re- 
markable effects produced, and such a combination of its results 
induced him to propose the following ready mode of establishing a 
discharge from the surface of the body. Two small blisters, the 
size of a shilling, are applied to any part, one a few inches below 
the other. When the cuticle is raised, it must be snipped, and to 

1 Dr. Chapman says soft buckskin or parchment. American Journal of the Medical 
Sciences, Aug. 1834, p. 311. a Op. citat. p. 311. 

3 Dr. Harris, in American Journal of the Med. Sciences, Aug. 1834, p. 384. 

4 Ibid. p. 321. * Lond. Med. Gazette, June, 1847. 



GALVANlSMtlS. 395 

the one whence a permanent discharge is required, a piece of zinc 
foil must be applied ; and to the other a piece of silver. They are 
then connected by a copper wire, and covered with a common 
water-dressing and oiled silk. If the zinc plate be raised in a 
few hours, the surface of the skin will look white, as if rubbed 
over with nitrate of silver. In forty-eight hours, a decided eschar 
will appear, which, if the plates are still kept on, will begin to 
separate at the edges in four or five days. A common poultice 
may now be applied, and a healthy sore, freely discharging pus, 
will be left. 

Confirmation of the advantage to be derived from this method 
of applying galvanism has been afforded by Mr. Wells, 1 who re- 
cords the results of his treatment in the Civil Hospital at Corfu. 
The cases, in which its efficacy was tested, were thirty of ulcers; 
five of fistulas; five of fungous growths; and five of nervous 
disorders. Mr. Hinton, 2 however, does not give so favourable an 
account as Mr. Wells of the action of the galvanic plates. The 
scar left by the slough, he says, has a very uneven surface, and 
would not be borne in many cases. 

The effect of galvanism on the uterus has been referred to under 
Electro-Magnetismus. 

M. Matteucci, 3 from his researches, is induced to think, that/?#- 
ralysis and tetanus are the diseases in which galvanism is most 
likely to prove beneficial. In its application, however, in these 
diseases, he considers it necessary to bear in mind two electro- 
physiological facts. The first is, that an electric current, if trans- 
mitted through a nerve for a certain time, destroys the sensibility 
of the nerve, or in other words paralyzes it; but if the nerve be 
allowed to remain at rest, after a certain interval it recovers its ex- 
citability. But it has been ascertained by M. Matteucci, that the 
excitability may be restored in a much shorter period by passing a 
second current through the nerve in the reverse direction. The 
second fact to be borne in mind is, that if the nerves of a living 
animal be subjected to the passage of an electric current, renewed 
at short intervals, tetanic contractions are excited ; and if the ex- 
periment be continued for some time, the nerves entirely lose their 
excitability. "These facts," says M. Matteucci, "independently 
of all theory or hypothesis, should guide us in the therapeutical 
application of the electric current to paralysis. It may in fact be 
admitted that, in some cases of paralysis, the nerves of the affected 
limb are in a condition similar to that produced by the continued 
passage of an electric current. We have seen, that to restore the 
excitability to a nerve which had been deprived of it by an electric 

1 Lond. Med. Gazette, May 26, 1848. 

a Ibid,, July, 1848, and Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, July to Dec. 1848. Amer. 
edit. p. 216. 
3 Cited in Med. Chirurg. Rev. April, 1845. 



396 GALVANISMUS. 

current, it is requisite to conduct the current in the opposite direc- 
tion. Hence, to cure the paralysis, the current should be passed 
in a contrary direction to that which has produced it. In a para- 
lysis of motion, the inverse current should be employed ; whilst, 
on the contrary, in a. paralysis of sensation, the direct current 
should be used. In a case of complete paralysis — that is, of both 
motion and sensation, there is no reason to prefer the one current 
to the other. Theory also teaches a rule in its application: never 
to continue the passage of the current too long, lest we augment the 
disease we wish to cure. The more intense the current, the shorter 
should be its duration ; and as we have seen that the passage of 
the electric current in the nerves, repeated at short intervals of 
time, considerably enfeebles their sensibility when continued for 
a long time, we must take care and not pass from one extreme to 
another. Theory advises us to apply the electric current of an in- 
tensity which should vary with the degree of the malady, and con- 
tinue its passage for two or three minutes at intervals of some se- 
conds. After these two or three minutes, during which we shall 
have communicated from twenty to thirty shocks, we should leave 
the patient at rest for some time, and then renew the treatment." 

It is affirmed that Dr. Krusell, 1 of St. Petersburg, has employed 
galvanism successfully in the treatment of syphilitic ulcers. To 
this method he gives the name " electrolytic." It is not clearly 
described by the translator — and the author does not possess the 
original article; but it would appear, that of forty-three patients 
whose treatment commenced between the 4th of July and the 11th 
of September, 1844, inclusive, twenty-one w T ere free from all ap- 
pearances of disease on the loth of September, and all the others, 
with the exception of three or four, were in the best condition, — 
the sores being nearly healed. Dr. Krusell employs an uninter- 
rupted current. 

Dr. Hays has stated, that the most useful remedy in certain 
cases of amaurosis, which fell under his care, 2 was unquestiona- 
bly galvanism. This was evinced not only in the improvement 
which followed its application, but in the u still more striking 
fact," that the patient saw better whilst subjected to the galvanic 
action. Dr. Hays found a Cruikshank's battery of fifty pairs of 
plates three inches square — when in full activity — too powerful 
for the purpose, so that only one-half or two-thirds of the plates 
were usually employed. The connexion was made by means of 
leaden wire conductors, to one end of which was soldered a slip of 
copper, and to the other a hemisphere of brass, the flat surface 
of which was filed into grooves crossing at right angles, so as to 
form a number of sharp points. Over these were tied thin discs 

1 Journ, for Chirurg. und Augenhcilkunde von Walther und Amnion. Bd. v. S. 92: 
cited in Lond. Med. Gaz. June 5, lt46, p. 1015. 

* American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Aug. 1840, p. 283. 



GALVANISMUS. 397 

of sponge, which were kept moist with a solution of common salt, 
and when it was considered desirable to introduce strychnia into 
the system, the sponge attached to the negative pole — and some- 
times that to the positive pole, also — was moistened with a solu- 
tion of it. When the whole force of the battery was not wanted, 
instead of putting the slips in the extreme cells, they were placed 
in cells more or less remote, according to the power required; and 
the force was easily regulated. The galvanic current may be 
made to pass from the mastoid process to the superciliary ridge. 
Dr. Hays expresses his persuasion, that galvanism, properly em- 
ployed, is a valuable and effective remedy for certain forms of 
amaurosis. There are doubtless — as already observed — cases of 
disease, in which the excitant and revulsive agency of galvanism 
may bs employed with advantage, but they are not so numerous 
as was at one time believed. The author has used the plates ex- 
tensively — in neuralgic cases especially — but has not experienced 
so much success as to induce him to advise them frequently, under 
the inconveniences that necessarily accompany their employment. 

The ordinary modes of applying galvanism are referred to in 
another work. 1 An apparatus has been devised by Mr. Coad, of 
Philadelphia, which enables galvanism to be communicated either 
continuously, or in an uninterrupted manner, and the dose to be re- 
gulated according to the wishes of the practitioner. It is conve- 
nient, and well adapted for all cases in which it may be deemed 
advisable to apply galvanism. 2 

Recently, M. Duchenne, 3 of Boulogne, has published a long 
memoire on what he terms a rrew method of galvanization, Gal- 
vanisation localises He states, that if the skin and the excitors 
(excitateurs) — as he terms metallic bodies communicating with 
the poles of a galvanic apparatus, which are placed on parts to be 
galvanized — are perfectly dry, and the epidermis of considerable 
thickness, the two electric currents are recomposed at the surface 
of the epidermis, without traversing the derma; and cause sparks 
and a peculiar crepitation without physiological phenomena. But 
if we place on the skin one excitor moist and the other dry, the 
individual experiences, in the point where the second excitor had 
developed only physiological effects, a superficial sensation evi- 
dently cutaneous. This is owing to the contrary electricities be- 
ing recomposed in the point of the dry epidermis, but after having 
traversed the skin by the moist excitor. Again, if we moisten very 
slightly the skin w 7 here the epidermis is very thick in the points 
on which the metallic excitors are placed, a superficial sensation 
is experienced, stronger than the preceding, without sparks or 

1 General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, 4th edit. i. 500. Philad. 1850. 
a Art. Galvanism, in Cyclop, of Practical Medicine, Amer. edit, by the author. Philad. 
1845. 
* Archives Generates de Medecine, Juillet, 1850, p. 257, and Aout, 1850, p. 420. 

26 



398 GALVANISMUS. 

crepitation. Here the electric recomposition takes place in the 
substance of the skin. Lastly, if the skin and excitors are very 
moist, neither sparks, crepitation, nor sensation of burning is expe- 
rienced, but very variable phenomena of contractility or sensibility 
present themselves, according as we act on a muscle or a fasci- 
culus of muscular fibres ; on a nerve or a bony surface. In the 
last case, an acute pain of a very peculiar character is experienced ; 
and consequently great care ought to be had not to place moist ex- 
citors over bony surfaces. M. Duchenne infers from these phe- 
nomena, that the electric power may be arrested at will in the skin ; 
and that, without any incision or puncture, it may be traversed, 
and the action of electricity be limited to the organs which it co- 
vers, to the nerves, muscles and even the bones. 

Some years ago, Professor Von Hildenbrand, of Pavia, 1 recom- 
mended, in cases of frontal neuralgia, an anodyne metallic or 
galvanic brush, which appears to have been as effectual in his 
hands as the galvanic plates in those of Dr. Harris. It consists of 
a bundle of metallic wires not thicker than common knitting-nee- 
dles, firmly tied together by wire of the same material, so as to 
form a cylinder of about four or five inches long, and an inch or 
three-fourths of an inch in diameter. This is applied to the pained 
part, which has been previously moistened with a solution of com- 
mon salt; and, according to Von Hildenbrand, it at times produces 
relief so instantaneously, that it appears to the patients to act like 
a charm. In his first experiments, he employed brushes construct- 
ed of two kinds of metal, — for instance, of silver and copper wire, 
copper and zinc wire, or zinc and brass wire, the individual wires 
being mutually commingled ; but he subsequently ascertained, that 
bundles of wires of one and the same metal produced an effect 
scarcely less speedy, and that solid metallic bodies act in a similar 
manner, but in a much feebler degree. The nature of the metal, 
he thinks, occasions no difference. 

It is not probable, that, in these cases, galvanism is the agency 
concerned. Like the metallic tractors of Perkins, the effect is 
probably induced by the new nervous impression made through 
the excited imagination of the patient. 

Jlnimal Magnetism, Mesmerism, Neurogamia, Biogamia, 
Biomagnetismus, Zoomagnetismus, Tellurismus, Exoneu- 
rism, as it has been termed— exerts an anodyne influence in pro- 
bably the same manner. In highly impressible persons, more or 
less prolonged impressions made upon the senses— as by the ope- 
rator looking steadfastly in the eyes of the patient, holding the 
thumbs or hand at the same time, or making passes in front of the 
patient— will induce an hysteric or hysteroid condition, in which 

1 Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, April, 1833. 



GENTIANA CHIRAYITA. 399 

the patient may fall into what is called "magnetic sleep" of a 
very sound, and at times cataleptic character. During the existence 
of this sleep, the patient may be insensible to certain irritants, 
and yet extremely alive to others, so that operations — as the ex- 
traction of teeth, and even some of a more serious character — may 
be performed without eliciting the ordinary evidences of feeling. 
In cases of delirium tremens, accompanied by watchfulness, in 
which the whole nervous system is extremely impressible, sleep 
may be at times induced by the employment of this agency, which 
had resisted the ordinary anodynes. 1 

It has been proposed to introduce into the rectum, in cases of 
constipation, a kind of galvanic suppository, made of two metals 
— zinc and copper — and various forms of instruments have been 
devised by the prolific imaginations of the inventors; those in- 
tended for the rectum simply were doubtless of advantage, at 
times, by virtue of the excitation they induced in the nerves of the 
mucous membrane. Others, shaped somewhat like a bassoon — 
and so arranged as to have one metal in the mouth and the other 
in the rectum connected together by metal — did not appear to act 
differently from those of the simpler form. Both have gone into 
disuse, and if their efficacy on the frame has not been well marked, 
they have not failed to administer to the pockets of the inventors. 



XCIX. GENTIANA CHIRAYITA. 

Synonymes, Henricea Pharmacearcha, Swertia Chirayita, Agathotes Chi- 
rayta, Chiretta, Chirayita, Chirayta. 

Gentiana chirayita is a native of the northern part of India, 
whence it is imported into England, tied up in bundles. It has 
been long in use there. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The herb and root are intensely bitter, and produce on the eco- 
nomy the ordinary effects of the pure bitters. They strikingly 
resemble gentian, and are employed in India in dyspepsia, and as 
an antiperiodic in intermittents. 2 The plant has been highly ex- 
tolled by Drs. Currie, Sigmond, and others. These gentlemen 
consider that the secretion from the liver improves under its use ; 
and the latter advises it not only in torpor of the digestive fundi on, 
but he prefers it to sarsaparilla where the latter is considered to 
be indicated : as after large quantities"of mercury have been taken, 
or where profuse salivation has been induced. Dr. Jackson, for- 
merly of Calcutta, informed Dr. Christison, that he found it often 
have the effect of restoring the healthy alvine evacuations in costive 

1 Dr. Vedder, American Medical Intelligencer, Feb. 1, 1839, p. 331 

2 J. Johnson, Influence of Tropical Climates, 3d edit. p. 58. 



400 GLYCERINA. 

habits; and he adds, that frequent trials made in Edinburgh con- 
firm all that has been said by the practitioners of Bengal as to its 
efficacy as a tonic and stomachic. 1 It has also been advised in 
atonic leucorrhcea. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Gentiana chirayita yields its virtues to alcohol and water. (Gent, 
chirayit. sss. ; Aq. bullient. Oj.) Dose, f §j. to f §ij. The tincture 
is made by macerating five ounces of the chirayita for fourteen 
days in two pints of diluted alcohol. Dose, a teaspoonful. The 
dose of the powder is one scruple. 4 



C. GLYCERINA, 



Synonymes. Glycerinum, Glycerine, Glycerin: — improperly cited as 

Glycyrrhine, 3 Hydrate of oxide of Glyceryl. 
French. Glycerine. 
German. Glyzerin, Glyceryl oxyd ; Oelsiiss, Scheel' sches 

Sus s. 

This substance forms a base to the oleic, stearic, and margaric 
acids of the fat oils and tallow, and is separated when these acids 
are made to combine with an alkali, or any metallic oxide in the 
saponification of the oils. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Glycerin is obtained by heating together olive or other suitable 
oil, oxide of lead, and water, as in the manufacture of the common 
lead plaster: an insoluble salt of lead is formed, and the glycerin 
remains in the aqueous liquid. This is treated with sulphohydric 
acid ; digested with animal charcoal j filtered, and evaporated in 
vacuo at the temperature of the air. 

In a pure state, glycerin forms a nearly colourless and very viscid 
liquid; s. g. 1.27. It has an intensely sweet taste, and mixes with 
water and alcoholin all proportions: but is insoluble in ether. 4 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Glycerin has been introduced by Mr. Startin, 5 as a new re- 
medy for the cure of certain cutaneous diseases ; and its useful- 
ness is presumed to be most probably dependent upon its property 
of resisting evaporation even at a considerable temperature. Mr. 
Startin affirms, that a common plate wetted with it may be kept 
in an oven, side by side with a joint of meat, till the meat is cooked, 

1 Dispensatory, Amer. edit. p. 364. Philad. 1849. 

* See •' Note upon Gentiana Chirayita," by Dr. Carson, in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, 
new series, vol. vi. No. 1, A pi. 1840, p. 20. 

■ Braithwaite's Retrospect, xiii. 306, Amer. edit. New York, 1846. 

4 Graham's Elements of Chemistry, Amer. edit, by Dr. Bridges, p. 596. Philad. 1843, 
and Fownes's Elementary Chemistry, Amer. edit, by the same, p. 399. Philad. 1845. 

» Med. Times, Feb. 8, 1846. 



GLYCERINA. 401 

without any sensible diminution in the quantity of the liquid. 
Hence, when applied to the skin it remains moist, forming a coating 
or varnish, which is not distinguishable from the ordinary secretion 
of the part. A lotion composed of half an ounce to ten fluidounces 
of water effectually prevents the skin from becoming dry. When 
employed in its pure state, it makes the part stiff and uncomforta- 
ble; and consequently answers best diluted. It is also added 
with advantage to poultices, and even to baths. Mr. Startin 
speaks of its use chiefly in psoriasis, pityriasis, lepra, and ichthy- 
osis, in all which diseases he describes it as producing excellent 
palliative effects; and in such cases the author has employed it 
with marked advantage. It keeps the part moist, and prevents 
the formation of scabs. 

It is probable, that glycerin might be used with much advantage 
in burns, and wherever it is desirable to prevent the desiccative in- 
fluence of the air from irritating an exposed surface. 

In consequence of the publication, by Mr. Yearsley, 1 of some 
cases of deafness, in which the tympanum had been perforated by 
ulceration, having been astonishingly benefited by the insertion of 
wetted cotton into the meatus, Dr. Turnbull 2 and Mr. Thomas H. 
Wakley, 3 under the idea that the benefit resulted from the moisture 
and not from the cotton, thought of glycerin as an agent, which 
would retain its moisture and lubricate the auditory canal. Mr. 
Wakley accordingly used it in three hundred cases, and in a num- 
ber of them the power of hearing was restored. "Contrary," he 
says, " to what might have been anticipated, the use of the remedy 
was successful in persons in whom the deafness had been of many 
years 5 duration — one, for example, thirty years; and also in cases 
where the existence of the malady could be traced to the eruptive 
fevers of childhood. In instances of deafness caused by inflamma- 
tion, followed first by suppuration, and then by a horny dry con- 
dition of the auditory canal, the application of glycerin has been 
attended with signal advantage. Equally marked and peculiar is 
the success when it is used in cases where there is a partial or total 
absence of ceruminous secretion. In many instances of deafness 
belonging to these classes of cases, the employment of glycerin has 
been followed by a perfect restoration of the power of hearing. In 
other examples of deafness, where the membrana tympani had evi- 
dently become thickened and hardened, and an examination with 
the speculum denoted a whitish or pearly appearance, the use of 
the glycerin was followed by strikingly beneficial and gratifying 
effects. It is evident, therefore, that the application of glycerin 
is equally admissible, whether the tympanum [membrana tympani,] 
be in a sound state, or whether it has been destroyed by ulcera- 
tion." 

1 Lancet, July 1, 1848. 2 Lond. Med. Gazette, June 1, 1849, p. 962. 

* Lancet, cited in Med Examiner, Sept, 1849, p. 561. 



402 GRANATUM. 

Dr. Paterson, 1 of Edinburgh, obtained some improvement in one 
of three cases in which he used it. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

R. Glycerin, f gj. 

Tragacanth. pulv. ^ij. ad 3SS. 
. Liquor, calcis f ^iv. 

Aq. ros. f Jiij. M. 

As a liniment or embrocation in 'prurigo, lichen, strophulus, 
lepra, psoriasis, pruritus, &c. Startin. 

R. Glycerin, f 3[ss. 

Acid, nitric, dilut. f ^ss. ad gj. 
Bismuth, subnit. gss. 
Tinct. digital, f gj. 
Aq. rosse f ^viiss. M. 

As a lotion; to be used by dabbing the part for chapped nipples 
or hands, fissures of the lips, irritation of the skin of any kind, 
as after shaving, exposure to the sun, in pityriasis, &c. 

Startin. 
R. Glycerin, f ^ss. 

Sodse borat. gss. ad gj. 
Aq. ros. ^viiss. M. 

To be used by dabbing the affected part in alopecia following 
fevers; in dryness or want of action ofthescalp,thinnessofthehair, 
&c. Startin. 

R. Glycerin, f tfss. 

Sp. amnion, aromat. f %]. 
Tinct. cantharid.f^j. ad f ^ij. 
Aq. rosmarin. f ^vij. M. 

As a lotion to be used with a wet hair-brush once or twice a 
day in rheumatism or gout, neuralgic pains, sprains, bruises, 
stiffness, &c. 

R. Glycerin, f gss. 

Lin. sapon. comp. f ^iss. 
Ext. belladon. gj. M. 
As an embrocation; to be used twice a day in the ordinary man- 
ner. Startin. 



CI. GRANATUM. 

Synonymes. Punica Granatum, Malogranatum, Pomegranate. 

French. Grenadier, Balaustier. 

German. Granatbaum, G ranatapf e lbaum, Apf elg ranate. 

Punica Granatum appears to be a native of the northern coast 
of Africa, whence it was transported to Italy at the time of the 
Carthaginian wars. It is now cultivated in all civilized regions, 
where the climate is sufficiently warm to allow the fruit to ripen. 

1 Monthly Retrospect, Aug. 1849 ; cited in Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 
1849, p. 4lil. 



GRANATUM. 403 

It belongs to the Natural Family Myrtaceee, and, in the Sexual 
System, to Icosandria Monogynia. 

All the parts of the plant contain more or less tannic acid. The 
bark of the root is externally of a yellowish-gray or ash colour; 
internally yellow, and has an astringent taste. According to La- 
tour de Trie, 1 it contains wax, chlorophyll, a considerable quantity 
of resin, gallic acid, tannic acid, fatty matter, and a peculiar matter 
called Grenadin; in German, Granatin. 

Grenadin, in its pure state, is of a white colour; inodorous, and 
of a sweetish taste; so much so, indeed, that according to Magendie, 
it might be presumed to be a variety of sugar, except that it differs 
from ordinary sugar in being devoid of the property of fermenting. 
According to the degree of its purity, it crystallizes in grains, tufts 
or stars. When thrown on red hot coals, it consumes without any 
residuum, and smells like burnt bread. It is fusible, and by a mo- 
derate heat may be almost wholly sublimed. It neither reacts as 
an acid nor an alkali, and is readily soluble in water. Cold alcohol 
dissolves only traces of it, but boiling alcohol dissolves it readily: 
a property which is to be taken advantage of in the formation of 
crystals. In ether it is insoluble. Nitric acid, with the assist- 
ance of heat, converts it into oxalic acid. An ounce of the bark 
yields six grains of grenadin ; but it is not settled, whether it con- 
tains the whole of the medical properties of the bark. Cenedella, 2 
from whom we have the most recent analysis of the bark of the 
pomegranate root, also found the grenadin discovered by Latour. 
This substance is readily prepared. The bark in powder is treated 
with ether, and afterwards with boiling alcohol, and the fluid is 
evaporated to the consistence of a soft extract. By treating this 
extract with water, grenadin is dissolved without difficulty, and 
it may be purified by suffering it to crystallize frequently from al- 
cohol. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The therapeutical properties of the different parts of the pome- 
granate tree were known to the writers of antiquity. They em- 
ployed not only the bark of the root as a remedial agent, but also 
the flowers, (Flores Balaustiorum, Balaustes, Balaustia, Balaus- 
tine Flowers,) the whole fruit, (Poma Granati, Malogranata, 
Granata, Mala Punica, Pomegranate: Fr. Grenades,) the rind 
of the fruit (Malicorium, Malichorium, Malacorium,) and the 
seeds. Dioscorides, Pliny, Celsus and Marcellus Empiricus speak 
of the employment of the bark of the root in taenia. 2. In more 
modern times, Punica granatum had been greatly neglected, al- 

. i Journal de Pharmacie, Fev« 1828, p. 109. 

a Giornale de Farmacia, Agosto, 1831, p. 55. See, also, Journal de Pharmacie, ix. 
219; x. 352 ; and xvii. 503; and Dierbach, in Heidelberg Klin. Annalen, B. x. H. 3, S. 
365. Heidelb. 1834. 

8 Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Medical, art. Punica Granatum. 



404 



GRANATUM. 



though the juice of the fruit was recommended by Frederick Hoff- 
man against worms in children. In India, it has been long held 
in great estimation as a remedy in tapeworm; and its efficacy 
having been noticed by some English physicians, it was recom- 
mended to the attention of Europeans, especially by Buchanan, 1 
Fleming and Breton. 2 About the same time, a monograph was 
published by Gomez, a Portuguese physician, which appears to 
have had considerable agency in extending the reputation of 
the remedy, especially in Germany, where the monograph was 
translated into the Journal of Gerson and Julius. 3 Gomez di- 
rects two ounces of the fresh rind of the root to be boiled in a 
pint and a half of water down to a pint; and of this decoction two 
or three spoonfuls to be taken for a dose; the first, early in the 
morning, fasting, and then every half hour until the whole is used. 
The efficacy of this preparation he tested in fourteen cases, from 
which it appeared, that the worm could not withstand its action 
more than forty-eight hours. He found it exert most efficacy 
when portions of the worm were perceptible in the evacuations, a 
period when the patient generally suffers most inconvenience. If 
the exit of the worm did not take place on the first day after the 
use of the agent, the decoction was continued on the second day, 
when the worm was generally discharged. Did this not happen, 
however, a farther continuance of the remedy was of no avail; and 
he thought it better to intermit it until the appearance of fresh 
portions of the worm in the evacuations. Gomez also administers 
the dried rind in pills. If the dose be too large, or the appropriate 
dose be too frequently repeated, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea 
at times supervene: should this be the case, the proper course is 
obvious. 

In countries where the fresh rind can be obtained, Gomez ad- 
vises, that it should be used; in colder countries, the dried rind, 
which is obtained from more southern regions, will have to be em- 
ployed. According to Breton, the latter acts more powerfully. 
The dried rind loses more than half its weight, and two ounces 
of it may be esteemed equal to three of the fresh. 

The strong testimony adduced in its favour by Gomez, gave 
occasion to numerous trials with it in England, France, Germany, 
and Italy, which were generally attended with favourable results. 
Such testimony has been afforded by Boiti, Marchese, Calabro, 
Majoli, Chevallier, Deslandes, Merat, 4 Pichonnier, Mandrux, 
Claret, Bayle, Delaporte, Gendrin, Grimaud, Chapotin, Bour- 

1 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, iii. 22, 1827. 
a Medico-Chirurg. Transact, xi. 31. 

* Maarazin, u. s. w. vi. 427, or Journal Complenientaire des Sciences Medicales, xvi. 
24, 1823. 

* Du Taenia, &c., et de sa cure radicale par 1'ecorce de la racine de Grenadier. 
Paris, 1832; and Merat and De Lens, op. cit.; and in Supplement au Dictionnaire, 
vol. 7, Paris, 1846. 



GRANATUM. 405 

geoise, Housson, Goupil, Ferrus, Wolff, Kostler, Meisinger, Ber- 
thold, Schmidt, Miiller, 1 and others. 2 On the other hand, Keibel 3 
complains of its uncertainty; and in the Polyclinical Institute of 
the University of Berlin, it was given without advantage; but 
Osann, in his report of that institution, is disposed to refer the 
want of success to some imperfection in the rind employed, which, 
he remarks, is found to vary greatly in its character, as met with 
in the shop of the apothecary. It would appear, also, that it is 
not unfrequently mixed with the rind of the root of the Box tree 
and Guelder rose. 

To introduce more precision on this matter, Wolff recommends 
that the druggists should purchase the bark of the root of the 
genuine East India, or, at all events, the Portuguese tree. Boiti 4 
advises that the root should be obtained from mountainous regions, 
where the tree grows wild ; that it should be taken only from 
young trees, and that it should not be more than an inch thick; 
that it should be carefully separated from the woody portion, and 
be collected in the spring of the year, when the tree has most sap, 
and be dried in the shade. Chevallier, 5 also advises, that only 
the rind of the root of the wild tree should be used. Gendrin, 
Montault and Pichonnier affirm, that the fresh rind was alone cer- 
tain in its operation; the dry frequently disappointing them. Ac- 
cording to Breton, the rind of the trunk is to be preferred to that 
of the root, because it preserves its virtues longer. Chevallier 
recommends, before the decoction of the pomegranate tree bark 
is administered, that a gentle cathartic of castor oil with lemon 
juice should be premised. This may be taken the evening before, 
the patient fasting during the following day. He directs the 
decoction to be made of two ounces of the rind macerated for 
twenty-four hours in two pints of water, and then boiled until 
a pint of the strained liquor remains. This must be divided into 
three portions, which are taken in half hourly doses. The first 
and second doses with many persons excite vomiting, but this 
need not prevent the administration of the third, as it rarely pro- 
duces the same effect. This quantity of the decoction commonly 
occasions three or four evacuations, preceded by slight colic pains; 
at other times, but one evacuation is produced, with which the 
worm is usually expelled. The period that elapses between the 
administration of the last dose of the remedy and the commence- 
ment of its operation is from a quarter of an hour to a whole hour 
— rarely longer. 

M. Merck 6 states that, when properly administered, it never 

1 Hannov. Annal., vii., 1847; cited in Schmidt's Jahrbucher, No. 8, S. 161. Jahr- 
gang 1848. 

2 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 247. 

3 Rust's Magazin, xvi. St. 3, S. 566. * Revue Encyclop. xxxii. 234. 
* Journal de Chimie Medicale, i. 378; 1825. 

6 Revue Medicale, cited in Medical Times, Jan. 11, 1845, p. 323. 



406 GRANATUM. 

fails. The mode he recommends is the following. — Whenever a 
patient has evacuated portions of taenia, he must take, on the same 
day, or the next, a decoction of two ounces of the fresh bark in a 
pint and a half of water, reduced to a pint, in three doses, leaving 
an interval of half an hour between each dose. The worm will 
be evacuated at the utmost in twenty-four hours, and no relapse 
need be feared. Want of success, he affirms, is owing to the fact 
that sometimes the dry bark is employed; and sometimes it is 
adulterated with other kinds of bark ; or that it is taken too long 
after the portions of taenia have been expelled ; or because the 
dose was too weak, or combined with purgatives, &c. Where this 
bark is used, a purgative is not necessary. Filix mas, on the 
other hand, requires a cathartic. 

Cenedella advises, that the bark of the root should be macerated 
before boiling; that the decoction should be made in earthen, not 
in metallic, vessels, and that it should be filtered or strained whilst 
hot, — different constituents, which are probably efficacious, being 
deposited as the liquor cools. 

According to M. Constant, the decoction is commonly prepared 
in France in the following manner: — The rind of the fresh root 
— or the bruised root dried — is macerated through the night in 
from a pint and a half to a quart of water; the liquor is then boiled 
to one half; strained; and, in the morning, a third part is taken 
lukewarm, fasting, and repeated every three hours until the whole 
has been administered. The quantity of the rind, used for the 
decoction, is, in the case of the adult, 5j.; of children, from six to 
fifteen years old, ^vj.; and of those under six years of age, §ss. 
At times, however, it has been administered in much larger doses. 
A girl, twenty-four years of age, had suffered from taenia from 
her infancy, and had frequently passed fragments of worms in her 
evacuations. She took two ounces of the bruised bark of the 
pomegranate root, boiled in two pounds of water, at thrice, with 
half an hour's interval between the doses, but without effect. 
The dose was now increased to three ounces, and two tapeworms 
were expelled ; so that, in two days, and without any abdominal 
disturbance, the patient took the decoction of five ounces of the 
bark of the root. 1 

To ensure the proper action of the decoction, it must be given 
as directed above, without the addition of sugar or syrup, which 
changes its properties. During its operation, the patient should 
drink nothing except when the tormina are urgent, and then a 
little of any aromatized water, without sugar, may be taken. The 
remedy should be given only on days in which portions of taenia 
are evacuated, or on the following morning; and the alimentary 
canal should be free from every evidence of inflammatory irrita- 

1 Forget, in Gazette des Hopitaux, 19 Fevrier, 1839, or London Medical Gazette, 
April 20, 1839. 



GUACO. 407 

tion. By some, as by Latour de Trie and Ferrus, an infusion of 
the rind has been found serviceable ; and Deslandes recommends 
an Extractum spirit uosum, and an Extract urn aquosum cor- 
ticis radicis granati. • 

MM. Ferrus, Berthold, Goupil, and others, have published cases 
in which, along with the expulsion of txnia, various neuroses 
were removed under the use of the rind, and accordingly it has 
been thought that it might be usefully employed in such affections 
where no taenia exists; in epilepsy and hysteria, for example. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Decoctum granati radicis corticis. 

Decoction of pomegranate root bark. 
R. Granati radicis corticis ^ij. 
Aquae Oij. 
Boil to a pint and a half. 

Dose. — ^ij. every half hour. Three or four doses are usually 
sufficient to expel the worm. 1 The formula given by Dr. Ains- 
lie, 2 directs the decoction to be prepared with ^ij. of the fresh 
bark, boiled in a pint and a half of water, until only three quar- 
ters of a pint remain. 

Electuarium extra cti granati radicis corticis, 

Electuary of extract of pomegranate root bark. 

R. Extract, alcohol, granat. rad. cort. ^vj. 
Aquse riorum tiliee, 3 
Succi limon. aa. f ^iij. 
Tragac. q. s. ut fiat electuarium. 

Dose.— One-half, from half hour to half hour. Deslandes. 

Mistura extracti granati radicis corticis. 
Mixture of extract of pomegranate root bark. 
R. Extract, alcohol, granat. rad. cort. gvj. 
Aqua? menthse, 

flor. tiliae, 

Succ. limon. aa. f ^ij. M. 

To be divided into four parts, one of which may be taken 
every quarter of an hour. Deslandes. 



CII. GUACO. 

Synonymes. Huaco, Eupatorium Huaco. 

It would appear, that owing to some extracts in the A 1 1 g e- 
meine Zeitung, the attention of the German physicians 
had been directed to this article as an important agent in the cure 

1 Jourdan's Pharmacopee Universelle, i. 638. Paris, 1828. 

9 Materia Indica, ii. 175. London, 1826. 

* Any simple aromatic water may be substituted for this. 



408 GUACO. 

of epidemic cholera; and various testimonials have been brought 
forward in its favour, which, as Riecke 1 properly suggests, may 
not be confirmed by farther experience ; and yet the circumstance 
may have led to the introduction of a valuable article into the 
catalogue of medicinal agents. 

Many species of the genus Eupatorium, and of the kindred 
genus Mikania, — which has been recently separated from it, — be- 
longing to the Natural Family Compositse (Synanthereae, sub- 
division Corymbiferse,) and in the Sexual System, to Syngenesia 
iEqualis, have been prized in various parts of America, parti- 
cularly in cases of bites of serpents. This is especially the 
case with Eupatorium ayapana (E. triplhierve.) According to 
Von Martius, a quantity of the bruised leaves is applied to the 
scarified wound, and the application of fresh leaves is renewed, 
over and over again, until the patient is freed from the dangerous 
symptoms, and especially from the violent suffering. At the same 
time, a few spoonfuls of the expressed juice are administered every 
now and then. The Mikania opifera [Eupatorium crena- 
tum t ) — in Brazil termed Erva da cobra — and the Eupatorium 
saturejsefolium [Mikania saturejcefolia,) also belong to many 
Synanthereae, which, in South America, are reputed specifics 
against the bites of serpents. The most important species ap- 
pears to be that called in Peru Guaco or Huaco, which is held 
there in high consideration, as well as in New Grenada, and 
Venezuela, not only in these cases, but in the prevention of 
hydrophobia. 2 This is presumed to be the Mikania guaco of 
Humboldt. Dr. Hancock, however, afTirms, that the names Guaco 
and Bejuco de Guaco w T ere given — in the parts of America 
w T here he sojourned — to different species of Aristolochia. 

Guaco was made known, forty or fifty years ago, by Mutis, 3 
who refers to its effects in cases of the bites of serpents. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Of the efficacy of the guaco in Indian cholera, M. E. de 
Chaniac, Officer de Sante in the French navy, and Dr. Chabert, 
physician to the military hospital in Mexico, have published the 
results of their experience. When the brig Adonis, on her voyage 
from Havana to Mexico, in the year 1833, arrived at Vera Cruz, 
some of her crew were attacked with cholera, which prevailed 
at the time in Mexico. Of all the remedies employed, the guaco 
was found most beneficial ; its effects, indeed, were so wonderful, 
that it was regarded almost as a specific. Its action is chiefly 
exerted on the heart and the circulation, which it renders more 

1 Die neuem Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 250. Stuttgart, 1837. 

* See Prof. W. R. Johnson, in Silliman's Journal, xxiv. 272 and 388, New Haven, 
1833; and ibid, xxvii. 171, New Haven, 1835; also, Dr. Hancock, in Quarterly Jour- 
nal of Science, &c, from January to June, 1830, p. 333. 

* Virey, in Bulletin de la Societe de Pharmacie, vL 241 ; and Riecke, op. cit 251. 



GUACO, 



409 






energetic. All the patients to whom it was exhibited in the com- 
mencement of the disease were saved, and even of those in whom 
the cholera had already reached a certain stage, the greater part 
were saved, as soon as a free and complete reaction was estab- 
lished. Dr. Chabert, who first administered guaco in cholera, as 
well as in yellow fever, observes on its use in the former disease: 
— In simple cases, a small teacupful of a warm decoction was 
given every half hour, until a general diaphoresis and proper 
warmth of surface supervened, which was kept up for some days, 
when the remedy was gradually discontinued. To allay the thirst, 
the decoction was given, diluted with two-thirds, or half, water* 
In dangerous cases of cholera algida, with coldness, loss of pulse, 
&c, a spoonful of the tincture was mixed with six or eight 
spoonfuls of water, and, every quarter of an hour, a spoonful of 
this mixture was given alternately with a small cupful of the 
decoction. When the pulse returned, the warmth became re- 
stored and the perspiration re-established, the tincture was omitted, 
and the decoction continued alone at longer intervals. In the 
majority of cases, after the cessation of the cholera symptoms, 
pain was experienced in the epigastrium, with burning thirst, 
which yielded when the decoction was diluted with half or two- 
thirds water. When the decoction could not be retained by the 
stomach, it was given in clyster. Blood-letting, general and 
local, was employed along with other external means, but nothing 
was given internally except the guaco. To make the decoction; 
— two drams of the stalks, and half a dram of the leaves, were 
boiled in two pints of the water, down to one. The tincture 
was prepared like other tinctures. 

In consequence of the communications of Chabert and De 
Chaniac, as well as of the parallel drawn by Harless 1 between the 
cholera and the effects of the bites of serpents, Professor Beckers 
of Munich recommended that experiments should be made w 7 ith 
guaco; and it was accordingly tried in Munich, but not with as 
favourable results as had been expected. Romerio asserts that it 
was given in the stadium asphycticum in the form of infusion, 
made of half an ounce of the stalks, but with uncertain results. It 
appeared to combine the effects of valerian and ipecacuanha, yet it 
excited less vomiting than the latter. The tincture appeared to 
render greater service. It was given in the dose of a coffee-spoon- 
ful every half hour, and, subsequently, every hour, and every two 
hours. It would appear, that in the district of Prague, its admi- 
nistration was attended with very favourable consequences. 2 To 
account for the different results, it is affirmed, that different drugs 
are met with in commerce under the name guaco. Riecke says, 
that M. Jobst had sent him two kinds, which w T ere evidently from 

1 Die Indische Cholera, u. s. w. Braunschweig, 1831. a Riecke, op. cit. S. 256. 



410 HIPPOCASTANUM. 

different plants: the one variety was obtained from Hamburg and 
Bourdeaux; the other, from Paris: descriptions of these are given 
by Riecke. The truth, probably, is, that this, like most of the 
cholera specifics which have been brought forward, is efficacious 
in certain cases of the disease, but that its agency has been egre- 
giously exaggerated. 



CIII. HIPPOCASTANUM (CORTEX.) 

Synontmes. jEscuIus Hippocastanum, Castanea Equina seu Pavina, 

Horse Chestnut, Buck Eye (the Bark.) 
French. Marronier, Marronier oVInde. 
German. Rosskastanie, Pf erde kastanie, Rosskeste, Pfer- 

dekeste. 

The tree whence this bark is derived is iEsculus Hippocasta- 
num or Horse Chestnut — of the Natural Family Hippocasta- 
nese; Sexual System, Heptandria Monogynia — which is wild on 
the mountains of Asia Minor and Persia, and grows in this coun- 
try as well as in Europe. The bark has a very astringent taste; 
is somewhat bitter, and contains a great deal of tannic acid. 
Canzoneri thinks he discovered a peculiar principle in it, which he 
calls asculine, but the existence of this is contested. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The Cortex hippocastani has long been advised as an astringent, 
but without receiving much attention. 1 In modern times, it has 
been proposed by Zannichelli, Hufeland, Voigtel, and others, as 
the best substitute for cinchona. These recommendations have 
caused the bark to be more frequently administered of late, in 
Europe, by which means it has been discovered to accord almost 
entirely in its effects with that of the willow: the latter, however, 
appears to be more effective, and to agree better with the digest- 
ive organs. In the wars of Napoleon, when bark was very scarce, 
it was much employed. Hufeland and Voigtel recommended it 
especially in intermittent l s. Sinogowitz 2 advises that it should 
be given after the removal of intermittents by quinia, to prevent a 
relapse; and, also, in combination with diuretic agents, in the cases 
of dropsy which often succeed to that disease. Knigelstein found 
it always extremely efficacious in atonic gout, and in removing 
the weakness of the digestive apparatus that remains after 
attacks of gout. The Austrian, Brunswick, Danish, Russian and 
Saxon Pharmacopoeias 3 have an aqueous extract of the bark, 
which Voigtel administered with good results in intermittent 
fever, and often found serviceable in chronic discharges from 

1 Merat and De Lens, art. iEsculus Hippocastanum. 

3 Rust's Magazin, B. xxix. H. i. p. 84. 

3 Pharmacopee Universelle, ii. 14. Paris, 1828. 



HIPPOCASTANUM. 411 

the mucous membranes. It agrees better with the stomach 
than the powder or the decoction. Externally, the decoction has 
been advised as a good astringent. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Pnlvis corticis hippocastani compositus, 
Compound powder of horse chestnut bark. 

Pulvis Chinse Factitius. 
Factitious Powder of Bark. 
R. Hippocast. cort. 
Salic, cort. 
Gentian rubr. cort. 
Calam. 

Caryophyll. aa. gij. 
Misce et fiat pulvis. 

Hufeland 1 affirms, that this powder is an adequate substitute for 
cinchona in three cases out of four. 

Hufeland, and Prussian Pharmacopoeia, 

Dec oc turn corticis hippocastani. 
Decoction of horse chestnut bark. 
R. Cort. hippocastan. ^iss. 
Coque cum aquae fgxviij. ad reman, colat. f ,^ix.; cui refrigerat. adde 
Spir. aether, sulph. f gj. — gij. 
Syr. cort. aurant. f^j. M. 

To be used during the apyrexia. Voigtel. 

Decoctum chinse factitiae. 

Decoction of factitious bark. 
R. Salic, cort. pulv. crass. 
Hippocast. cort. aa. ^ss, 
Calam. 
4 Caryophyll. aa. £ij. 

Coque cum aq. fontan. f ^xvi. ad reman, colat. f ^fviij. 

Prussian Pharmacopoeia. 
Decoctnm hippocastani acidum. 
Jlcid decoction of horse chestnut. 

R. Hippocast. cort. pulv. gvj. 
Coque cum 

Acid, sulphur, dilut. f gj. 
Aquae f ^x. 
ad. colat. f ^vj. 

Used in the after treatment of intermit tents. — Sinogowitz. 

Electuarium corticis hippocastani. 
Electuary of horse chestnut bark. 

R. Hippocast. cort. pulv. §ss. 
Calam. gss. 
Roob. juniperi giij. M. ut fiat electuarium. 

A tea-spoonful to be taken every hour, or every two hours, in 
dropsies supervening on intermittent fever. — Sinogowitz. 
1 Armenpharmacopoe 4te Ausgab. Berl. 1825. 



412 HYDRARGYRI BROMIDUM. 



HYDRAR'GYRI PR^EPARA'TA. 

Synonymes. Preparations of Mercury. 
French. Les Preparations de Mercure. 
German. Quecksilberpraparate. 

CIV. HYDRAR'GYRI BROMIDUM. 

Synonymes. Hydrargyrum Bromatum. Broraetum Hydrargyrosum seu 

Hydrargyri, Protobromuretum Mercurii, Bromide of Mercury. 
German. Bromquecksilber, Quecksilberbromiir. 

Mercury unites with bromine in more than one proportion. A 
solution ol hydrobr ornate ofpotassa produces with a solution of 
nitrate of protoxide of mercury a white precipitate, which re- 
sembles calomel; and appears to be a bromide of quicksilver, an- 
swering to the proto-chloride (Hydrargyrum Bromatum, Hy- 
drargyri Protobromidum; German, Quecksilberbromiir, 
Bromquecksilber, Protobromure des Quecksil- 
bers.) On the other hand, the bromide, which is formed by the 
direct union of bromine with mercury, corresponds probably to 
the bichloride. A white substance results, which can be sublimed 
by heat, is soluble in water, alcohol, and especially in ether; is 
coloured red or yellow by the alkalies, and exhibits considerable 
resemblance to corrosive sublimate ; — (Hydrargyrum perbroma- 
tum, H. bibromatum, H. perbromidum, H. deutobrbmidum 
seu bibromidum; German, Quecksilber-deuto-bromur, 
Bromquecksilber in maximum.) 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The effects of these preparations on the sound and diseased or- 
ganism are not yet well known. They have, however, been em- 
ployed by some physicians. The protobromide strongly resem- 
bles calomel in its properties. In the dose of one or two grains, 
it produces no effect in health, even when taken fasting. In a 
higher dose — four or five grains, and upwards — it purges mode- 
rately, augmenting, at the same time, the secretion of urine. 
When used in primary syphilitic affections, in the way of 
friction on the gums, or internally in pill, it removes them like 
calomel; but it does not seem to affect the mouth as speedily or as 
severely as it. 1 

The deutobromide or bibromide, Hydrargyri perbromas 
seu bibromas, Hydrargyrum perbromatum, Brometum hy~ 
drargyricum, Bromidum seu deutobromuretum mercurii; 
German, Doppeltbromquecksilber, Quecksilber- 
b r o m i d , resembles the bichloride of mercury in its action, — 
producing, in too strong a dose, vomiting and purging, with colic 

1 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, No. 14, 30 Juillet, 1837. 



HYDRARGYRI CYANURETUM. 413 

and cramp of the stomach ; affecting the mouth, and exciting 
violent salivation. 1 Werneck, of Austria, has administered it 
frequently in syphilis. In recent cases, he prescribes it in the 
form of pill, beginning with one-twentieth of a grain. This close 
he increases by one-twelfth every two days ; the chancres being 
covered at the same time with compresses, wetted with a solution 
formed of six grains of the same substance to a pint of distilled 
water. After a few days' treatment, he remarked that the sores 
assumed a better appearance; and from twenty to thirty days 
were sufficient to effect their entire cicatrization. The total 
quantity of the bromide administered was about five grains ; it 
was rarely necessary to carry it as high as ten or twelve grains. 
It has been believed, that deutobromide of mercury is less liable to 
act on the salivary glands than the corrosive chloride, and to 
affect less severely the stomach and chest. 3 

Desorgues has recommended the second (?) preparation as a 
prophylactic and curative agent in syphilis. It was doubtless, 
also — Riecke suggests — the second preparation which was admi- 
nistered with excellent effects by Prieger in porrigo favosa of 
an obstinate character. He terms the preparation hromas mer- 
eurii, but the true bromate is probably insoluble in ether. 3 The 
first of the following formulae is recommended by Prieger. 
Gnttse hydrargyri deutobroinidi. 
Drops of deutobromide of mercury : 

B.. Bromatis mercurii, (vel potius hydrargyri perbromidi,) gr. vj. 
Solve in 

Miher. sulphuric, f giij. M. 

Dose. — Ten to twenty drops, according to the age of the pa- 
tient, daily, in water. 

R. Hydrargyr. deutobromid. gr. j, 
Mthew sulphuric, f gj. M. 

Dose. — Ten to twenty drops in barley water, a short time after 
taking dinner ; — in syphilis. Werneck and Prieger. 



CV. HYDRARGYRI CYANURETUM. 

Synonymes. Hydrargyri Cyanidum seu Prussias seu Bicyanidum seu 
Borussias, Hydrargyrum Cyanogenatum seu Cyanatum seu Cyanicum 
seu Borussicum seu Zooticum seu Hydrocyanicum, Cyanuretum seu 
Oyanetum Hydrargyri, Mercurius Hydrocyanicus, Cyanidum Mercurii, 
Cyanide or Prussiate or Hydrocyanate or Bicyanide of Mercury. 

French. Cyanure ou Hydrocyanate ou Prussiate de Mercure. 

German. Cyanquecksilber, BlaustofTquecksilber, Blau- 
saures Queck silberoxy d, Qu e cksi lbe rcyani d . 

This mercurial preparation is contained in the Pharmacopoeias 
of the United States, Dublin, London, Belgium, Paris, Ferrara, &c. 

1 Glover, Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ., Oct., 1842. 2 Ibid. 

3 Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 261. Stuttgart, 1837, & 2te Auflage, S. 371. Stutt- 
gart, 1840. 

27 



414 HYDRARGYRI CYANURETUM 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
According to Proust and Gay-Lussac, two parts of good and 
finely powdered Prussian blue must be boiled with one part of 
deutoxide of mercury and eight parts of water, until the mixture 
acquires a bright-yellowish tint. It is then filtered, and the fil- 
tered liquor, which is the hydrocyanate of deutoxide of mercury 
— containing, however, some iron— is digested or boiled with an 
excess of deutoxide of mercury, whereby the oxide of iron is com- 
pletely precipitated. As, however, the hydrocyanate is combined 
with an excess of oxide of mercury, this must be saturated with 
free hydrocyanic acid, and the solution be evaporated to induce 
crystallization. In this mode the cyanuret is formed. 

The formula of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States is the 
same as that adopted in the Codex Medicamentarius of Paris, 
which was recommended by Berzelius. It is as follows: — Take 
of Red oxide of mercury, three ounces, or a sufficient quantity; 
Ferrocyanuret of iron, four ounces; Distilled water, three pints. 
Put the ferrocyanuret of iron, and three ounces of the oxjde of 
mercury, previously powdered and thoroughly mixed together, 
into a glass vessel; and pour upon them two pints of the distilled 
water. Then boil the mixture, stirring constantly, and if, at the 
end of half an hour, the blue colour remains, add small portions of 
the oxide of mercury, continuing the ebullition until the mixture 
becomes of a yellowish colour; after which filter through paper. 
Wash the residue in a pint of the distilled water, and filter as 
before. Mix the solutions, and evaporate by the fire till a pelli- 
cle appears; then set the liquor aside that crystals may form. To 
purify the crystals, dissolve them in distilled water; filter; evapo- 
rate the solution, and set it aside to crystallize. 1 Dr. Christison 2 
does not approve of this preparation. He regards it as' a " need- 
less incumbrance of the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias." "It 
was introduced," he remarks, " into the latter, as the source of 
the hydrocyanic acid ; which may now be obtained more cheaply, 
and equally well, from other materials." Schrader directs it to 
be prepared by mixing a solution of red oxide of mercury with 
hydrocyanic acid, filtering and evaporating. 3 

Cyanuret of mercury forms white, opake, four-sided prisms; is 
inodorous, and its taste is extremely disagreeable and metallic. It 
is decomposed by heat; is readily soluble in water, and becomes 
converted thereby into hydrocyanate of mercury. It is insoluble 
in alcohol. It contains, at times, ferrocyanuret of potassium, pro- 
ceeding from the Prussian blue, with which it has been prepared. 4 

1 Pharm. of the United States, p. 118. Philad., 1842; see, also, Mr. Ellis, in Journal 
of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, vi. 24. Philad., 1834-5. 
4 Dispensatory, p. 519. Edinb. 1842. 

* See a new process for its preparation, by MM. Chevallier and Deleschamps, in 
Journ. de Chimie Medicale, Janv. 1830. 

• Orfila, Toxicologic, i. 331. 



HYDRARGYRI CYANURETUM. 415 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

According to Coullon, the poisonous action of this salt is as 
rapid as that of hydrocyanic acid. A fatal case has been pub- 
lished. 1 In the dose of from two to five grains, M. Ittner found 
it produce on dogs only signs of indisposition, tremors, &c. 2 It 
is one of the substances which Magendie, 3 in his experiments, 
found to promote the coagulation of the blood. 

Parent, 4 who frequently used this preparation, prefers it greatly 
to corrosive sublimate, in consequence of its greater solubility, and 
the capability of more readily affecting the organism by it. Ac- 
cording to his experience, syphilis yields more readily under its 
use, than under that of any other of the mercurials. He did not 
observe pains in the abdomen accompanying its protracted em- 
ployment, which he so frequently witnessed when the corrosive 
chloride was taken. Another advantage which it possesses is, 
that it is not so readily decomposed. No salt, no alkali — not even 
caustic alkali — disturbs it; neither do substances that contain nitro- 
gen or gallic acid, which speedily convert the corrosive chloride 
into calomel. Moreover, cyanuret of mercury appears to act on 
the animal textures differently from the corrosive chloride. When 
the latter is placed in contact with flesh, it becomes quickly 
changed, in part, into calomel; whilst the cyanuret preserves the 
flesh equally well, without being decomposed. The hydrocyanic 
acid appears to play no important part in the action of the re- 
medy. According to Olivier's experiments, 5 the cyanuret, like 
the corrosive chloride, acts as a powerful excitant to the tissues 
on which it is applied. He saw a man destroyed by inflammation 
of the intestines, who had taken twenty-three grains of it. 

Cyanuret of mercury was first, perhaps, recommended in Italy, 
by Brera, and in Spain. Mendoza especially made many trials 
with it, from which he was induced to conclude, that it is the best 
agent we possess in venereal affections— an opinion in which he 
was joined by several of his professional brethren in Malaga. He 
advises, that laudanum should be added to it, on account of its 
liability to excite vomiting. When too large doses were adminis- 
tered, or when the patient was unusually impressible, he found 
that the nervous system became especially disordered — as indicated 
by syncope, oppression, anxiety, and convulsions. Chaussier, 
likewise, as well as Thaer and Horn, proposed the cyanuret as a 
remedial agent at an early period. On the other hand, Wendt, 

1 Thibert, cited by T. R. Beck, in Amer. Journ. of the Med, Sciences, April' 1842, 
p. 490. 

* Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat, Med., art. Cyanogene. 

3 Legons sur le Sang; and translation in Lend. Lancet, Jan. 20th, 1839, p. 636. 

* Journ. de Chimie Medicale, viii. 473. 

8 Journ. de Chimie Medicale, i. 269 ; see, also, Letheby, Lond. Med. Gaz., Jan. 9, 
and Feb. 14 and 17, 1845. 



416 HYDRARGYRI CYANURETUM. 

Cullerier and Plisson complain of its little efficacy ; whence it has 
been inferred that the preparation must differ. 1 

Neumann 2 advises it in chronic inflammation of the lungs, 
of the membranous organs of the chest and abdomen, and 
of the ovaries. In particular cases, its use has to be soon pre- 
termitted, in consequence of its powerful action on the salivary 
glands, even in small doses — as one-eighth of a grain, three times 
a day. In other cases, it can be continued long without the 
supervention of any unpleasant consequences. In the Charite, at 
Berlin, it was used with advantage in a case of obstinate cepha- 
lalgia, the origin of which was syphilitic. Biett has employed 
it externally — in the form of the ointment given below — in humid 
tetter, accompanied with inflammation and itching. Parent re- 
commends it to be applied in chancre, and Brera uses it in solu- 
tion, as a gargle, in syphilitic ulcerations of the fauces. Dr. 
StrohP cures chancres, even when complicated, usually within 
twelve days, with an ointment composed of two grains of the 
cyanuret to a dram of lard. The ointment is spread upon a piece 
of lint of the size of the sore: the dressing is apt to be painful at 
first, and it must be taken off occasionally, after it has been on 
for an hour or two, and be applied in a weaker form. The 
pain is said to be most violent in half an hour or an hour, and 
frequently ceases in two or three hours. When the chancre is 
extensive and painful, after the ointment has been on for from 
four to ten hours, according to the sensibility of the patient, it is 
dressed with mercurial ointment or opium cerate. By Carron du 
Villards it was used in the form of ointment in scrofulous con- 
junctivitis; and by Desmarres in the blepharitis glandnlosa of 
scrofulous individuals : and Fischer and Duhrsen observed good 
effects from the use of an ointment composed of it in the hydro- 
cephalus of children. 4 

Such is the chief testimony recorded in favour of the medical 
action of the cyanuret of mercury. Dr. Christison 5 thinks, that 
" the few trials hitherto made of its effects in disease scarcely jus- 
tify its introduction as a remedy." Although, however, it has been 
but little used in Great Britain, many trials have been made with 
it, on the continent of Europe more especially. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION- 
Cyanuret of mercury may be given in pills or in solution. Horn 
prescribed it in powder, but this form is less appropriate. The 

1 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 264. Stuttgart, 1837, & 2te Auflage, 
S. 3/0. Stuttgart, 1840. 

8 Hufeland and Osann's Journal, Iv. 66. 

3 Oesterreich, Med. Worhen^chrift, cited in Lond. Med. Gaz., Nov. 1842. Gaz. Med. 
de Strasbourg, Nos. 15, 17; or Encycl. des Sciences Med, Sept. 1841, p. 525. 

4 Aschenhrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 147. Erlangen, 1848. 

5 Dispensatory, p. 519. Edinb. 1842. 



HYDRARGYRI CYANURETUM. 417 

dose is from one-sixteenth of a grain to a grain, several times a 
day. As a gargle, half a grain to a grain may be dissolved in 
f ^j. of water; as an ointment, from one and a half to two grains 
may be united with 3j- of lard. Chaussier used it in friction on 
the soles of the feet, in the same way as the corrosive chloride. 

Liquor hydrargyri cyanureti, 

{Liqueur Antisyphilitique de Chaussier.) 
R. Hydrargyri cyanur. gr. viij. 
Aquas destillat. Oj. 

Each ounce contains half a grain of the cyanuret. 

Chaussier 1 and Parent. 
R. Hydrarg. cyanuret. ^ss. 
Solve in 

Aq. destillat. Oj. 
Adde 

Tincturse opii f gj. M. 

Dose. — Morning and evening, a spoonful, in a decoction of sar- 
saparilla or barley. Mendoza and Parent. 

Pilulae hydrargyri cyanureti. 

Pills of cyanuret of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. cyanuret. gr. v. 
Opii 9ss. 
Micse panis gj. 
Meiiis q. s. ut fiant pilulae xcvj. 

Dose. — One to four, three times a clay. Parent. 

Gargarisma hydrargyri cyanureti. 

Gargle of cyanuret of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. cyanur. ^ss. 

Decoct, ten. sem. lini ; (vel rad. althasae,) Oj. 
M, et fiat gargarisma. 

Parent. 
R. Hydrarg. cyanur. ^ss. 
Decoct, hordei Oj. 
Mellis rosse ^j. M. et fiat gargarisma. 



Unguentum hydrargyri cyanureti, 

Ointment of cyanuret of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. cyanur. gr. xij. 

Adipis ,§j. M. ut fiat unguentum. 



Br era. 



Brera, 



R. Hydrarg. cyanur. gr. xvj. 
Adipis^j. 
01. limonis gtt. xv. M. 

From half a dram to a dram, to be rubbed in, in cases of tetter. 

Biett. 

1 Rattier, Formulaire Pratique des Hopitaux Civils de Paris, 3eme edit. Paris, 1823. 



418 HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM. 



CVI. HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM. 

Synonymes. Hydrargyri Proto-iodidum seu Protoioduretum seu Subiodi- 
dum, Hydrargyrum Iodatum flavum, Iodidum seu Ioduretum Hydrar- 
gyrosum, Hydrargyrum Iodidulatum seu Subiodatum seu Iodatum, (in 
contradistinction to the Periodatum,) Iodidum seu Iodetum Hydrargy- 
rosum, Proto-ioduretum mercurii, Protiodide, Proto-iodide, Proto- 
ioduret or Subiodide of Mercury. 
French. Proto-iodure de Mercure. 

German. Gelbes oder einfachlodquecksilber, GelbesQueck- 
silberiodid, Protoiodur des Quecksilbers, Quecksilberio- 
didul, Quecksilberiodiir, Iodquecksilber in minimum 
des Iod s. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
According to Tunnermann, the best method of preparing the 
iodide is the following: — Take of nitrate of protoxide of mercury 
(not tinged yellow by the admixture of nitrate of peroxide,) 28.25 
parts; iodide of potassium, 16.5 parts; rub them together for some 
minutes in the dry state, and afterwards with a little distilled 
water, gradually adding the water so as to dissolve the saltpetre 
formed. The mixture is then passed through the filter, and the 
yellowish-green precipitate of iodide of mercury is well washed, and 
dried by a gentle heat. The objection to this process is the diffi- 
culty of obtaining the mercurial salt at a minimum of oxidation, 
and the consequent liability of the resulting compound to contain 
uncertain quantities of the red iodide. M. Boutigny, 1 to avoid 
these disadvantages, recommends the following form: — Take of 
mild chloride of mercury, three ounces and five drams; iodide of 
potassium, two ounces and four drams: pulverize the iodide in a 
glass mortar, and add the calomel; place the mixture in a porcelain 
capsule, and pour over it ten or twelve ounces of boiling distilled 
water. After cooling, decant the fluid, collect the precipitate on 
a filter, and wash with distilled water. Dry in the shade, and 
keep in a well-stopped bottle. 

The iodide, thus prepared, may, according to M. Boutigny, 
sometimes contain a minute portion of free mercury or of the mild 
chloride, but the quantity of either is so small as to be of no mo- 
ment. 

In the London and United States Pharmacopoeias, it is pre- 
pared by rubbing together an ounce of mercury and five drams of 
iodine, adding gradually as much alcohol as may be sufficient until 
globules are no longer visible. The powder is dried immediately 
by a gentle heat, access of light being excluded ; and it is kept in 
a well-stopped vessel. 2 

Iodide of mercury, according to Thomson, consists of 250 parts 

1 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, 2d vol. 2d 
series, p. 326. Philad. 1837. 
a Pharrh. of the United States, p. 119. Philad. 1842. 



HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM. 419 

of mercury, and 156 parts of iodine. It has a greenish-yellow 
colour, and is a preparation holding the same relation to iodine 
and mercury, that the mild chloride holds to chlorine and mer- 
cury; it is more volatile, however, than the mild chloride, but 
like it is almost insoluble in water. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
This preparation has been less used than the red iodide to be 
described next. Tunnermann remarks, as the results of his expe- 
rience, that its action in respect to the mercury is analogous to 
that of the mild chloride, except that it appears to excite more the 
lymphatic and glandular systems. When given in conjunction 
with a generous animal diet, he found it very efficacious in a case 
of scrophulosis, where colliquative sweats had appeared ; and in a 
second case, also, it rendered essential service. In one of the cases, 
he gave it internally in the dose of from one-twelfth to half a grain, 
three times a day ; in the other, of from half a grain to a grain. 
He directed it also to be rubbed, in the form of ointment, on tume- 
fied glands of the neck. Pelletan found it serviceable in the cure 
of obstinate glandular swellings, when used in the form of oint- 
ment in combination with morphia, as well as in obstruction of the 
liver. Biett recommends an ointment of the iodide in the treat- 
ment of chronic venereal ulcers, the cicatrization of which it expe- 
dited ; Lugol 1 advises it in phagedenic scrofulous ulcers, which 
present a syphilitic aspect; and Poiret 2 recommends it strongly in 
cases of psoriasis; the patient using, at the same time, simple 
alkaline or water baths alternately. According to the experience 
of Ricord, 3 in the syphilitic affections of children, especially of a 
cutaneous character, it is to be preferred to other forms of mercu- 
rial, and is not apt to be followed by the bad effects, which, in 
adults, often supervene on the use of other preparations. 4 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
On account of its insolubility it is given only in the form of 
powder or pill, to the extent of from a grain, gradually carried to 
three or four grains, twice or thrice a day. Externally, it is ap- 
plied, for the same reasons, in the form of ointment only. 

1 Essays on the Effects of Iodine in Scrofulous Diseases, &c, by O'Shaughnessy, p. 
170. Lond.l831. A . ; ' ? . * F 

a Gazette des Hopitaux, 20 Juillet, 1837; see, also, Bulletin General de Therapeu- 
tique, Juillet, 1837; and C. A. Porter, in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Nov. 1839, 
p. 68. 3 La Lancette Francaise, No. 65, 1834. 

4 Cogswell's Essay on Iodine, p. 158. Edinb. 1837. See, also, Ricord, Practical Trea- 
tise on Venereal Diseases, translated by Drummond, Philad. 1 843, and Hocken's Com- 
parative Value of the Different Preparations of Mercury and Iodine, &c. &c. in Edinb. 
Med. and Surg. Journ. April, 1844. 



420 



HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM. 



PilulsB hydrargyri iodidi. 

Pills of iodide of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. iodidi gj. 

Confect. rossB caninae giij. 
Zingiberis pulv. 3J. M. 

Dose. — From five to ten grains. London Pharmac. 

Pilule hydrargyri iodidi composite. 

Compound pills of iodide of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. gr. vj. 
Extract, opii gr. iv. 
Lactucarii gr. xxiv. 
Ext. guaiac. gr. xlviij. 
M. Fiant pilulae xlviij. 

Dose. — For a child, half a year old, one pill; for older children., 
two, three, or four. In the syphilis of children. Ricord. 

R. Hydrarg. iodid. gr. j. 
Ext. junip. gr. xij. 
Glycyrrhiz. pulv. q. s. 
Divide in pil. viij. 

Dose. — At first, two, morning and evening : afterwards, three 
or four. Magendie fy Biett. 

R. Hydrargyri iodid. ^ij. 
Guaiac. pulv. gj. 
Thridac. gss. M. et divide in pil. xlviij. 

Dose. — One a day in scrofula, syphilis, &c. Biett. 1 

Pulveres hydrargyri iodidi. 
Powders of iodide of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. gr. i. (iv. 5 vj., vel viij.) 
Magnes. gj. 
M. et divide in pulv. xij. 

Dose. — A powder, three times a day. 

Unguentum hydrargyri iodidi. 

Ointment of iodide of mercury. 
R. Hydrargyr. iodid. 3J. 
Cerge albs §ij. 
Adipis §vj. M. 



R. Hydrarg. iodid. gr. vj. 
Morphise acetat. gr. viij. 
Adipis gj. M. 

In obstinate glandular swellings. 

R. Hydrarg. iodid. T)j. 
Adipis §iss. a M. 
In old venereal ulcers. 



Lond. Pharm. 



Pelletan. 



Magendie # Biett. 



1 Duhamel, Amer. Journ. of Pharm. July, 1841, p. 105. 
3 Tunnermann uses only gss. 



HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM. 421 

R. Hydrarg. iodid. 9ij.J (vel iij. vel iv.) 
Adipis ^ij. M. 

As a dressing to phagedenic and scrofulous ulcers. Lugol. 

When this salve is first prepared, it is of a canary-yellow, 
sometimes of a greenish colour. By time, it becomes of an orange 
hue, when it must be thrown aside, as owing to the formation of 
the red iodide, it becomes as corrosive as the ointment of the cor- 
rosive chloride. 

R. Hydrarg. iodid. gj. 
Adipis 3j. M. 

To be rubbed morning and evening on the parts affected. 

Poiret. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. ^i. 
Sapon. medicin. gss. 
Aquae rosse gij. 
Unguent, rosse gvj. M. 

This ointment is said not to turn rancid so rapidly as the com- 
mon ointment. Biecke. 1 



CVIT. HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM. 

Synonymes. Hydrargyri Deuto-iodidum seu Deuto-Ioduretum sen Perio- 
didum seu Biniodidum, Hydrargyrum Iodatum Rubrum seu Biiodatum 
seu Periodatum,Iodidum seuIodetumHydrargyricum, Deuto-ioduretum 
Mercurii, Red Iodide, Deutiodide, Biniodide or Periodide of Mercury, 

French. Deuto-Iodnre de Mercure, Period ure de Mercure. 

German. Rothes Iodquecksilber, Iodquecksilber in Maxi- 
mum, Quecksilber-iodid, Deuto-IodiirdesQuecksilbers, 
Doppelt Iodquecksilber, Quecksilberdeutiodiir, Iod- 
quecksilber in Maximum. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The process of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States consists 
in dissolving an ounce of corrosive chloride of mercury in a pint 
and a half of distilled water ; and ten drams of iodide of potas- 
sium, in half a pint of distilled water. The solutions are then 
mixed, and the precipitate is collected on a filter, washed with dis- 
tilled water, dried with a moderate heat, and kept in a well-stopped 
bottle. 

The following is the process recommended in the London Phar- 
macopoeia : — An ounce of mercury and ten drams of iodine are 
to be rubbed together, alcohol being gradually added until the 
globules are no longer visible. The powder is to be dried with a 
gentle heat, and kept in a well-stopped vessel. 

' Bouchardat, Annuaire pour 1844, p. 140. Paris, 1844. 



422 HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM. 

The Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia triturates two ounces of mercury 
with two ounces and a half of iodine, adding occasionally a little 
alcohol till a uniform red powder is obtained. The product is re- 
duced to fine powder, and dissolved in a concentrated solution — a 
gallon by measure — of chloride of sodium, with the aid of brisk 
ebullition. It is then filtered, if necessary, through calico, keep- 
ing the funnel hot. The crystals, which form on cooling, are then 
washed and dried. 

Red iodide of mercury is a beautiful vermilion-coloured pow- 
der, which, when moderately heated, becomes yellow, but, when 
exposed to the air, is gradually restored to red, and is volatilized. 
When volatilized, it crystallizes in beautiful rhomboidal leaves, 
which, at a higher temperature, are of a golden-yellow hue; but 
at the ordinary temperature, of a shining red. It is insoluble in wa- 
ter; but soluble in alcohol and ether; and in solutions of iodide of 
potassium, and chloride of sodium. It contains 250 parts of mer- 
cury, and 312 of iodine. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

This preparation, which was introduced into practice by the 
French physicians, has been particularly recommended in syphilis 
complicated with scrofula. Biett found it very efficacious in 
scrofulo-venereal ulcers, in syphilitic swellings of the lympha- 
tic glands, and in inveterate itch. He administered it also in- 
ternally, dissolved in alcohol or ether, in scrofulous affections com- 
plicated with syphilis, and with advantage. In its effects, it re- 
sembles the corrosive chloride, whilst the iodine resembles the mild 
chloride. Rayer, 1 indeed, considers the red iodide more active 
than the corrosive chloride. Paillard found it very efficacious in 
chronic cutaneous eruptions. He dipped a camel's hair pencil in 
a weak solution of it in ether, and pencilled the parts with it three 
or four times a day. In this way, he cured several squamous, tu- 
berculous, and other eruptions. It scarcely excited any pain. As, 
however, this mode of applying it often failed, he employed 3j. 
mixed with ^j. of oil of almonds in the same manner. If the cor- 
rosive action was considerable, a sense of heat soon arose in the 
part, which gradually terminated in burning pain. The neigh- 
bouring parts were also hot, painful, and tumefied ; and, in the 
course of an hour, an infusion of serum took place ; but in four or 
five hours, the pain always disappeared. If applied on the cheeks 
or lips, salivation at times ensued suddenly. Scabs formed, which 
fell off in a few days, and exposed a red surface much disposed to 
cicatrize. When frequently applied, symptoms occurred, which 

1 Treatise on Skin Diseases, by Dr. Willis, p. 79. See, also, Puche, Journal des Con- 
naissances Medicales, Octet Nov. 1838, and Janvier, 1839. 



HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM. 423 

were probably the consequences of its being absorbed, — namely, 
fever, colic, diarrhoea, and dysentery. Breschet 1 applied it, in the 
form of ointment, with great success, in a case of obstinate ulcera- 
tion at the angle of the eye, presumed to be carcinomatous. 
BJasius advises it internally and externally in lupus, and it has 
been recommended highly by Dr. J. W. Schmidt, Junr., of New 
York, 2 in cases of the same affection, and especially in the dartre 
venerienne. Both the iodide and red iodide were given internal- 
ly. These cases, as well as syphilitic sore throat of long stand- 
ing, which had been previously treated by mercury without suc- 
cess, Dr. Schmidt found to yield invariably to a pill of a quarter of a 
grain of the iodide, and a grain of extractum conii, given night and 
morning, and afterwards three times daily. After using these pills 
for from four to eight weeks, he substitutes the solution of iodide 
of potassium, — changing, in the first place, the action of the 
parts by cauterizing the throat with the. solid argenti nitras. Dr. 
Schmidt has not found it necessary to carry the iodide so far as 
to touch the mouth, but should it accidentally do so, he stops the 
mercury, and goes on with the iodide of potassium. Tunnermann 
used it with advantage, in the form of ointment, for the removal 
of furuncular inflammation of the glands of the neck. 
Riecke, 3 likewise, employed it, with great success, as a discutient, 
(gr. xvj. to |j. of lard,) in a case of ganglion in the region of 
the knee, from which violent pain proceeded along the nerves 
when it was pressed upon — and in two cases of goitre. When- 
ever it has to be applied over an extensive surface, as in the dis- 
ease last mentioned, it has generally to be discontinued soon, in 
consequence of the supervention of inflammation of the cutaneous 
surface. In the form of a weak ointment — composed of red iodide 
gr. ij., cerate 9ij., almond oil 3j. — it has been used in opacity of 
the cornea. 4 

Kopp has published some favourable cases of the therapeutical 
application of the red iodide. The ointment, given below, he 
found very efficacious in luxuriant, chronic, scrofulous, and 
syphilitic sores, as well as in condylomata, and venereal 
blotches. No less useful did he find it in many other skin dis- 
eases, and particularly in herpes. In one case, in which he ad- 
ministered it in the last affection, he found a co-existent goitre, 
which had been there for several years, almost wholly disappear; 
and he, consequently, afterwards prescribed it frequently for the 
latter affection. He also used it, with excellent effect, in ophthal- 

1 Lugol's Essays on Iodine, by O'Shaughnessy, p. 204. 
s American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Feb. 1840, p. 301. 
* Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 270. 

*Gr'afe und Walther's Journ. fur Chirurg. Bd. xiii., cited by Fereira, Elements of 
Materia Medica, 2d edit. i. 762. Lond. 1842. or 2d Amer. edit. Phila. 1846. 



424 HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM. 

mia tarsi, and, where there was a disposition to the formation of 
hordeolum, a little of the second ointment, the form for which is 
given hereafter, was applied at bed time to the edges of the eye- 
lids. Lastly, he advises friction with the first ointment in chronic 
rheumatic pains, and in cases of induration of the glands, 
especially of the liver. After the friction has been continued for 
some time, an eruption occasionally appears. 

Both the iodide and red iodide, in the form of ointment, have 
been found, by Dr. Moj'sisovics, 1 of Vienna, exceedingly useful in 
promoting absorption. The strength of the ointment of the iodide, 
recommended by him, is gr. x. to 3ij. of simple ointment, which 
quantity is to be daily rubbed into the part affected. The strength 
of the ointment of red iodide used by him is 3j. to Jj. of simple 
ointment. This ointment spread upon leather vesicates; and the 
cuticle separates in the form of a crust. Its efficacy has been 
great in bronchocele: according to M. Moj'sisovics, on the falling 
off of the dried cuticle, the size has been found to be sensibly di- 
minished. No preparation of iodide, he thinks, is comparable in 
this disease to the red iodide. "It performs in one month what 
the other forms will scarcely do in three or four." He has treated 
goitres of enormous size with it, and at the first application all the 
threatenings of suffocation or apoplexy — where they existed — 
ceased. Condylomata about the anus and perineum, or even 
within the rectum and vagina, were cured by this ointment; and 
unless they were very extensive and indurated, a single applica- 
tion — which is very painful— combined with the internal use of 
iodine, has been found sufficient. 

The author has frequently administered the red iodide in pub- 
lic and in private practice, in cases where an active modifier of 
the system of nutrition appeared to be needed, and where a com- 
bination of remedies so potent as mercury and iodine suggested 
itself. In chronic glandular enlargements, especially of the 
liver and spleen, and in habits where the use of mercury was not 
contra-indicated, both the red iodide and iodide have, in his hands, 
proved extremely serviceable. Perhaps there are no preparations, 
which, under the circumstances in question, merit more attention. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Red iodide of mercury is given internally in the form of pow- 
der or pill, or dissolved in alcohol or ether, in the dose of one-six- 
teenth to one one-fourth of a grain, gradually increased daily. Ex- 
ternally, it is applied in the form of ointment. 

1 DaTstellung einer sicheren und schnellen Heilmethode der Syphilis durch Iodpra- 
parate, Wien, 1845: noticed in Brit, and For. Med. Rev., April, 1845, p. 516. 



HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM. 425 

Pilulse hydrargyri iodidi rubri. 
Pills of red iodide of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. in syrup, commun. 
pauxill. terendo bene distribuend. gr. v. 
Micas panis alb. 
Sacch. pulv. aa. q. s. ut fiant pilulse lx. 

Dose. — Two, morning and evening, drinking afterwards a cup- 
ful of oatmeal gruel. The dose to be raised gradually. 

Blasius, 

Tinctura hydrargyri iodidi> rubri, 

Tincture of red iodide of mercury . 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 9j. 

Alcohol 36° (.837) f giss. M. 

Dose. — Ten to twenty drops, in a glass of distilled water. 

Magendie fy Biett* 

Syrupus hydrargyri iodidi rubri compositus, 
Compound syrup of red iodide of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. gram. i. (gr. 15.44 Troy.) 
Potass, iodid. gram. 50. 
Aquae, gram. 50. 
Dissolve, filter through paper, and add 

Syrup. (30° when cold,) gram. 2400. 

A table-spoonful of this syrup is a dose. It represents, provided 
it holds 25 grammes of the syrup, a centigramme of red iodide 
of mercury, and 50 centigrammes of iodide of potassium. 

Gibert. 1 
jEtlier sulphuricus cum hydrargyri iodido rubro, 
Sulphuric ether with red iodide of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. £)j. 
iEther. sulph. f Jiss. M. 

Administered like the last. Magendie fy Biett. 

Unguentum hydrargyri iodidi rubri. 
Ointment of red iodide of mercury . 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. in pulv. subtiliss. gr, vj. 
Adipis gvj.' M. 

Hop p. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. in pulv. subtilissim. gr. J- to £. 
Adipis §ij. 
Cerse albse gr. ij. 
M. fiat unguentum. 

For an eye-salve. Kopp. 

R, Hydrargyri iodid. rubr. gr. xv. 
Adipis §ss. 
M, exactissime. Fiat ung. 
As a dressing in lupus. Blasius. 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, Oct. 1841, p. 634, 



426 HYDRARGYRI NITRAS. 

R. Hydrarg, iodid. rubr. gr. xv. 
Adipisgij. 

01. bergamot. gtt. x. M. 
To be rubbed on the parts in chronic cutaneous affections. 

Biett. 
R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 9j. 
Adipis^iss. M. 

Biett. 
To be spread on lint in old venereal ulcerations. 
The unguentum hydrargyri biniodidi of the London College 
is prepared like the ung. hydrarg. iodidi. 



CVIII. HYDRARGYRI NITRAS. 

Synonymies. Hydrargyrum nitratum. 
French. Nitrate de mercure. 

German. Salpetersaures Quecksilber. 

> 

There are two nitrates of mercury employed in medicine: 

I. HYDRARGYRI PROTONITRAS. 

Synonymes. Hydrargyrum nitricum oxydulatum, Mercurius uitrosus fri- 
gore paratus, Nilras hydrargyrosus ; Protronitrate of mercury. Neutral 
Nitrate of suboxide of mercury. 

French. Protonitrate de mercure. 

German. Salpetersaures Quecksilberoxydul, Kaltberei- 
tetes Salpetersaures Quecksilber. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
This salt is formed by digesting excess of mercury in cold di- 
lute nitric acid, until short prismatic crystals are formed. It is 
soluble without decomposition in a small quantity of water ; but in 
much water its crystals are decomposed into a yellow powder — 
bibasic nitrate of suboxide of mercury, and an acid liquor, which 
contains a soluble supernitrate. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The effects of protonitrate of mercury, according to Dr. Perei- 
ra, 1 may be considered intermediate between those of calomel and 
corrosive sublimate; and he considers it probable, that after 
its ingestion it becomes converted into calomel by the action of the 
alkaline chlorides in the alimentary canal; and Mialhe 2 states, 
that if atmospheric oxygen and an excess of alkaline chloride be 
present, a portion of corrosive sublimate is formed. Sundelin 3 em- 
ploys it in all cases in which the corrosive chloride is used, and 

1 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit i. 873. Lond. 1849. 

2 Traite de l'Art de Formuler, p. 72. Paris, 1845. 

3 Horns Archiv., Jahrgang. 1827, St. 1, p. 164; cited in Dierbach,Die neuesten Ent- 
deckungen in der Mat. Med. 3er Band, lste Abth. S. 302. Heidelb. und Leipz. 1845. 



, HYDRARGYRI NITRAS. 427 

especially in the different forms of chronic syphilis ; and Caze- 
nave extols it as an excellent antisyphilitic. It is not often given, 
however, internally. Externally, it has been used by Biett and 
others in chronic cutaneous diseases in the form of ointment. 
MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The dose of the protonitrate of mercury is from one-sixteenth to 
one-eighth of a grain in the form of pill, made with extract of liquor- 
ice. Sundelin gave it in the dose of from one-eighth of a grain to a 
grain. 

Liquor hydrargyri protonitratis. 

Solution of protonitrate of mercury. 
(Liq. Hydrargyri Nitrici, Ph. Boruss. 1847.) 
R. Hydrargyri protonitrat. |jj. 
Aquee destillat. 5viij. 
Acid, nitric, ^iiiss. 
Mix the acid and water before the protonitrate is added ; filter, and add 
water, if necessary, to make the liquor of the sp. gr. 1.100. Preserve it 
carefully in a stopped vessel. 

Dose, three drops. 

Pilulae hydrargyri protonitratis. 

Pills of protonitrate of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. protonitrat. gr. vj. 
Solve in Aquee destillat. pauxillo ; et adde 
Succ. glycyrrhiz. pulv. 
Rad. Althseee pulv. sing. gj. 
M. et fiant pilulse xcvj. 

Dose. Two pills twice a day. Sundelin. 

Unguentum hydrargyri protonitratis, 

Ointment of protonitrate of mercury. 
R. Hydrarg. protonitrat. gr. xv. 
Adipis ^j. M. 

In chronic cutaneous diseases. Biett §• Cazenave. 

II. HYDRARGYRI DEUTONITRAS. 

Synonymes. Hydrargyri Dipernitras seu Supernitras, Hydrargyrum Ni- 
tricum Oxydatum ; Mercurius Nitrosus calide paratus. Nitras Hydrar- 
gyricus. 

French. Deuto-nitrate seu Dipernitrate de Mercure. 

German. Salpe t ersaures Quecksilberoxyd, Heissbereitetes 
Quecksilberoxyd. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
A solution of this salt is formed by boiling mercury in strong 
nitric acid until the liquid, when diluted with water, ceases to 
yield a white precipitate (calomel) on the addition of a solution of 
common salt. By evaporating, crystals are formed. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
This salt is more acrid and caustic than the protonitrate. It is 



428 HYDItARGYRI NITRAS. , 

considered to be converted into corrosive sublimate by the alkaline 
chlorides with which it comes in contact in the intestinal canal; 
and the action of the two substances may, therefore, be regarded as 
the same. It is scarcely ever administered internally ; but when 
so, the dose may be one-sixteenth of a grain. It is often, how- 
ever, used externally, and especially in the form of Liquor Hy- 
drargyri Supernitratis seu Pernitratis, Nitras Hydrargy- 
ricus Acido-Nitrico Solutus, Solution of Supernilrate of Mer- 
cury, Liquid Acid Deutonitrate of Mercury, Jicid Nitrate 
of Mercury : French, Deutonitrate Acide de Mercure Liquide, 
Nitrate Acide de Mercure; which is made, according to the Pa- 
risian Codex, by dissolving 100 parts by weight of mercury in 
200 parts by weight of nitric acid, sp. gr. 1.321, and evaporating 
the solution to 225 parts. 1 

The following formula for the preparation of the Hydrargyri 
Pernitratis Liquor is given in the last Dublin Pharmacopoeia. 2 
Take of pure mercury, §ij. (avoirdupois;) pure nitric acid, 
§iss; distilled water, ^iss. In the acid, first diluted with the wa- 
ter, dissolve the mercury, with the application of heat, and evaporate 
the solution to the bulk of two ounces and a half. It is chiefly as 
a caustic that this solution has been used, as by Biett, Petrequin, 3 
and others, in lupus; and, by the French surgeons especially, for 
the purpose of cauterizing the ulcerated cervix uteri* Biett ap- 
plies it to the extent of a five- franc piece, by means of a cameFs- 
hair pencil ; and then applies lint dipped in the solution to the 
cauterized surface. The parts immediately become white, and a 
yellowish eschar forms, which apparently adheres strongly to them, 
but gradually separates. 5 By Chardon it has been employed suc- 
cessfully as an injection in gonorrhoea, a few drops being added 
•to a glassful of water, and thrown up four times a day. 6 By De- 
vergie it was applied beneficially in tinea favosa ; and by Camus in 
freckles. Godard used it successfully in herpes scrophulosus 
exedens; and in various obstinate cancerous ulcers, and other 
chronic cutaneous affections, it has been prescribed with good 
results; and Godemer 7 has strongly advised it as a cauterizing 
agent to the pharynx in cases w 7 hich require such applications. 
He employs a solution of one part of the acid nitrate to four or 
five of w T ater, and applies it, by means of a camel's-hair pencil, 
passed once over the part, and gargling immediately afterwards. 

1 Traite de Therapeutique et de Mat. Med. 3e edit. i. 185. Paris, 18-17. 

2 The Pharmacopoeia of the King's and Queen's College of Physicians, 1850, p. 89. 
Dublin, 1850. 

3 Revue Medicale, Paris, 1848, cited in Brit, and For. Medico-Chirurg. Review, April, 
1849, p. 538. 

4 J. H. Bennett, A Practical Treatise on Inflammation, Ulceration and Induration of 
the Neck of the Uterus, Amer. edition, p. 100. Philad. 1847. 

s Dierbach.. Op. cit. S. 304. 

6 Froriep's Notizen, B. 28, No. 3, p. 46, cited by Dierbach. 

* Journal de Medecine de la Cote d'Or, Mai, 1847, cited in Bouchardat, Annuaire de 
Therapeutique, pour 1848, p. 184. 



HYDRARGYRI ET ARSENICI I0D1DUM. 429 

Constitutional effects are said to have supervened on its local 
employment. Breschet saw salivation induced by a single appli- 
cation of it to the neck of the uterus. 1 To prevent this the part 
may be washed well after it has been touched. 

The well-known Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis, Citrine 
Ointment, of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States, is formed of 
the deutonitrate of mercury. 



C1X. HYDRARGYRI ET ARSEN'ICI 10'DIDUM. 

Synonymes. Arsenici et Hydrargyri lodidum, Hydriodas Arsenici et Hy- 
drargyri, Iodide or Hydriodate of Mercury and Arsenic, Double Iodide 
of Arsenic and Mercury, lodo-arsenite of Mercury, Donovan's Solution. 

Mr. Donovan 2 has proposed this new compound, which he re- 
gards as more efficacious than either the iodide of mercury or the 
iodide of arsenic. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Triturate 6.08 grains of finely levigated metallic arsenic ; 14.82 
grains of mercury, and 49 of iodine, with one fluid ram of alcohol, 
until the mass has become dry, and, from being deep brown, has 
become pale red. Pour on eight fluidounces of distilled water; 
and after trituration for a few moments, transfer the whole to a 
flask; add half a dram of hydriodic acid, prepared by the acidifi- 
cation of two grains of iodine, and boil for a few moments. When 
the solution is cold, if there be any deficiency of the original eight 
ounces, make it exactly that measure with distilled water. Finally 
filter. 3 

By the long continued trituration of arsenic, mercury, iodine, 
and alcohol, the metals are converted into iodides, which combine. 
The mass, by solution in water, is converted into a hydriodate of 
arsenic and mercury. The quantities of the two metals are so 
adjusted, that, when converted into protoxides by decomposition 
of a portion of the water in which they are dissolved, there will 
be eight grains of arsenious acid, and sixteen of protoxide of mer- 
cury. The quantity of water is such, that each dram by measure 
of the solution will contain exactly one-eighth of a grain of arse- 
nious acid, and one-fourth of a grain of protoxide of mercury. Mr. 
Donovan conceives, that the quantity of mercury ought to be 
double that of the arsenic, in order to ensure a slow, and mode- 
rate, yet adequate mercurial action, along with the proper effect of 
the arsenic. 

On repeating Mr. Donovan's process, M. Soubeiran 4 found, that 
a portion of arsenic remained undissolved, and he therefore pro- 

1 Op. cit. p. 191. 

3 Dublin Journal of Medical Science. Nov. 1839, p. 281. 

3 Donovan, Dublin Journal, Nov. 1842, p. 171. 

4 Journal de Pharmacie, xxvii. 744. Paris, 1841. 

28 



430 HYDRARGYRI ET ARSENICI IODIDUM. 

posed the following mode of preparation: — Take of teriodide of 
arsenic, gr. xxxv.; biniodide of mercury, gr. xxxv.; boiling dis- 
tilled water, f ^viij. Triturate until dissolved, and filter; and, if 
necessary, add sufficient water to make ^viij. of the solution. A 
similar formula has been recommended by Mr. Procter, 1 of Phila- 
delphia, who employs 36 grains of the teriodide of arsenic, and 
34 grains of the biniodide to §viij. of water. 

Of the preparation above described, which Mr. Donovan calls 
liquor hydriodatis arsenici et hydrargyri, (liquor arsenici et hy- 
drargyri iodidi seu hydrargyri iodo-arsenitis,) each dram by mea- 
sure consists of water, one dram; arsenious acid, one-eiohth of a 
grain; peroxide of mercury, one-fourth of a grain; iodine, con- 
verted into hydriodic acid, about three-fourths of a grain. The 
colour of the solution is yellow, with a pale tinge of green: its 
taste is slightly styptic. It is incompatible with tincture of opium, 
or with sulphate, muriate, or acetate of morphia. 

The test of the perfection of the preparation, according to Mr. 
Donovan, 2 is, that the whole of the iodine, arsenic and mercury 
shall disappear, and be dissolved during the process of preparing 
it. This cannot happen unless the three elements employed have 
been chemically pure, and unless the trituration has been sufficiently 
long continued. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Numerous trials have been made with this preparation in cuta- 
neous diseases, especially in psoriasis, lepra and lupus ; and the 
testimony of some of the most eminent of Mr. Donovan's coun- 
trymen has been brought forward in its favour. Mr. Carmichael 
has given it in five or six cases of lupus, and in one of psoriasis, 
with decided benefit. 3 Mr. Colles administered it in two extreme 
cases of scrofulous ulceration in the adult with some benefit: Dr. 
Croker gave it internally, and applied it externally, with complete 
success, in a case of psoriasis guttata: Dr. Graves treated with it 
a very inveterate case of psoriasis with decided advantage; Dr. 
Irvine completely cured by it a most virulent case of the same 
affection; Mr. Cusack found, that venereal eruptions yielded rapidly 
to half dram doses, three times a day; and Sir Henry Marsh had 
a case of impetigo figurata, of strumous origin, covering the face, 
chest, arms, and thighs, but particularly well marked at the flexures 
of all the joints, which was cured by the administration of fifteen 
minims, twice a day, gradually increased to one scruple, and finally 
to half a dram. The treatment was cautiously pursued for some- 

1 American Journal of Pharmacy. June, IS47, p. 93. A form for the preparation of 
the Arsenici ef Hydrargyri Hydriodatis Liquor has been introduced into the last edi- 
tion of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, 1850. 

2 Dublin Journal, Sept. 1840, p. 106, 

3 Dublin Medical Press, Jan. 18, 1840. 



HYDRARGYRI ET ARSENICI IODIDUM. 431 

what less than a month, with a gradual amendment of the disease, 
which subsequently disappeared entirely. s 

Since those cases were published, Mr. Donovan has given nu- 
merous others from the practice of Dr. Charles O'Reilly, Sir Henry 
Marsh, Dr. Robert J. Hickson, Dr. J. D. White, Mr. Richard 
Jones, Dr. Bigger, Mr. O'Ferrall, Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Osbrey, Dr. 
W. T. Hamilton, Dr. Graves, Dr. Kirby, Mr. Gabriel Stokes, and 
Dr. C. P. Croker, which lead him to infer, that the diseases in 
which the preparation has been found of most service are the va- 
rious forms of psoriasis, impetigo, porrigo, lepra, venereal erup- 
tions — both papular and scaly, pityriasis, sycosis, ephelis, lupus, 
sibbens, and some uterine diseases. 1 In several of the cases, slight 
ptyalism was induced. 

Dr. Isaac E. Taylor, of New York, 2 prescribed this preparation 
in a number of cutaneous diseases; and he testifies, that it pro- 
duces a more marked and prompt effect than the various remedies 
usually resorted to in lupus, rupia, psoriasis, secondary syphilis, 
&c. It is also spoken of in high terms by Dr. Gerald Osbrey, 3 in 
inveterate psoriasis, lichen urticatus, and scrofulous ophthalmia. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The dose of the liquor arsenici et hydra rgyri iodidi is from 
fifteen minims to half a fluidram, two or three times a day. Mr, 
Donovan 4 recommends the following form: — 

Hanstns liqnoris arsenici et hydrargyri iodidi. 

Draught of solution of iodide of arsenic and mercury, 
R„ Liq. arsenic, et hydrarg. iodid. gij. 
Aquse destillat. f ^iiiss. 
Syrnp.zingib.f^ss. M. 
Divide in haustus iv. 

Dose. — A draught, night and morning. 

The division into draughts, Mr. Donovan considers necessary — 
first, to ensure accuracy of the dose; and next, to prevent injury 
to the ingredients by the use of a metallic spoon, as a measure; — 
the general way in which doses of medicine are administered. 
When applied externally in cutaneous affections, it may be diluted 
w T ith an equal portion of water, or farther — should a weaker lotion 
be indicated. Mr. Donovan states, that the employment of this 
preparation was rapidly extending, as shown by the fact, that within 
two years and a half, about three hundred pints of it had been 
sent out of his establishment alone, which, as he properly remarks, 
is a vast quantity of an article prescribed in minim doses. 5 

1 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, Nov. 1842. p. 199, and Ericbsen, London Me- 
dical Gazette, May 12, 1843. p. 238, and May 19, 1843, p. 241. 

2 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, April, 1843, p. 319. 

3 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, July, 1842. 
« "Ibid. Nov. 1839, p. 282. 

•Ibid. Nov. 1842, p. 199. 



432 INDIGUM. 

A DOUBLE IODIDE OF MERCURY AND MORPHIA, French, IodufE 

double de mercure et de morphine, has been recommended by 
M. Bouchardat. 1 It is obtained by treating in boiling alcohol, a 
mixture of equal parts of red iodide of mercury, and iodhydrate 
or hydriodate of morphia. On cooling, crystallized grains are 
deposited of a double compound, having a white, slightly yellow- 
ish colour. According to M. Bouchardat, it is almost as energetic 
as the red iodide of mercury, and ought to be employed with 
great caution. A quarter of a grain is a dose, which may be 
given once a day in the form of pill in constitutional syphilis; gra- 
dually increasing the dose, especially in syphilitic pains of the 
bones. 



CX. INDIGUM. 

Synonymes. Indicum, Indicus Color, Pigmentum Indicum, Indiga. 
French. Indigo. 
German. Indig. 

This well-known colouring material is obtained from several 
species of the genus Indigofera (J. tinctoria, 1. anil, I. disperma, 
1. argentea, and I. hirsuta,) belonging to the Natural Family 
Leguminosse, and, in the Linneean System, to Diadelphia Decan- 
dria. As we receive it, it is in small, solid, brittle masses, of a 
deep azure colour, without smell or taste, and assuming a coppery 
lustre on being rubbed. It is entirely soluble in sulphuric acid, 
and is wholly consumed on burning coals. According to the 
analysis of Chevreul, 100 parts of Guatemala indigo of commerce 
contain only 45 parts of pure indigo, or indigo-blue — w T ith which 
no therapeutical experiments have as yet been made: the greater 
part of the residue consists of a green matter soluble in spirit of 
wine {indigo- green;) and a red resin (indigo-red ;) the rest is ex- 
tractive matter, gum, and some carbonate of lime, oxide of iron, 
and argillaceous and siliceous earth. With hydrogen, pure indigo 
forms isatic acid, which has considerable resemblance to the hydro- 
cyanic. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The natives of the countries where the different kinds of indigo 
grow, employ it occasionally as a therapeutical agent, especially 
in diarrhea and intermittent fever . It is only within the last 
twenty years that attention has been paid to it in Europe. Prof. 
Von Stahly, 2 of Ofen, appears to have first employed it with suc- 
cess in various spasmodic diseases, especially in epilepsy. To 
these cases Lenhossek alludes, in detailing certain trials which he 
himself had made with it. In 1833, Grossheim 3 made known a 

1 Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 303. Paris, 1845. 
a Hecker's Neue Annalen, B. i. H. 1. Berlin, 1835. 
• Medicinische Zeitung, JNo.51, 1833. 



INDIGUM. 433 

case in which he found it extremely useful. A lady, twenty-eight 
years of age, had suffered for eleven years with violent hysterical 
convulsive attacks, for which she had employed almost every re- 
medial agent. They began with a feeling of heaviness over the 
whole body, with slight convulsive twitchings of the limbs, which 
extended to the trunk; and were followed by total, or almost total, 
loss of consciousness: this, after an uncertain period, terminated in 
a comatose state, from which she was gradually restored — but in 
a languid condition — to perfect consciousness. Under the use of 
indigo for half a year, with pediluvia — which had been previously 
employed without advantage — she completely recovered. 

These results gave occasion to the institution of experiments, 
touching the remedial properties of indigo, in the Charite at Berlin, 
the results of which have been given by Roth. 1 In most of the 
cases, it excited nausea, and even vomiting, preceded by a metallic 
taste on the tongue. At times, the vomiting was so violent and 
prolonged, that it was necessary to discontinue it; but generally 
on continuing its use, the vomiting ceased in three or four days, 
and diarrhoea took its place. All the patients did not vomit, and 
many escaped the diarrhoea. When once diarrhoea occurred, how- 
ever, it commonly persisted as long as the indigo was used. The 
evacuations were seldom entirely fluid, but usually semifluid, and 
of a dark bluish-black colour. While the vomiting and purging 
continued, more or less uneasiness was experienced in the digestive 
apparatus. The vomiting and diarrhoea were frequently accompa- 
nied by pains in the stomach and bowels, which were commonly 
slight, but occasionally so violent that it had to be discontinued. 
In every patient at the Charite, the urine was of a dark violet hue. 
Von Stahly affirmed that the perspiration w T as coloured blue, but this 
Roth never observed. He remarked, moreover, that after its use 
for several weeks, certain patients were easily thrown into slight 
convulsions, similar to those caused by the use of nitrate of strych- 
nia, and that they were affected w T ith slight subsultus tendinum. 
Almost all the patients, indeed, who took it, were at first more 
frequently attacked with spasms than prior to the use of the re- 
medy. In the beginning, the attacks of the. disease were, in all 
cases, stronger, but of less duration, than previous to its employ- 
ment. These changes continued for one, two, three, and even as 
long as eight weeks, whether the patients took small or large 
doses. At the expiration of this time, all the epileptic symptoms 
were diminished in intensity and duration, until the last attacks 
were mere premonitions. 

The number of epileptic cases, treated by it, which Roth had 
an opportunity of observing in the Charite, was twenty-six; of 
these, nine were cured, eleven improved, and six remained. 

■ Hecker's Neue Annalen, B. i. Heft. 1. Berlin, 1835. 



434 INDIGUM. 

Dr. Ideler, 1 who instituted the experiments at the Charite, has 
also given publicity to the results; and his testimony accords 
with that of Roth. It is proper to observe, however, that, of the 
nine cases cured, three experienced relapses in from eight to 
twelve months; but from causes, according to Riecke, 2 which of 
themselves might have induced epilepsy. 

Dr. Strahl, 3 of Berlin, likewise experimented with indigo, but 
his results were by no means favourable. In ten cases of old 
standing epilepsy, it was not of the slightest service, and the same 
may be said of two cases of St. Vitus's dance. In four cases of 
hysteria, it excited violent nephralgia, and in one of the cases, 
only after the affection of the kidney was removed, was the pa- 
tient cured. It acted, however, markedly on the uterus; in two 
cases of spasmodic affections, complicated with amenorrhcea, the 
latter derangement was removed, whilst the spasms still continued, 
even after the recurrence of the catamenia. In the Charite, of 
Berlin, the purest Guatemala indigo of commerce was used, and 
it has been a question, whether Strahl did not employ one of 
feebler powers. It is worthy of remark, that he observed a dark 
green colour of the urine during its use, whilst in the cases in the 
Charite, a dark violet hue was constantly noticed. 

Favourable cases are also detailed by Drs. Mankiewicz of 
Nackel, 4 and Hohnhorst, of Frankfort. 5 M. Podreca 6 found it 
especially efficacious when associated with asafoetida and castor. 

Dr. Noble, of Versailles, 7 administered it in three cases, in 
which the disease had continued for four, twelve and twenty 
years respectively. At the time of making known the results, a 
month had elapsed in the first case, and two months in the second, 
since an attack had been experienced, and the last case he con- 
sidered entirely cured. In the first patient, who was eighteen 
years old, four drams occasioned vertigo, slight depravation of 
vision, and convulsions similar to those produced by strychnia; 
and in both the other cases, diarrhoea was induced, which ceased, 
however, as soon as the indigo was discontinued, or the dose re- 
duced one-half. He gave it in the dose of one dram gradually 
increased to four drams daily. 

The observations of Rech, of Montpellier, were not as favour- 
able to it. In none of the epileptics to whom he gave it was 
there any thing more than a slight amelioration. In the Hospice 
d'Hommes Incurables du Faubourg St. Martin, trials were made 

1 Medicinische Zeitung, No. vi. cited in Lancet, June 6. 1835. 

2 Op. cit S. 276, and 2te Auflage, S. 389. Stuttgart, 1840. 

3 Hecker's Neue Wissenschaft. Annalen. 1836; cited in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Jour. 
1837. 4 Medicin. Zeitung, 31 Mai, 1837, S. 109. 

5 Ibid. S. 110, and Medicin. Zeitung des Vereins fur Heilkunde in Preussen, 1837, 
No. -2-2. 

6 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique. pour 1843, p. 69. Paris, 1843. 
1 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, 1836. 



INDIGUM. 435 

with it by Di\ Blanche. Of ten cases, five were either cured or 
improved. One of these had existed for three years, and the 
paroxysms recurred every five or six days; but after the adminis- 
tration of the indigo, he had no return at the expiration of five 
months ; in a second case, a youth, fifteen years old — who had 
been epileptic from birth, and had regularly one or two paroxysms 
a day, from the 19th of July, when its exhibition was begun with, 
until the middle of August, when the results were published — had 
only two insignificant attacks. The improvement in the other 
three cases was not as marked, yet it was unquestionable. The 
other five children experienced no improvement, yet no incon- 
venience was sustained, although the indigo was given in doses of 
four, six, and eight drams in the day. It was administered in 
water or in a tisane ; and in one or two cases it excited vomiting, 
but after having been discontinued, it was borne subsequently. 
In all it induced tormina, and acted upon the bowels, but did not 
interfere with the appetite or any of the other functions. 

Dr. Benjamin F, Hardy, 1 one of the senior resident physicians 
at the Philadelphia Hospital, published the results of some trials 
made with it, w T hich, so far as they go, confirm its antiparoxysmal 
power. Two of the seven cases reported were apparently cured, 
two ameliorated, and three without any decisive results — the 
medicine not having been continued perhaps for a sufficient length 
of time. In these cases, it was commenced in the dose of 3>, 
which was usually doubled daily until the patient took ^ijj daily, 
which quantity was persevered in for some weeks. In some of 
the cases, the faeces, urine, and perspiration were all coloured blue. 

In other trials, instituted in the same charity, w T ith indigo, the 
results were not as favourable. 2 It is obvious, indeed, that a 
wide difference must exist amongst cases of epilepsy, and that 
where the organic modifications are considerable, as indicated by 
concomitant mania, or idiocy, little can be expected from any 
remedy ; but even in such hopeless cases, the number of paroxysms 
appear to have diminished under its use. Where the cerebral 
affection is slight, and more functional than organic, like artemisia 
and other remedies extolled in epilepsy, it may be useful. Its 
main efficacy, perhaps — as has been said of the Ferri Subcarbonas 
(p. 378,) — consists in the new impression which it makes, in 
adequate doses, upon the nerves of the stomach, and through them 
upon those of the whole system; but to effect the revulsion to the 
proper extent, it is necessary that the dose should be augmented 
day by day, and the remedy be continued in large doses for a 
sufficient length of time. 

Dr. Pereira, 3 states that he has tried it in a considerable num- 

* American Medical Intelligencer for July 15, 1839, p. 122. 
3 William H. M'Kee, in American Med. Intelligencer, Sept. 16, 1839, p. 177. 
3 Elements of Materia Medica, &c, 2d edit. p. 1620. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit, 
Philad. 1846. 



436 INJECTIONS INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 

ber of epileptic cases at the London Hospital, but without de- 
riving the least benefit from it. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
As indigo is extremely light, the powder is too bulky for admi- 
nistration; it is taken with disgust, and is apt to excite vomiting. 
On this account the form of electuary was selected in the Charite. 
It was generally combined with pulvis aromaticus, or pulvis 
ipecacuanhse et opii. As to the dose, Roth advises that it should 
be commenced in grains, but be elevated to drams, — nay, even to 
one or more ounces in the day. In the Charite, the following 
formulae were generally employed : — 

Pulvis indigi. 

Powder of indigo. 
R. Indig. in pulv. subtilissim. ^ss. 

Pulv. aromat. gr. v. M. et fiat pulvis. 

A powder to be given four times a day. 

Pilulae indigi composita. 

Compound pills of indigo. 
(Antiepileptic Pills.) 
R. Indig. gr. lxxv. 
Asafcetid. gr. xv. 
Castor, gr. vij. M. 
et divide in pilulas xx. 

One to be given every hour. Podreca. 

Electuariuin indigi. 

Electuary of indigo. 
R. Indig. pulv. aquae guttis nonnullis subact. gij. — ^ss. 
Pulv. aromat. ^ss. 
Syr. simpl. f £j. 
M. et fiat electuarium. 

To be used in the course of the day. Ideler. 



CXI. INJECTIONS OF AIR, VAPOUR OF ETHER, ETC., 
INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 

An important improvement in the understanding and treatment 
of diseases of the ear has resulted from the attention that has been 
paid to the pathological condition of the Eustachian tube, and 
the means, through it, of rectifying certain morbid states of the 
organ of hearing. A mystery has been thrown, or attempted to 
be thrown, over the diseases of the ear, and, as a consequence, 
they have furnished largely to empiricism; so that an exclusive 
aurist has been, too often, perhaps, esteemed synonymous with an 
exclusive empiric. Now that the physiology of the outer and 
middle ear is better understood, their pathological relations are no 



INJECTIONS INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 437 

longer environed with the same difficulties. The attention of the 
surgeon has to be first directed to the meatus externus, and if he 
discovers any obstacle, — as hardened cerumen, — which prevents 
the vibrations of a sonorous body from reaching the membrana 
tympani, such obstacle must be removed. Should no defect exist 
there, he inquires into the state of the Eustachian tube, to detect 
whether it be pervious, so as to permit a free passage for the air 
from the throat to the middle ear — any impediment to which is a 
common cause of deafness ; and, lastly, if the tube be found in a 
state of integrity, his attention is turned to the condition of the 
nerve, to discover whether the defect — organic or functional — be 
seated there. Such are the main subjects of investigation in cases 
of deafness; although the condition of the membrana tympani, of 
the ossicles, and the mastoid cells, become interesting incidental 
objects of inquiry. Chronic inflammation of the Eustachian 
tube occasionally gives rise to stricture or narrowness of the tube; 
at others, to obstruction of the tube by means of mucus, or to ac- 
cumulation of mucus in the tympanic cavities. In the former case, 
catheterism is demanded ; in the latter, injections of air, in addition. 
For the purpose of catheterism, various instruments have been 
employed. The catheter of Itard is a conical silver tube, curved 
at the extremity, with a slight enlargement to prevent laceration 
of the membrane. Kramer's instrument is a modification of that 
of Itard; the curve is more gradual, and the enlarged or button 
point is omitted. It is made of silver, six inches long, and is of 
a calibre varying from the size of a small crow-quill to that of a 
large goose-quill. The extremity is well rounded, and it is curved 
only to the distance of five lines from the point, exactly at an 
angle of 144°, so as to correspond to the lateral situation of the 



OOddd 




Catheter of Itard, (Reduced one-half.) 
mouth of the Eustachian tube. It is nearly of the same calibre 
throughout its whole length, and provided with a funnel-shaped 
dilatation at the outer extremity, half an inch in length, to admit 
the pipe of the injecting syringe, &c. To this part is added a 
ring, on the same level with the beak of the catheter, by means 
of which the situation of the beak can be ascertained, when the 
instrument is introduced. The catheter is farther graduated in 
inches, which is convenient in repeated introductions. 1 When it 

1 Kramer, on Diseases of the Ear, chap. 2, Amer. Med. Library edit. Philad. 1838. 



438 INJECTIONS INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 

is requisite to sound the Eustachian tube, a piece of catgut may 
be passed through the instrument. 

The catheter recommended by Mr. Pilcher 1 admits of being 
passed farther into the tube, and has a more gradual curve. De- 
leau 2 employs a flexible elastic gum catheter, which the patient 
learns readily to pass into the Eustachian tube, and by turning 
down the outer extremity, is able to inflate the tube with his own 
breath. This the author has seen repeatedly done. The silver 
instrument, slightly warmed and oiled, is introduced, with its con- 
vexity upwards, along the floor of the nostrils until the point 
reaches the pharynx ; it is then gently turned, so that the point 
shall be outwards and a little upwards, the aperture of the Eusta- 
chian tube being above the level of the floor of the nose: in this 
way the tube enters, and is readily felt by the operator to have 
done so. The instrument is then carried onwards, until its farther 
progress is prevented by the narrowness of the tube. Mr. Pilcher's 
instrument is of such dimensions as to frequently occupy three- 
quarters of an inch of the tube ; but if it be pushed beyond the 
fibro-cartilaginous portion — or that part of the tube which readily 
admits it — the mucous membrane may be lacerated, and pain will 
certainly be produced. 3 When Mr. Pilcher's catheter is fairly 
introduced, it will remain without support, an advantage it pos- 
sesses—in the opinion of its proposer — over those of Itard and 
Kramer, which requires a frontal bandage to retain them in situ. 
Itard's bandage is represented in the next figure. It consists of 




Frontal Bandage of Itard. 

a middle piece made of metal, bent so as to fit the arch of the fore- 
head, and slightly padded within; to this are attached two straps, 
which fasten with a buckle. To the centre of the middle piece, 
a pair of forceps are attached, which move in a ball and socket 
joint, and the blades of which are brought together by a screw. 
The bandage is applied before the catheterism is commenced; 
and when the instrument is introduced, the forceps are brought 
down, and screwed tight on the catheter, so as to retain it in posi- 
tion. Through the catheter, thus introduced, aurists were in the 
habit of sending lukewarm water through the Eustachian tube 
into the cavity of the tympanum; 4 but owing to certain objections 

1 A Treatise on the Structure, Economy and Diseases of the Ear, p. 304. London, 
1838. a Op. cit. p. 305. 3 Op. cit. p. 305. 

4 See some cases of deafness relieved in this way, by John H. Dix, in Boston Medical 
and Surgical Journal, Sept. 25, 1839, p. 105. 



INJECTIONS INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 



439 



that apply to the employment of fluids, Deleau 1 suggested the air- 
douche, or injections of air for the purpose of clearing the cavity; 
and this is regarded by Kramer 2 as a great improvement. With 
the view of increasing and regulating the force with which the air 
is sent into the cavity, both these gentlemen invented air-presses 
or condensers. The marginal figure represents that of Kramer. 

c b is a cylinder, 10| inches 
high, made of molten brass; the 
diameter of its calibre is 4-| 
inches, and it is fastened at b 
with strong screws, on a strong 
oaken stand of the height of an 
ordinary stool. Within the cy- 
linder c b is a pump barrel of 
wrought brass screwed into it, 
which measures 10i inches in 
height, and 2J inches in diame- 
ter, rising, at d a, 3 inches out of 
the cylinder, so that the whole 
machine a & is about 13 inches 
high. In the piston of the pump 
barrel, there is a valve for the 
passage of the air, which besides 
passes in at the opening situate 
at d. There is a second valve 
in the bottom of the pump barrel, 
through which the air is forced 
into the interior of the cylinder. 

Air-press of Kramer. 

When air is injected into the tympanum, it may be heard to 
strike against the membrane, and to rush through the cavity into 
the mastoid cells, and thus may become a means of exploring the 
condition of the middle ear. 

Mr. Pilcher 3 observes, that — from his daily experience of the 
great facility with which air and fluids may be introduced into 
the tympanum, and regulated, both as to quantity and force, by 
means of a common syringe accurately fitted to the catheter — he 
does not hesitate to declare his conviction, that the ceremony and 
inconvenience of the air-press may be dispensed with. He re- 
commends that the operator should merely steady the instrument 
with his left hand, whilst he uses the syringe with his right. By 
this means, any fluid or gas injected through the catheter may be 
brought into contact with the mucous membrane, and thus stimu- 
late the nerves of the cavity. Nor is the air-press entirely devoid 
of danger. Inflammation and even suppuration is sometimes 
caused by the air douche. This occurred, in seven cases, to M. 

1 Sur le Catheterisme de la trompe d'Eustache, &c. Paris, 1828; Ttard, in Mem. de 
l'Academ. Royale de Medecine, Tom. v. Fasc. 4. Paris, 1836; and translation in 
Medical and Surgical Monographs, vol. i. p. 75, of Amer. Med. Library, p.8(i. Philad. 
1838. a Op. citat. p. 164. 3 Op. cit. p. 307. 




440 INJECTIONS INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 

Itard; and Mr. Henry Savage 1 refers to five cases, which came 
under his cognizance, where perfect deliquium was caused, which 
continued for several hours. A case, too, has been detailed, in 
which, after " pumping air" four times through the nostrils into 
the Eustachian tube, immediately on removing the instrument 
from the nostril, the patient fell back in the chair and never spoke 
afterwards. 3 The sudden shock to the nervous system was pro- 
bably the cause of death; and it has been suggested that, to avoid 
too great a degree of pressure, the nozzle of the tube of the air- 
press should be held, during the operation, so loosely in the di- 
lated end of the catheter, that there may be room for air to regur- 
gitate, 3 and, likewise, that instead of sending in the air by douches 
or charges — it should be transmitted in a gentle and continued 
stream. Another circumstance, which shows the importance of 
care, is the fact, that the mucous membrane may be ruptured, and 
serious emphysematous tumefaction be occasioned. 

It is proper to observe, that the results of 258 cases, treated 
by Itard, 4 are far from encouraging. Of these, but two of cure are 
said to have been effected, and in this result, according to Itard, 
other causes concurred ; whence he infers, — first, that as a means 
of exploring obstructions of the tympanum by the crepitation 
which often accompanies them, douches of air can afford no cer- 
tain index ; and secondly, that as a mechanical agent for deterging 
or evacuating obstructing matters, they can only dislodge and force 
them together; and, consequently, that both in the second and 
first point of view, douches of air do not deserve the confidence of 
the profession. 

The vapour of acetic ether has been injected into the mid- 
dle ear in cases of nervous deafness, of which Kramer 5 makes two 
varieties ; noise in the ear constituting the essential point of dif- 
ference between them. This noise belongs, without exception, to 
the erethitic form ; whilst it is foreign to the torpid. In cases of 
nervous deafness, Itard proposes to introduce ethereous vapour 
through the catheter, and to generate this vapour in an apparatus 
in which the ether is dropped on a saucer of red hot iron, by the 
heat of which it is vaporized. The ether is, however, decom- 
posed in this manner, so that it is not ethereous vapour which 
enters the tympanum, but an acrid, very irritating kind of gas, 
which, according to Kramer, is well suited to the torpid form of 
nervous deafness, but is positively injurious in the erethitic varie- 
ty. He considers the attempt to vaporize acetic ether in a flask, 

1 Lond. Med. Gaz. for July 20, 1839, p. 616. M. Lynch, in Lancet, Aug. 3, 1839, 
p. 683, and ibid. p. 690; and Joseph Williams, Treatise on the Ear; including its 
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. &c. p. 242. Lond. 1840. 

a Lond. Med. Gazette, July 6, 1839, p. 538. 

3 British and Foreign Medical Review, July, 1839, p. 95. 4 Op. citat 

* See. on this subject, T. Wharton Jones, in Lond. Med, Gaz., Aug. 3, 10, 17, and 
24: 1839. 



INJECTIONS INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE- 



441 




placed in warm water, and connected by means of a tube with 
the cavity of the tympanum, to belong to the same class of 
methods which act in too irritating and injurious a manner, 
owing to the vapour being given 
off far too rapidly. This incon- 
venience he proposes to remedy in 
the erethitic form of nervous deaf- 
ness, in the following way : — A 
large glass flask — represented in 
the accompanying figure — holding 
about ten quarts, is firmly and 
closely stopped with a cork through 
which are passed two brass tubes, 
each provided with a cock; one 
of these tubes is connected above 
with a funnel for dropping in the 
fluid, and the other with an air- 
tight tube to conduct the vapour, 
generated and enclosed within the 
flask, into the cavity of the tym- 
panum. When the apparatus is 
to be used, the cork is to be firmly 
fixed into the neck of the flask,with 
two tubes attached, and the cocks 
closed; the proper quantity of ether 
is then to be poured into the 
funnel, and forced into the flask by a gentle expiration, where it 
is converted into thin vapour at the ordinary temperature of the 
room. This vapour fills the interior of the flask equably, and is, 
indeed, in a state of slight condensation, so that when the metallic 
tip of the tube is connected with the catheter, and the cock is 
opened, the vapour issues with a whizzing sound. 

Having previously introduced the catheter through the nose 
into the mouth of the Eustachian tube, and placed it in connexion 
with the tube of 1he vapour apparatus, the patient is to sit near a 
table, leaning his arm upon it, and with the corresponding hand 
he is to hold the tube of the apparatus, in such manner that it 
may remain in close connexion with the catheter. Each sitting 
occupies a quarter of an hour, and is repeated daily, applying the 
vapour alternately to the right and to the left ear. It is unne- 
cessary to make use of warm water to pour into the flask, as the 
ordinary temperature of the room is sufficient to vaporize the ether. 
In the torpid form of nervous deafness, this method of pro- 
cedure does not answer, owing to the necessity for greater excita- 
tion than it is capable of effecting. In such a case, a modification 
of the apparatus of Itard has been proposed by Kramer. Owing 
to the metallic saucer in Itard's becoming cool more than once 
during a single sitting, and requiring to be exchanged for a hot 



Vapour Apparatus of Itard. 



442 



INJECTIONS INTO THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 



one, as a necessary consequence the temperature of the vapour 
generated never remains for a moment the same, but varies ex- 
tremely; immediately after the insertion of the red-hot saucer, 




Vapour Apparatus of Kramer. 

the vapour issues burning hot into the ear, and in a few minutes 
sinks to a very low temperature. These evils Kramer proposes 
to rectify in the following manner. — For the floor on which the 
bell-glass of the apparatus rests, a thin metal plate is substituted, 
which is warmed at pleasure by an oil lamp placed beneath, so 
that the ethereous fluid falling on it is thus conducted through the 
catheter into the middle ear. Through the cover of the appa- 
ratus, a thermometer, with a metallic scale, passes down almost 
to the bottom, and indicates the temperature at which the ethere- 
ous vapour passes into the ear. After a sitting or two — if the 
individual is to be benefited by the plan in either form of deaf- 
ness — an improvement ought to be perceptible. 

This course of treatment, aided, occasionally, by attention to 
the state of the system, has, in Kramer's hands, been attended 
with satisfactory results, and has been adopted with advantage by 
others, with a more or less modified apparatus. 1 In a more re- 
cent work, however, 2 he states, that his mode of treating nervous 
deafness is essentially the same as that previously described by 
him — the introduction of stimulating vapours into the cavity of 
the tympanum; but, instead of the vapour of acetic ether, which 
he formerly recommended, but which, of late years, he had found 
too stimulating, and therefore not so well borne, he now advises 

1 Pitcher, op. cit. p. 318. See some observations on this subject, with two. by no 
means satisfactory, cases, by T. Wharton Jones, in Lond. Med. Gaz. for Aug. 31, and 
Sept. 7, 1839. 

5 Beitr'age zur Ohrenheilkunde, Berlin, 1845; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Review, 
July, 1847, p. 39. 



INDIGUM, 443 

the vapour of Aqua assafetida simplex, of musk, of Aqua 
amygdal. amar. sine spirit u parata, and the like ; and, as else- 
where remarked, after all the revival that had taken place in re- 
gard to aural medicine and surgery, chiefly through the writings 
of Deleau, Itard, Kramer and others, it would seem that but little 
permanent benefit has resulted from the new methods of treatment; 
unless where there has been partial obstruction of the Eustachian 
tube ; and then perhaps the most valuable agent is the elastic gum 
catheter of M. Deleau, which the patient can be readily taught to 
pass into the tube through the nose, and if the outer extremity 
be bent down and inserted into the mouth, the middle ear can be 
inflated by the patient's breath. Temporary improvement in 
hearing follows the insufflation, and as a palliative method, where 
nervous deafness exists, it may be serviceable. " Every honest 
surgeon must, however, express his disappointment in the methods 
that were so strongly urged some years ago ; and admit that the 
benefit derived from them in nervous deafness has been exceedingly 
limited ; yet the mercenary and unprincipled have reaped a rich 
harvest, from the noise w 7 hich they created, by acting upon the 
credulity of the public." 1 

A case of the successful application of the acetic ether in erethi- 
tic deafness was published by Dr. Bolton, of Richmond, Vir- 
ginia. 2 The hearing distance was amazingly improved by it, and 
the success far exceeded the operator's most sanguine expecta- 
tions. The vapour certainly proves at times, too irritating, or 
occasions results by no means to be desired. The author was 
applied to in one case in consequence of inflammation having 
supervened in the raucous membrane, which subsequently ex- 
tended, in the erysipelatous form, over the cutaneous surface. It 
yielded to appropriate treatment. 

On the whole, then, the treatment of deafness by injection is by 
no means so effective as was at one time supposed. 



CXII. lO'DINUM. 

Synonymes. lodinium, lodium, Iodum, Iodina ? Iodine, 
French. lode. 
German. I o d . 

Iodine was accidentally discovered, in the year 1812, by Courtois, 
a manufacturer of saltpetre at Paris, but it was chiefly through the 
labours of Gay-Lussac and Sir Humphrey Davy, 3 that the chemi- 
cal relations of this elementary body w T ere appreciated. The dis- 
coverer first detected it in the mother waters of soda obtained from 

1 The author's Practice of Medicine, 3d edit, ii. 345. Philad. 1848, 

' American Medical Intelligencer, April 1, 1839, p. 1. 

8 Annales de Chimie, lxxxviii. xc. and torn. xci.,and Philos. Transact. 1814 and 1815. 



444 IODINUM. 

sea-weed, {kelp;) and as it was found to exist chiefly in several of 
the sea-weeds, and especially in the sponges, it struck Coindet, 1 
that experiments might be made with it in goitre : from these he 
obtained such striking results, that its reputation soon spread abroad, 
and it was employed in various other diseases,— often with the 
most marked advantage. By experience, too, the injurious effects 
which it is considered by many capable of inducing were appreci- 
ated, so that it could be administered more satisfactorily than at 
an earlier period. 

By the continued investigations of the chemist, iodine was found 
to be more largely distributed than was at first imagined. It was 
discovered in many of the marine mollusca, in sea-water, and in 
several mineral waters. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Iodine is obtained from the mother waters of the soda derived 
from sea-plants, in which it exists — it is believed — in the form of 
iodide of sodium. The waters are procured by burning different 
kinds of weeds which grow on the sea-shore, lixiviating the ashes, 
and concentrating the liquor. To obtain iodine from this liquor, 
an excess of concentrated sulphuric acid is added to it, and the 
whole is boiled gently in a glass retort furnished with a receiver. 
The sulphuric acid lays hold of the base of the hydriodic salt, and 
of the hydrogen of the hydriodic acid; w T hence result sulphate of 
soda, water, sulphurous acid and iodine; the last passing over into 
the receiver in violet fumes with a little acid, and there becoming 
condensed. To purify the iodine, it may be washed with water 
containing a little potassa, and be redistilled. 2 It is manufactured 
in large quantity, in Scotland, from the kelp of the Hebrides and 
Orkney Islands. 3 According to Dr. Traill, the greatest quantity 
is produced by kelp made from driftweed, which is in a great 
measure composed of Laminaria digitata, and Himanthalia lorea; 
— cutweed, which consists of F. vesiculosus and F. serratus, yield- 
ing much less of it. One hundred tons of Caithness kelp afford, 
according to the experience of one manufacturer, one thousand 
pounds of iodine, or about a 224th pa"rt. 4 It is always prepared 
on the large scale, and hence is placed in the Materia Medica list 
of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. 

Iodine is solid at the ordinary temperature; of a foliated appear- 
ance, and metallic lustre; of a grayish or bluish-black colour simi- 
lar to that of plumbago; and friable. It is soluble in 7000 parts of 
water, and the solution has an orange-yellow colour. Its specific 
gravity is 4.946 at 62° of Fahrenheit. Its smell is similar to that 

1 Bibliotheque Universclle, Juillet, 1820, p. 190. 

* For the method employed by iSoubeiran, see Journal de Pharmacie, Janvier, 1837; 
and for that by Barruel, see Bussy, ibid. 

8 Christison, Dispensatory, Arner. edit. p. 591. Philad. 1848. 
' Christison, loc. cit. 



IODINUM. 445 

of chlorine, with which it accords in its property of destroying 
vegetable colours. It possesses, in a high degree, electro-negative 
properties. It colours the skin yellow, which colour gradually 
disappears. It fuses at 220° Fahrenheit. The vapour is of a 
beautiful violet colour, whence its name (<»^>s, * blue.') It is 
soluble in ether and in alcohol ; forms an acid both with oxygen 
and hydrogen, and enters into numerous chemical combinations. 1 

In consequence of its high price, iodine is very liable to adul- 
teration; and it is said, that coal, black lead, oxide of manganese, 
and charcoal have been added to it; but neither Dr. Christison 2 
nor Dr. Pereira 3 has met with any of these impurities, which 
would remain behind when heat was applied, and admit, therefore, 
of easy detection. Water is the chief adulterant, and its unusual 
presence may be suspected if the iodine adheres to the sides of the 
bottle in which it is kept. Dr. Christison states, that until within 
the eighteen months before he wrote, he had not met with any 
British iodine that did not contain between 15 and 20 per cent. 
of water. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

Soon after the discovery of iodine, and the accurate investiga- 
tions of Gay-Lussac, Magendie 4 instituted a series of experiments 
in order to appreciate its action on the animal organism. It was 
injected into the veins without any apparent effect. Several dogs 
were made to swallow it ; they vomited, but it exerted no farther 
influence. He himself swallowed a coffee-spoon ful of the tincture, 
and perceived no other result than a disagreeable taste, which 
continued for several hours, but gradually disappeared. In larger 
doses, however, the effects were markedly injurious. Orfila, 5 
likewise instituted several experiments on dogs, from which he 
concludes: — that, introduced into the stomach in moderate quan- 
tity, it acts as a gentle stimulant, but may excite vomiting: — that 
in the dose of a dram, it almost always killed the animal in four 
or five days, when the oesophagus had been tied to prevent vomit- 
ing, and that in the part of the mucous membrane with which it 
came in contact, ulcers were gradually formed; — that when ad- 
ministered in the dose of from two to three drams, the oesophagus 
not being tied, it excited vomiting for several hours, even when a 
part of the poison had been evacuated by the bowels; — that it 
seldom caused death when given in the dose of one or two drams, 
the animal rejecting it by repeated vomiting; that it does not de- 
stroy life when applied externally, and that it must be classed 

1 See, on Iodine and its Combinations, Duhamel, in Philad. Journal of Pharmacy, vi. 
101. Philad. 1823-4. "- Dispensatory, p. 553. Edinb. 1842. 

3 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. i. 235. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit., by 
Carson. Philad. 1846. 

4 Formulaire pour la preparation, &c, de plusieurs nouveaux Medicamens. 

5 Toxicologic, i. 556. 

29 



446 IODINUM. 

amongst the irritant poisons. Dr. Cogswell, 1 — in repeating one 
of Orfila's experiments, in which seventy-two grains of iodine 
were introduced into a wound on the back of a dog without much 
effect on the health of the animal, — did not attain exactly the 
same results. He introduced a scruple of iodine into the areolar 
tissue of the thigh of an adult rabbit, through a small opening 
made in the skin. The animal manifested no symptom of pain, 
and was able to make use of the limb as freely as before the ope- 
ration, but, in the course of a fortnight, it gradually lost flesh,, 
exhibiting an emaciated look, and the hair dropped off from many 
parts of the head. At the end of this time, thick, adhesive pus 
was found distending the cavity of the wound, from which the 
iodine had entirely disappeared. Dr. Cogswell properly suggests, 
however, the possibility, that the irritation of a large abscess 
might have been the sole origin of the animal's unhealthy appear- 
ance. 

To discover the effects which it induces on man, Orfila took 
two grains fasting. An extremely disagreeable taste, with some 
nausea, was the only consequence. On the next day, early, he 
took four grains, when he immediately experienced a sense of 
constriction and heat in the throat, which continued for a quarter 
of an hour, and soon afterwards he vomited a liquid yellowish 
matter, in which iodine was easily perceptible. Except a slight 
degree of oppression felt during the day, he observed no change 
in any of the functions. On the second day thereafter, he took 
six grains fasting, after which he soon experienced a sense of 
heat, constriction of the throat, nausea, eructation, increased flow 
of saliva, and pain at the pit of the stomach: ten minutes after- 
wards he was attacked with copious bilious vomiting, and slight 
colic pains, which continued for an hour, and were removed by 
two emollient glysters. The pulse, which, prior to the experi- 
ments, beat sixty times in the minute, became more frequent, 
beating from eighty three to ninety, and was much stronger. 
The breathing was tolerably free; but from time to time, there 
appeared to be a great obstacle to the dilatation of the chest on 
inspiration. The urine was higher coloured. All the symptoms 
were removed by the copious use of gum water as drink, and of 
emollient glysters. 

Dr. Gully, on the other hand, says, that he has given as much 
as three drams of the tincture daily, and did not observe any effect. 
Dr. Kennedy, 2 of Glasgow, exhibited, within eighty days, nine 
hundred and fifty-three grains of iodine in the form of tincture, 
the doses having been so proportioned^ that, towards the last, the 
patient — a girl — did not seem to be in any way particularly af- 

1 Experimental Essay on Iodine and its Compounds, page 21. Edinb. 1837. 
3 Lond. Med. Repository for 1822. 



IODINUM. 447 

fected; and Dr. Buchanan 1 gave half an ounce of iodide of po- 
tassium within twelve hours, without any unpleasant result, dilu- 
ents being largely taken at the same time. See Potassii Iodidum 

It has been conceived that, when iodine proves mischievous, it is 
owing to its being in a free state, and that it then operates as a 
corrosive poison. The tincture and the ioduretted iodides are 
esteemed objectionable on this account. 2 It does not appear, that 
the vapours of iodine exert any injurious effect on the workmen 
concerned in its preparation. 3 

From experiments, instituted by Jorg 4 on himself and on other 
healthy individuals, it seemed to him, that iodine, first of all, acts 
as a stimulant on the intestinal canal; soon afterwards it excites, 
also, the different glands in the cavity of the mouth and stomach, 
the pancreas, the liver, and the urinary and genital organs. An 
afflux of blood to the respiratory organs likewise ensues, which 
extends even as far as the Schneiderian membrane. 

There is no doubt whatever, that it enters into the blood, and, 
in this way, doubtless produces its modifications on the system of 
nutrition. Two drams of iodide of starch, according to Dr. Bu- 
chanan, 5 were given to a young man labouring under gonorrhoea, 
and, as soon as the medicine made its appearance in the urine, 
blood was drawn from the arm. On examining it, both the serum 
and the crassamentura were found deeply impregnated with iodine. 
The same dose was given to a boy affected with dropsy of the 
knee-joint. About five hours after the dose had been taken, a very 
small puncture was made in the joint, and upwards of twelve 
ounces of synovia were drawn off by a cupping-glass. The syno- 
via contained iodine in abundance. To an old man, who had a 
very large hydrocele, two drams of iodide of potassium were given 
over night, and the same quantity the following morning; on tap- 
ping him some hours after he had taken the last dose, more than 
thirty ounces of serum were drawn off, containing a large quantity 
of iodine. 6 

Dr. Gairdner 7 observed the action of iodine on the human body 
when administered in particular doses, and pointed out the disad- 
vantages attendant upon its improvident use. The most striking 
inconveniences were induced in the digestive organs: it excited 
diarrhoea, and, at times, obstinate constipation; gastrodynia and 
violent vomiting, especially when food was received into the 
stomach. The emaciation occasioned by it is, according to so*ne, 

1 Lond. Med. Gazette, July, 1836. See, also, Fuster,in Bullet. General de Therap. 
Fev. 1837, and Sept. 1837. 

a Brande's Dictionary of the Materia Medica, p. 323. Lond. 1839. 

3 A. Chevallier, Annales d'Hygiene Puhliq. &c., Avril, 1H42. 

* Materialen zu einer kiinft. Ht ilmittellehre, u. s. w. i. 473. 1824. 8 Op. cit. 

6 Brande, op. eitat. p. 321. Lond. 1839. See, also, Cantu, in Journal de Cbimie 
Medicale, ii. 291 and 394; and Bennerscheidt r ibid. iv. 383. 

1 Essay on the Effects of Iodine, &c. Lond. 1824. 



448 IODINUM. 

a striking phenomenon, and may attain an incredible extent ; yet 
it is proper to remark, that Lugol 1 in his frequent employment of 
it in scrofula, never observed this result : he affirms, indeed, that 
emaciated patients became stronger under its use ; that the stout 
did not grow leaner, and that they who held the medium position 
in these respects acquired strength under its employment, — results 
which have been confirmed by others, 2 and which would, there- 
fore, seem to show that this, as well as some of the other unplea- 
sant effects ascribed to iodine, may have been owing to an in- 
cautious use of the article. 

In addition to the above phenomena, Dr. Gairdner noticed anxi- 
ety, depression of spirits, and other symptoms similar to those of 
hypochondriasis; obscurity of vision; hardness of hearing; palpi- 
tations; and tremors of the limbs, particularly of the hands, which 
last symptom indicated the full effect of iodine on the constitution 
He found, however, that the remedy was extremely variable in 
its effects; and that it might frequently be given in large doses ? 
for a long time, without disadvantage; whilst, at other times, the 
unpleasant symptoms supervened rapidly, indicating that much 
must depend upon the peculiar impressibility of the individual, 
Coindet, 3 who, as already remarked, first used iodine as a thera- 
peutical agent, speaks of many of the above-mentioned phenomena 
as resulting from it's administration: these he considers evidences 
of the saturation of the organism, as the effect on the mouth is an 
index of the same thing in the case of mercury. It appears, how- 
ever, to be never necessary, in the administration of iodine, to 
induce saturation of the organism, in order that the full sanative 
influence of the remedy shall be elicited. On the contrary, it 
seems to be advisable to avoid such saturation : and, accordingly, 
whenever there are the slightest indications of it, the dose should 
be diminished, or it should be discontinued for a time; after which 
— according to the results of numerous cases — its curative agency, 
when it is resumed, is exerted afresh, and more decidedly. 
Several physicians, indeed, advise that frequent intermissions 
should be made in the use of the agent, in order that its action 
may be more certain. 

According to the observations of Coindet and Formey, 4 iodine, 
administered internally, occasions increase of appetite ; but no in- 
fluence is perceptible on the condition of the bowels and urinary 
organs, or on the perspiratory apparatus. On the other hand, 
when breathed for a few instants, the vapours of iodine caused 
twice in M. Chevallier 5 violent colic, which readily yielded to 

1 Memoire sur l'emploi de l'iode dans les Maladies Scrofuleuses. Paris, 1829; and 
Observations on the Effects of Iodine, p. 17, Johnson's translation. Lond. 1824. 

a B. Phillips, Lond. Med. Gazette, January 10, 1840; and Scrofula, its Nature, 
Causes. &c, Amer. edit. Philad. 1846. 

* Bihliotheque Universelle, Mars, Avril, Mai, et Septembre, 1821. 
' ' See, also, Ricord. op. cit. * Journ. Gener. de Med. ciii. 336, 



IODINUM. 



449 



gum water and laudanum. Raspail, however, under analogous 
circumstances, experienced no other inconvenience than a disagreea- 
ble taste in the back part of the mouth. According to Lugol, the 
vapour, disengaged from tincture of iodine poured into the water 
of a bath, is liable to induce a state of "iodic intoxication" and 
even of cerebral congestion. He affirms, that it exerted a pow- 
erful diuretic influence on all his patients, the urinary secretion 
being so much augmented, that many of them, contrary to their 
usual habit, were compelled to rise from bed several times in the 
night to discharge their urine. In upwards of a third, it had a 
cathartic effect, producing six or seven evacuations in the day, and 
occasionally tormina. In several, ptyalism ensued. Others, and 
especially females, complained of gastrodynia, which was always 
removed by the wine of cinchona, of which two or three ounces 
were taken shortly after the iodine. Iodide of potassium would 
seem to act more powerfully on the kidneys. A patient of M. 
Ricord, 1 at the Hopital des Veneriens, Paris, whilst under its in- 
fluence, passed daily from forty to fifty litres or quarts of urine, 
drinking, however, in an equivalent ratio. This enormous secre- 
tion always ceased whenever the use of the iodide was suspended. 
In its character the fluid differed little from ordinary urine, except 
in containing evident traces of the salt. 

Dr. Manson, 2 who used the tincture of iodine, found it occa- 
sionally produce sickness of the stomach, and M. Delisser affirms, 
that, in two months, he gave one thousand and nineteen grains of 
the iodide to a female affected with cancer of the mamma, — the 
doses, at certain periods, amounting to thirty grains in the twenty- 
four hours. The consequences were anorexia, quick pulse, ulcera- 
tion of the mouth, and fostor of the breath — of a different kind, 
however, from that which arises from mercury. 

M. Ricord 3 affirms, that of all the tissues of the body, the skin 
is decidedly the most susceptible of the action of iodine, and that 
there is scarcely a variety of cutaneous disease, which, in different 
idiosyncrasies, may not be excited by iodide of potassium, although 
they may mostly be made to disappear under the discontinuance 
of the medicine. The author has not often observed such results 
from it. 

It would appear that the effects of the remedy vary according 
to the form in which it is administered, and it is proper to observe, 
in viewing the different results obtained by Lugol and Coindet, 
that the latter commonly gave the tincture, whilst the former pre- 
scribed the solution in water, with a little chloride of sodium. 
Lugol observes, that the appetite of his patients was very much 
increased by it. Eager, who likewise administered the watery 
solution, rarely observed diarrhoea and emaciation; in general, in- 

1 Bulletin de The rap. Sept. 1 842 : cited at length in Provincial Med. Journ. March 18, 
1843. 2 Medical Researches on the Effects of Iodine. Lond. 1825. 3 Op. cit. 



450 IODINUM. 

deed, the appetite and nutrition improved under it. At times, 
ulceration took place in the mouth, whereby the breath assumed 
a mercurial foetor; and salivation has been observed from it, ac- 
cording to Manson, 1 Winslow, 2 Ely, 3 Mackall, 4 Sir F. W. Smith, 5 
and others; but Riecke 6 suggests, that this, perhaps, only occurred 
in those who, along with the use of iodine internally, had employed 
iodide of mercury externally. Ricord, however, 7 affirms that 
salivation is a common effect; and that, at times, the quantity of 
saliva secreted is equal to that in the highest degree of mercurial 
ptyalism ; but it would appear to be of a different character. He 
says it resembles greatly the ptyalism of pregnant women. The 
saliva is not viscous, and it seems not only to emanate directly 
from the mouth, but to be regurgitated. The mucous membrane 
of the mouth may be a little oedematous and irritable; but no in- 
flammation or ulceration is perceptible as in mercurial ptyalism; 
neither, according to hirn, is the breath tainted, nor are the 
salivary glands the seat of an) r tumefaction. 

On the genital organs, Eager found iodine act as an excitant; it 
augmented the activity of the uterus, and rendered the catamenia 
more abundant; it is asserted, too, to have increased the sexual 
appetite, but this is questionable: during its use, indeed, the testes 
in men, and the mamma? in women, have been observed to disap- 
pear: 8 but this, as will be seen hereafter, is certainly not a common 
occurrence. 9 It has been imagined, also, to cause sterility. Two 
cases are detailed by Dr. Robert H. Rivers, 10 in which barrenness 
succeeded its administration. Magendie, on giving it as an em- 
menagogue to a young lady of unsuspected virtue, brought on 
abortion. 11 Krimer several times observed, even when the tincture 
was given in small doses, considerable metrorrhagia, epistaxis, 
haemoptysis, obstinate diarrhoea, leucorrhcea, &c, supervene under 
its use. Dr. J. B. Biddle 12 exhibited five grains of the iodide of 
potassium, four times a day, to a female patient, aged 35. After 
thirty-five grains had been taken, he was suddenly called, and 
found her suffering from intense cephalalgia, considerable nervous 
disturbance, nausea, and remarkable tumefaction of the whole face. 
Jahn 13 found, in the bodies of two persons who had long made use 

1 Op. citat p. 61. 2 Lond. Med. Gaz. for 1836, p. 401. 3 Ibid. p. 480. 

* Medico-Chirurg. Rev. Jan. 1836. 

* Dublin Journal of Med. Science, July, 1840, and Jan. 1841. 

6 Die neuern A rzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 282. ' Op. cit. 

s Christison, Treatise on Poisons, p. 180; Cogswell on Iodine, p. 47. Edinb. 1837. 
9 Pereira, in Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xvii.; or Diet, de Mat. Med. par Merat and De 
Lens, art. lode. w American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Aug. 1831, p. 540. 

u Formulary, Gully's edit. p. 105. 

12 Philad. Med. Examiner, Jan. 29, 1842, p. 65. See, also, R. Coates, Ibid.; J. C. L. 
Carson, New York Med. Gaz. Dec. 1, 1841, p. 333, and the Report of a Conversation 
on the Occasional Injurious Effects of Iodine, at the London University College Med. 
Society, in Med. Examiner, Jan. 15, 1842, p. 48. 

13 Archiv. fur Medicin. Erfahrung, i. 342, 1829; and Journal Complement, du Diet 
des Sciences Medicales, xxxv. 36 4 2. 



IODINUM. 451 

of it, wasting of the fat; softness and laxity of all the organs 
and tissues; diminution and disappearance of the glands, and glan- 
diform bodies, — the mesenteric glands, suprarenal capsules, &c. — 
and the areolar tissue appeared to exist in smaller quantity. In 
the case of a female, who died from the excessive use of the tinc- 
ture, Zinck 1 found the bowels inflated with gas; in some parts, 
highly inflamed; in others, exhibiting an approach to sphacelation, 
both within and without: the inner membrane of the stomach dis- 
played redness, growing deeper from the cardiac towards the py- 
loric orifice, where the organ looked as if it had undergone corro- 
sion ; the liver was large and reddened ; and there was ecchymosis 
of the spleen. Dr. Christison 2 is of opinion, that iodine is capa- 
ble of inflaming the latter organ. 

Professor J. K. Mitchell 3 affirms, that he has not unfrequently 
witnessed very distressing effects not only from an extravagant 
quantity, but from the too prolonged use of even moderate por- 
tions of iodine. As regards iodide of potassium — he properly re- 
marks—large doses have been given so often and so long as to 
show, that while there is hazard and injury, the danger has been 
greatly overrated. 

The author has administered iodine very freely, but he has sel- 
dom seen unpleasant phenomena ensue, which he was disposed to 
refer to it; w r ith the exception of such as so nauseous an article 
was likely to cause in the stomach; yet, from the testimony of 
many observers it can scarcely be doubted that iodine disease, 
iodosis, iodinia or iodism, as it has been termed, may become 
dangerous to life: generally, it is not really so much so as it ap- 
pears — and is considered — to be, and the evil consequences may be 
readily avoided by proper foresight. Cases, however, are related 
in which its use seemed to have been followed by fatal results ; 4 
hence the necessity of circumspection in the employment of so 
energetic a therapeutical agent. The author has never witnessed 
the vascular injection and tumefaction of the conjunctiva, with 
oedema and infiltration of the adjacent subcutaneous areolar tissue, 
described by M. Ricord. 5 In this inflammation, he says, there is 
little or no tendency to suppuration, and it is a phenomenon 
which most usually appears only at the commencement of a course 
of iodide of potassium, and rarely recurs ; but it is important to 
avoid mistaking it for a venereal or gonorrheal ophthalmia, to 
which it appears to bear some analogy. A somewhat similar af- 
fection, under the use of the iodine, he observes, sometimes ex- 
tends to the mucous membrane of the nose, producing coryza, but 
unattended with sneezing, and without any disposition to pass into 
a suppurative stage. 

1 Journ. Complem. du Diet, des Sciences Medicales, xviii. 231. 

2 Treatise on Poisons. 3 Medical Examiner, Aug. 1846, p. 460. 
* Sir B. Brodie, Lancet, March 30, 1839, 8 Op. cit. 



452 IODINUM. 

Under the idea, that the unpleasant symptoms which the iodides 
of potassium and iron " are sometimes said to produce," are owing 
to the presence of free iodine in them, Dr. C. J. B. Williams 1 re- 
commends that the patient should eat a piece of bread or biscuit 
after each dose : " the starch of this, combining with the free 
iodine, removes its injurious property." 

To avoid evil consequences, Wutzer advises that iodine should 
be immediately discontinued, whenever a feeling of increased heat 
in the pharynx and stomach is experienced immediately after it is 
swallowed; but as this evidence cannot be available in small chil- 
dren, attention should be paid to observe, whether, after the 
medicine has been taken, the temperature of the skin becomes 
more elevated ; the pulse quicker, and whether there is any evi- 
dence of pain when pressure is made on the epigastric region. 
He, moreover, advises, that it should not be given internally to 
children at the breast. 

It has been affirmed, that if iodine be combined with small doses 
of opium, all the disadvantages, immediate and remote, may be 
avoided ; and it is generally considered more advisable to give it 
in small doses for a longer, than in large doses for a shorter period. 
At times, it will happen, that in chronic affections— in which it is 
chiefly used — its beneficial agency may not be decidedly manifested 
until after the lapse of four or five months; and it is important to 
bear this in mind, as both practitioner and patient are apt to be- 
come dissatisfied, unless the remedy exhibits its action more 
speedily. When it acts beneficially, the appetite is augmented, 
or is not deteriorated ; digestion improves, so that the patient is 
able to take more food, and experiences less inconvenience there- 
from: the secretion of the bile is ir creased, and the evacuations 
are more copious and of a yellower hue; the peristaltic action 
goes on more energetically, and the patient gains strength. Such, 
at least, are the signs that are considered by many to indicate that 
iodine agrees; but the absence of all disagreeable consequences is 
a sufficient index. 

To remove the symptoms of iodine disease, general or local, 
blood-letting has been employed ; with warm bathing ; the use of 
milk; emulsions of gum Arabic, and the like; rigid diet and rest. 
The preparations of hydrocyanic acid have also been given w : ith 
advantage in the palpitation, tremors, and other nervous symptoms 
that sometimes follow its use. 

Precaution is requisite in the case of impressible, and also, — it 
has been conceived — of robust persons, 2 to avoid the supervention 
of hypersemia. It is advisable, too, during its administration, to 
let the diet be sparing, and devoid of all heating qualities. Kol- 

1 The Library of Practical Medicine, arranged and edited by Alexander Tweedie. — 
Practical Medicine, vol. iii. p. 124, art. Pleurisy, by Williams. Lond. Ib40. 
5 Riecke, op. cit S. 284. 



IODINUM. 453 

ley 1 remarks, that it occasionally exerts a most unfavourable in- 
fluence on the nervous system, so that, in those who are easily 
excitable, unusual pains may be brought on by the use of even 
three or four drops of the tincture ; these pains, at times, ending 
in violent spasms. Such persons exhibit the impressibility, even 
under very minute doses, by fidgetiness or restlessness of the limbs, 
so that they can scarcely be kept quiet: after a time, numbness and 
heaviness in all the limbs; heaviness of the head, and a species of 
inebriation 2 succeed, with violent cephalalgia, spasms, tremors of 
the limbs, paralysis, 3 prostration, spasms, depravation of vision, 
and disposition to lamentation and distress. Some of these nervous 
symptoms the author has occasionally noticed, when the dose of 
iodine has been rapidly augmented. Where the person is liable 
to gastric uneasiness, caution is requisite in the use of the remedy, 
as it not unfrequently occasions dyspepsia and violent gastrodynia. 
All febrile and purely inflammatory diseases, according to Kolley, 
forbid its use. 

Dr. Andrew Buchanan 4 affirms, that he has never witnessed 
any of the unpleasant symptoms that have been ascribed to iodine. 
He asserts, that he has never seen its use " followed by wasting of the 
testicles or mammae, by palpitations, faintness, excessive debility, 
hurried, anxious breathing, dinginess of the surface, copious clammy 
sweats, increased menstrual discharge, or an oily appearance of 
the urine, which are enumerated amongst the symptoms character- 
izing the supposed affection, termed iodism." As regards the 
wasting of the mammae and testicles, Dr. Pereira suspects it to be 
very rare. He has seen iodine administered, he remarks, in some 
hundreds of cases, and never met with one in which atrophy of 
either organ occurred. Magendie, also, states, that he has never 
witnessed these effects, although they are said to be frequent in 
Switzerland. 5 The author's own experience accords with that of 
those gentlemen. He has prescribed, and seen it prescribed, 
largely, both in public and in private; yet no such results have 
ever supervened. In the Philadelphia Hospital, great attention 
was paid to the condition of the testes, in several cases in w T hich 
it was administered, yet no case of atrophy occurred. 6 M. Cul- 

1 Journal Complementaire, xvii. 307. 

3 Giddiness was observed by Manson, (Researches on the Effects of Iodine, p. 61. 
Lond. 1825;) Ashwell, (Guy's Hospital Reports, i. 136;) and Lugol, (Essays on the 
Effects of Iodine in Scrofulous Diseases, O'Shaughnessy's translation, p. 73. Lond. 
183!.) J F 

3 Sir B. Brodie, Lancet, 1832; Manson, op. citat; and Sir A. Cooper, Lancet, ii. 147. 

4 Lond. Med. Gaz. July 2, 1836. 

5 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therapeutics, i. 238. Lond. 1842; or 2d 
Amer. edit. Philad. 1846. 

6 A. M. Vedder, in American Medical Intelligencer, for Sept. 1, 1838. See, also, 
J. Davies, Practical Remarks on the Use of Iodine locally applied in various Surgical 
Diseases and External Injuries, &c, Lond., 1839. Reprinted in American Med. 
Library, 1839-40. 



454 IODINUM. 

lerier, 1 however, who has had much experience with iodine and 
its various preparations, lays down the proposition, that it seems 
to exert a more direct action on the mammae and testes when it is 
given to an individual in health, than when the constitution is 
deteriorated. 

Dr. J. Adair Lawrie, 2 of Glasgow, has advanced the opinion, 
that the iodides of potassium and starch exert a poisonous influ- 
ence on the mucous membrane of the air passages, not as direct 
irritants, but indirectly through the circulation, in the form of 
acute inflammation. He admits, however, that he has never seen 
them act as irritants to the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, 
nor has he ever known them induce emaciation, atrophy of the 
mammae and testes, hectic and the other symptoms described 
under the term iodosis. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Iodine exhibits itself as a most efficacious remedy in a variety 
of diseases, in which it is desirable to modify the condition of the 
function of nutrition. It doubtless has often had effects ascribed 
to it to which it was in no way entitled ; and not the least singular 
has been recorded lately. M. Delfraysse, 3 at a recent sitting of 
the Academie des Sciences of Paris, reported cases, both in ani- 
mals and in the human female, in which " ioduretted preparations, 
administered in the latter period of gestation, arrested the develop- 
ment of the foetus," and hence, that they must be valuable agents 
when narrowness of the pelvis would render the expulsion of a 
foetus of the ordinary size dangerous or impracticable! 

In referring to the use of iodine in the following diseases, the 
remarks apply not only to pure iodine, but to the iodides of the 
metals of the alkalies, especially the iodide and ioduretted iodide 
of potassium; the medical properties of which accord with those 
of iodine. 

Bronchocele. — The very first experiments made with iodine 
were on goitre. Coindet recommended it strongly in that affec- 
tion, and Formey 4 first introduced it into Germany. Coindet, 
gave, in the first instance, the tincture internally; and he remarked, 
that about a week after the commencement of its use, the skin 
over the goitre generally became less tense, the substance of the 
tumour felt softer, without the tumefaction having abated ; the par- 
ticular portions of the gland became more distinct, separated from 
each other, and less and less hard, until gradually a diminution 
was perceptible. Frequently, the goitre disappeared completely, 

1 Memoires de la Societe de Chirurgie de Paris, Tom. i. Fascic. 1 and 2, Paris, 1847; 
cited in British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, Jan. 1848, p. 129. 

* London Medical Gazette, July 3, 1840, p. 590. 

3 Archives Generates de Medecine. Juin, 1850, p. 232. 

* Bemerk. uber den Kropf, u. s. w. Berlin, 1820; and Hufeland's Journal, B. li. St. 
4, S. 91. 



IODINUM. 455 

in the space of from six to ten weeks, under the continued use of 
the remedy. At an after period, he employed iodine externally, 
in which form of administration the evil consequences sometimes 
induced by it are less to be apprehended; and often combined its 
internal and external administration. 

The efficacy of iodine in bronchocele has received the most 
ample confirmation.. Cases have been published by Hufeland, 
Grafe, Baup, Helling, Ziegler, Vollmer, Reiss, Paulitsky, Hirsch, 
Ulrich, Jager, Barcbewitz, Meissner, Vogel, Wutzer, Seiler, Fici- 
nus, Nieustadt, Hoffman, De Carro, J. Reid, Manson, Elliotson, 
Lugol, Bardsley, 1 Copland, 2 and numerous others. 3 Mr. Bram- 
ley, whilst in Nepal, amongst the Himalaya mountains, and under 
unfavourable circumstances, cured 57 out of 116 cases, and brought 
34 more into a fair way towards ultimate recovery. 4 The author 
has administered it in a great many cases of soft goitre, and in 
every one the disease was removed. In two it recurred, but the 
hypertrophy was again dispersed under the use of the remedy. 5 
It has been recommended by some, that its exhibition should be 
preceded by bleeding ; and as the abstraction of blood facilitates 
absorption, bleeding may be advisable; and more especially where 
but little, if any, effect seems to be induced by it, after it has been 
administered for some time. Reid advises, that we should com- 
mence with its external administration; and, at a later period, 
conjoin this with the internal. 

Although cases have been published, in which iodine has not 
answered the purpose of the prescriber, there can be no question 
that it is the most efficacious agent in goitre in the lists of the 
Materia Medica ; but when the tumour has acquired a cartilaginous 
hardness, although it may be diminished under the use of the re- 
medy, it can rarely, or never, be wholly removed. Under such 
circumstances, however, every other remedy would be found 
equally fruitless. 

It is worthy of recollection, that burnt sponge, which contains 
iodine, was long celebrated for its powers over goitre, before iodine 
was discovered; and the same was the fact in regard to certain 
brine springs, as that of Salzhausen, which also contain iodine. 

Glandular affections. — Besides the affections of the thyroid 
gland, there are others of different glandular bodies, in which 
iodine exhibits itself efficacious. Jahn used friction with it with 
advantage, in induration of the liver. Wutzer gave it in two 
cases of induration of the spleen, but no precise deductions could 

1 Hospital Facts and Observations, p. 121. Lond. 1830. 
- Diet, of Pract. Medicine. 

3 Richter's Specielle Therapie. Berlin, 1828, S. 214; Dictionnaire de Matiere Me- 
dicate, <fcc, par MM. Merat and De Lens, art. lode; and Osann, art. Iod, in Encyclo- 
p'ad. Worterb. der Med. Wissensch. Bd. xix. S. 17. Berlin, 1838. 

4 Christison, Dispensatory, p. 556. Edinb. 1842. 

* See the author's Practice of Medicine, 3d edit. ii. 455. Philad. 1848. 



456 IODINUM. 

be made as to individual efficacy, owing to its having been com- 
bined with other remedies. Milligan 1 relates three cases of 
enlargement of the liver or spleen in children, in which he gave 
the tincture with success, after mercurials had been used ineffec- 
tually. In several cases of chronic disease of the liver attended 
with jaundice, Dr. Abercrombie 2 found an ointment composed of 
oSS. of iodine, and an ounce of lard, of great benefit. M. Eusebe 
de Salle 3 and Jahn employed it with success in enlargement of the 
testes; Riecke, 4 too, found it of essential service in a case of great 
induration and enlargement of the testicle, which, in the opinion 
of several physicians, would require an operation ; and Jahn, in a 
case of strumous induration of the submaxillary gland, and in 
one of tumefaction of the prostate, the consequence of mismanaged 
gonorrhoea. Krimer employed it beneficially in cases of tume- 
faction and induration of the mesenteric glands: and Cerchari 5 
found an ointment, composed of a scruple of iodine and an ounce 
of unguentum rosatum, very efficacious in the cure of enlarged 
tonsils. He applied it to the tonsils, morning and evening, by 
means of a small brush; and he asserts, that under its use the 
tonsils will, in two months, be restored to their natural dimensions. 
Inflammation must be subdued before the ointment can be had 
recourse to. Sir. B. Brodie 6 has used it successfully in similar 
cases; the enlarged tonsils being touched every day with a camel's 
hair pencil dipped in the tincture. Delfiz 7 details a case of hyper- 
trophy of the mammae, which resulted favourably; and in hyper- 
trophy of the thymus gland, iodine baths have been advised by 
Dr. Fingerhuth. In induration of the female mamma, not of a 
malignant nature, Riecke 8 found it frequently of essential service; 
and Dr. Pereira 9 states, that in the chronic mammary tumour, 
described by Sir Astley Cooper, he has seen it afford great relief, 
allaying pain, and keeping the disease in check. In Bubo, paint- 
ing over the surface with the tincture of iodine, or with a solution 
composed of a scruple of iodine, two scruples of iodide of potas- 
sium, and a fluidounce of water, has been of great service. The 
effect of the latter application, according to Mr.Langston Parker, 10 
is " almost magical." Mr. Stafford, 11 affirms, that he has em- 

1 Cogswell, op. cit. p. 83; see, also, Casey, New York Journal of Medicine, Oct. 
1840, p. 324 ; and Christison, Dispensatory, p. 557. Edinb. 1842. 

2 On the Stomach, Edinb. 1828; or Amer. edit. Philad. 1830. 

3 Journal Complement, xix. 193, and Journal (Jniversel, xi. 346. 
* Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S, 286. 

1 American Journal of Pharmacy, 2d series, ii. 83. Philad. 1837. 

I Lancet, March 30, 1839. p. 38. 

6 Froriep's Notizen, B. xiii. H. 5, S. 33. 8 Op. cit. S. 292. 

9 Elements of Mat Med. and Therap. 2d edit. i. 224. London, 1842; or 2d Amer. 
edit. Philad. 1846. 

10 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ., April 1, 1843. 

II Essay on the Prostate Gland, noticed in Brit, and For. Med. Review, Oct., 1840, 
p. 529. 



I0DINUM. 



457 



ployed it in nearly all cases of enlargement of glands , excepting 
those from malignant diseases, and has found it of the greatest 
service: "indeed, its use, in some instances, has been attended by 
almost a miraculous effect, so rapidly has the swelling been re- 
duced.' 5 In active scrofulous swellings of the lymphatic glands 
of the neck, Dr. Wm. B. Diver 1 has applied a plaster made of 
Iodin. p. i.; Balsam Canadens. p. iij.; Picis abietis, p. iij. The 
iodine is triturated with the balsam ; the pitch is melted with a 
gentle heat, and when about to cool, the w 7 hole is mixed, and 
spread upon kid for immediate use. He prefers this plaster when- 
ever the extreme sensitiveness of the parts precludes the employ- 
ment of inunction. 

Scrofula. — Soon after the introduction of iodine, it was used 
externally in scrofulous affections; and at an early period w 7 as 
prescribed by Gordon, Sir A. Halliday, 2 and others, especially 
combined with mercury. Their observations were confirmed 
by Magendie, Baup, 3 Sablairoles, 4 Baron, Brera, Manson, and 
others. Wutzer used it in many cases of scrofula, and found it' 
especially useful in the lympathic (pastosen) form. In irritable 
cases, he was cautious of employing it, as well as in hyperasmic 
conditions; and he found, that when aggravation of the symptoms 
occurred, some concealed inflammatory disposition was the cause. 
Lugol 5 has contributed to the more extensive employment of it in 
scrofula, and has especially recommended the watery solution in- 
ternally, and baths externally. The fortunate results of his trials? 
in the Hopital St. Louis, were corroborated by a committee ap- 
pointed for the purpose by the Royal Academy of Sciences. It 
afforded eminent service in the different forms of scrofula ; but in 
scrofulous caries it merely induced improvement, never entire cica- 
trization. Lugol regards it as the most efficacious remedy we pos- 
sess in scrofula. Eager, 6 in speaking of Lugol's method of mana- 
ging scrofula, properly lays great stress on the accompanying regi- 
men — nutritious diet, cleanliness, bathing and exercise in the open 
air — which he regards as indispensable to a fortunate issue. He 
prefers the watery solution internally to all other remedies. Lugol 
and Eager unite, with the internal use of iodine, the external in 
the form of ointment, or solution: for example, in fistulse they 
employ it as an injection. To excite ulcers to cicatrization, after 
appropriate pressure and injections have failed, Eager recommends, 
that the skin, which has separated at the margins of the ulcers 
from the subjacent parts, should be destroyed by caustic or removed 

1 Med. Examiner, Sept., 1845, p. 529. 
3 Lond. Med. Repos. Sept. 1821. 

3 Bibliotheque Universelle, Dec. 1821. 

4 Bulletin des Sciences Medicales, Fev. 1824. 

8 Essay on the Effects of Iodine, &c, p. 48; and Researches on Scrofulous Diseases, 
translated by A. S. Doane. New York, 1844. 
s Dublin Journal of Medical Science, July, 1834, p,344. 



458 IODINTJM. 

by the knife, but that this should not be practised until the scro- 
fulous tendency has been somewhat got under. As a caustic, he 
directs calcis viv. 3vj., 'potass, %v., to be made into a paste with 
alcohol, and to be applied a few lines thick: it destroys the skin 
in about five minutes-. According to the same observer, iodine has 
exhibited its efficacy in various cases of periostitis, scrofulous 
swellings of the joints, and necrosis. In scrofulous ophthalmia, 
it was less beneficial. It will be seen hereafter, however, that in 
the last affection, the application of the tincture to the eyelids has 
been beneficial. In scrofulous discharges from the nose and ear, 
iodine injections were commonly of service. Baudelocque 1 like- 
wise extols the preparations of iodine in scrofula; but in scrofu- 
lous affections of the hones, and especially in caries, as well as in 
scrofulous diseases of the skin, it appeared to him to be ineffica- 
cious. Dr. Isaac Parrish 3 found the iodide of potassium servicea- 
ble in certain diseases of the eye, which had a constitutional origin, 
or were closely allied to a scrofulous or cachectic condition of the 
general system. The dose in which he gave it was from two to 
six grains three times a day in a table-spoonful of the compound 
syrup of sarsaparilla. The author has found excellent effects from 
it in such cases, when given in simple syrup. Many cases have 
been related by Zinck, Maunoir, Manson, Weihe, Benaben, Bayle, 
and others, in which white swellings of the joints, of a scrofulous 
character, were removed by its use. Wutzer has likewise offered 
favourable testimony in regard to it in affections of the bones, some 
of which were of a strumous nature. In several cases, so much 
disorganization had occurred, that the loss of the whole limb was 
to be apprehended, yet the iodine arrested the destructive process, 
and the limbs were preserved. In various scrofulous affections, the 
tincture was given by Dr. Kuhne 3 with great success, and without 
any evil consequences. He made it, however, of half the usual 
strength, beginning with three drops, and gradually increasing the 
dose to fifteen. In tumefaction of the joints, iodine, administered 
externally, has afforded essential service. Wutzer was of opinion, 
that the tincture might frequently be applied externally with greater 
advantage than the ointment; the alcohol readily evaporating and 
leaving the iodine on the skin; for which reason he recommends, 
that the tincture should be applied repeatedly by means of a ca- 
mel's hair pencil. Commonly, in every form of cachexia espe- 
cially, it is necessary that iodine, or its preparations, should be 
given for a considerable time. The disease is often chronic, and 
a chronic system of medication is demanded. Occasionally, how- 

1 Etudes sur la Maladie Scrofuleuse. Paris, 1834; and London Lancet. May 2. r », 1 839, 
p. 350 : see, also, Cogswell on Iodine, p. 75; and Lisfranc, Annates de Therap., cited in 
Med. Times, Jan. 11, 1845. 

3 Med Examiner, Ap. 16, 1842, p. 241. 

■ Medicinische Zeitung, No. 34, Aug. 24, 1836. Berlin. 



iodinum* 459 

ever, it would appear to have acted speedily. Professor J. K. 
Mitchell x relates the case of a man who had an enormous turner- 
faction of the thyroid gland, and of the lymphatic glands of 
the neck, accompanied by severe dyspnoea, and difficult deglutition, 
threatening dissolution. "We proposed then/' says Dr. Mitchell, 
" to try iodine, a remedy in which neither of us," Dr. Mitchell 
and a skilful surgeon, " had much direct knowledge. Within a 
single day, the patient breathed better, and became thoroughly 
convinced of approaching recovery, and at the end of a week ex- 
perienced very little inconvenience from, though still deformed 
by his malady. In a few months the thyroid "ho longer hung 
over his sternum; not an abnormal gland could be felt in his 
neck, and he recovered both his health and personal appearance 
entirely. 5 ' 

In combination with calomel, iodine appeared to Drs. Bennett, 
Wiilshire 2 and Malin 3 to have the power of controlling scrofulous 
inflammation and its effects. 

Tubercles. — The reputed efficacy of iodine in scrofulous affec- 
tions gave rise to the belief, that it might be serviceable in tuber- 
cles. Brera and Calloway administered it frequently in mesenteric 
tubercles with success, and the observations of Krimer, referred 
to above, correspond with theirs. It has also been given with 
advantage in cases of pulmonary tubercles. It was suggested, in 
such affections, by Dr. Baron, and a case is related by Mr. Haden 
of apparent tubercles in which it was markedly useful. 4 Similar 
examples are detailed by Jahn, Waldack, and others ; and it has 
been recommended, in conjunction with decoction of cimicifuga, by 
Dr. C. C. Hildreth, 5 of Zanesville, Ohio; but the evidence adduced 
by him is not strong. 

Berton affirms, that he found inhalations of the vapour of 
iodine of decided efficacy in confirmed phthisis, as well as in cer- 
tain forms of catarrh. They have likewise been advised in phthisi* 
cat affections, by Sir James Murray, 6 and Sir C. Scudamore. 7 
The addition of a little tincture of conium was found by the latter 
gentleman to be beneficial in subduing the irritating qualities of 
the gas. His first formula was the following: — R. Iodin. gr. 
viiij., Potass, iodid , gr. iij., Alcohol. §ss., Aqua destillat. gvss. 
M. Of this solution, from one dram to six, and from twenty to 
thirty-five minims of a saturated tincture of conium, were used 

1 Med. Examiner, Aug. 1846, p. 46. 

2 Medical Times, July and August, 1847. 

3 Schmidt's Jahrbiicher. u. s. vr. No. 2, S. 164. Jahrgang 1849. 

* Formulary— the author's edition, p. '.\7. Lond. 1824. 

6 American Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1842, p. 280. 

* On Temperature, Aliment. &c, 1829, 

' Cases Illustrative of the Efficacy of various Medicines administered by Inhalation 
in Pulmonary Consumption, 2d edit. London; and Lond. Med. Gaz. Feb. 17, 1838, p 
804. 



460 IODINUM. 

in each inhalation, which was continued from half an hour to 
forty minutes. Sir Charles considered it better to add the co- 
nium at the time of employing the inhalation. At the tempera- 
ture of 90°, the volatile properties of iodine are given off very 
sensibly, but conium requires more heat, and that of 120° is not 
too much for the iodine. Subsequently, Sir Charles published 
the results of his farther observation with this remedy, of which 
he has as high an opinion as ever. He has somewhat modified 
his formula, however. 1 He now recommends the following: — R. 
Iodin. pur., Potass, iodid. aa. gr. vj., Aquae, destillat. §v. 3VJ., 
Alcoholis, 3ij. M. He prefers to add the conium at the time of 
mixing the iodine solution with the water, and recommends that 
it should be a saturated tincture, prepared with genuine dried 
leaves. In the commencement of the treatment, he advises very 
small proportions of the iodine mixture; — for example, from half 
a dram to a dram for an inhalation of eight or ten minutes' dura- 
tion, and this to be repeated two or three times a day. Of the 
tincture, to which Sir Charles gives the epithet "soothing" he 
directs half a dram, which he usually finds to be sufficient; but 
it may be increased, if the cough be very troublesome. He soon 
augments the quantity of the iodine mixture, progressively from 
5j. to 3iv.; and at the same time prolonging the period of inhaling, 
he divides the iodine dose, putting two-thirds at first, and the rest 
after the expiration of seven or eight minutes. Although the 
temperature of 120° is the most favourable for volatilizing the 
active principles of the iodine and conium mixed with some 
watery vapour, Sir Charles considers the approximation will be 
sufficient, if equal parts of boiling and cold water be used, with 
which the inhaler should not be quite half filled. Care should be 
taken, however, to prepare the inhaler for this temperature by first 
washing it out with tepid water. During the process, the inhaler 
should be kept immersed in a vessel containing water of a rather 
higher temperature than 120°. The feelings of the patient will 
be a great guide as to the strength of the inhaling mixture in any 
particular case. A reviewer in the British and Foreign Medical 
Review, 2 affirms, that his own experience leaves him no doubt as 
to the great value of this practice as a palliative in phthisis, and 
as an important remedy in bronchitis. It is true, however, he 
adds, that the relief has often been as great from the simple aque- 
ous as from the medicated inhalation. The author's own expe- 
rience has not been favourable to it, 3 and Dr. Pereira 4 says he has 
repeatedly tried it in phthisis as well as in other chronic pulmo- 

1 London Medical Gazette, Feb. 7, 1 840, p. 750. See, also, E. J. Coxe, Practical 
Treatise on Medical Inhalation, pp. 51-85. Fhilad. 1841. 

2 April. 1838, p. (iOC. 

■ Practice of Medicine, 3d edit. i. 416. Philad. 1848. 

4 Elements of the Materia Medica, i. 245. Lond.1842; or 2d Amer.edit. Philad. 1846. 



IODINUM. 461 

nary complaints, but never with the least benefit. The inhalation 
may be practised in the method recommended under the head of 
Chlorine (page 186.) It has been dreaded, because, in some in- 
stances, troublesome irritation of the larynx has followed its use ; 
but Dr. Corrigan 1 considers, that this injurious effect has resulted 
from the defective means of inhalation hitherto employed. Used 
in the manner he has recommended under the article referred to 
above — gradual in its evaporation, and ultimately combined with a 
large portion of aqueous vapour — it is, he savs, positively free 
from any injurious irritative effects. The vapour he found to di- 
minish most remarkably the profuse and wasting purulent expec- 
toration of phthisis. The effects of iodine, thus used, on the di- 
gestive function were also very gratifying. In all the cases in 
which he employed it, the appetite and state of the intestinal 
canal were improved. It acted as a useful tonic to the digestive 
organs, without any of the irritation w T hich its internal use, in the 
ordinary form, at times produces. It likewise greatly alleviated 
the cough, so that the patient was enabled to obtain hours of sound 
and refreshing sleep; and he, consequently, considers, that even 
should its use be of little avail against the destructive scrofulous 
ulceration, which constitutes phthisis, the palliative good which 
is derived from it renders it a valuable addition to our list of 
remedies. Dr. Corrigan has had his apparatus at work from eight 
to twelve hours in the twenty-four; and his mode of managing it 
is as follows: — At night, when the patient is settling to sleep, the 
apparatus is suspended from the roof of the bed ; and, when once 
arranged, it continues its work quietly and silently for four or five 
hours, while the patient, asleep, is all this time inhaling the medi- 
cated air. In the morning, for three or four hours before the 
patient rises, it is again at work; and, if necessary, in the mid-day, 
while the patient reclines on the bed, with the curtains drawn 
round three of the sides. The rate of evaporation, which gene- 
rally gives a sufficiently strong impregnation to the air, is when 
the tincture of iodine drops from the cotton wick at the rate of 
from six to eight drops per minute. At this rate, about six drams 
of the tincture will be evaporated in an hour, and as every particle 
of iodine is diffused in watery vapour through the air, there are 
thus diffused, in the minutest state of division through the air, in 
every hour, about thirty grains. "If we suppose the patient to 
inhale only one-twentieth of the iodine evaporated, he will inhale 
in each hour, and apply to the diseased surfaces, one grain and a 
half of iodine in a state of the most minute division or solution." 
" This quantity, w^e know," — adds Dr. Corrigan — " is quite suffi- 
cient to exert a decided action upon scrofulous ulceration; for 
we find, on reference to Lugol's valuable work on the employment 

1 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, for March, 1839, p. 103. 

30 



462 IODINUM. 

of iodine in scrofula, that in external scrofulous ulceration, the 
preparation of iodine, which is found beneficial, is a solution which 
contains only about three grains of iodine in each pint of fluid." 
The duration of the inhalation can, of course, be extended at plea- 
sure. 

Fontana affirms, that he has observed decided benefit from 
iodine in a case of phthisis mucosa; when given in the form of 
syrup, and combined with the external application of the ointment 
of tartarized antimony. Duverney has communicated some cases, 
which appeared favourable to the prophylactic agency of iodine in 
incipient or threatened phthisis, but he himself considers, that bis 
observaiions have not been sufficiently numerous to effect the de- 
monstration. The author has frequently administered it, in various 
forms, in pulmonary tubercles, but, it must be confessed, not with 
that decided advantage, which the well known eutrophic virtues 
of the remedy ,'and the recorded observations of others, might seem 
to promise. He has never witnessed, on the other hand, the evil, 
which Riecke l mentions, — that it may, under particular circum- 
stances, occasion the speedy development of phthisis, where tu- 
bercles exist in the lungs. Riecke refers to a case by Haser as 
corroborative of his opinion. A woman, fifty years old, was af- 

ted with anchylosis spuria, for which an ointment of iodine 
was recommended ; but it had not been employed more than three 
weeks, and not more than a dram of iodide of potassium had been 
rubbed in, when symptoms of tubercular phthisis rapidly super- 
vened, which, in half a year, terminated in death. There does 

: appear, however, in this case, to have been any thing more 
than a coincidence. 

2\Ir. Leigh 2 directs the patient to apply a sufficient quantity of 
sotdise ointment on the ribs and under the axillae, and to cover the 
head with the bed-clothes, in order to breathe the iodine volatilized 
by the heat of the body. The ointment produces counter-irritation 
on the skin where it is placed, and must be repeated according to 
circumstances. This method, Mr. Leigh thinks, has arrested the 
progress of phthisis. 

Pneumonia. — In the advanced stage of pneumonia, iodide or 
potassium has been strongly recommended by Dr. George L. Up- 
shur, 3 of Norfolk, Va., on the strength of several observed cases. 
The indications for its use he has found to be the following: — 
First, In cases of pneumonia occurring in anaemic individuals, 
where the disease is characterized in its early stages by adynamic 
symptoms. Secondly, In cases where inflammatory action, in tl • 
commencement high, has been reduced by antiphlogistic treatment. 

\ » rreucm Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 289; see. also, Gunther, in Hartess's Neue J : 
;. St :>. S. Mil. 

>ndon M' -tlica] Gazette. May, 1841. 
s Med. Examiner, June 29, 1844, p. 145: and June, 1S45, p. 3*23. 



IODINUM. 



463 



and the suppurative stage is just beginning. " This stage is easily 
recognised by a sudden depression of the vital powers, by a soft 
but irritable pulse, and by the bronchial respiration being accom- 
panied by a harsh mucous rhonchus." Lastly, In cases grafted 
upon long continued intermittents, " which have left the blood in 
a degree impoverished." The iodide was given in the dose of a 
scruple in the twenty-four hours. In spasmodic asthma, it has 
also been found very beneficial by Dr. W. S. Oke, 1 Dr. Casey, 2 
and others. Dr. Casey gave it in upwards of five and twenty 
cases, and in no instance, where a fair trial was made, did it fail 
"to afford unequivocal and decided relief." The dose varies from 
two to five grains three times a day. Dr. W. A. M'Murry 3 has 
used iodide of potassium, with great advantage, in hooping-cough. 
He employs, however, a compound formula. 

R. Potass, iodid. gr. vj. • Mucilag. acac. ^vij. 
Syrup. Senegse, jij.j Tinct. lobeJ. ^j. M, 

Dose. — For a child two years old, a tea-spoonful four times a day. 

In chronic engorgements of the larynx, iodine was used in two 
cases by Trousseau and Belloq ; 4 once without success, but the 
second time with marked advantage; and in tubercles of the liver 
it has been regarded worthy of special consideration. 5 

Dropsy. — Owing to its powerful eutrophic agency, many trials 
have been made with iodine in cases of dropsy. 6 Drs. Bradfield 
and Bardsley exhibited it frequently with success in hydrothorax 
and ascites; and Dr. Kissam, in a case of dropsy, dependent pro- 
bably upon induration of the liver. Dr. Coster 7 says he has re- 
moved many dropsies by giving internally from six to fifteen drops 
for a dose of a mixture composed of iodin. gr. iii., potass, iodid. 
gr. vi., aquce f §j. ; aided by an ointment composed of fifteen 
grains of iodine, with double the quantity of iodide of potassium, 
to an ounce of lard. This is to be placed inside the thighs after 
removing the cuticle by a blister. The arm-pits and soles of the 
feet were also rubbed with the ointment. The same plan is re- 
commended by Dr. Osborne. 8 Jahn, also, regards iodine as an 
extremely valuable antihydropic. 9 He first used it in a case of 
hydrocele, in which it was doubtful whether degeneration of the 

1 Provincial Med. Journ. April and May, 1844. 

a Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, 1845. 

8 Saint Louis Medical and Surgical Journal, March and April, 1843. 

4 Traite Pratique de la 1'hthisie Laryngee, p. 37 1. Paris, 1837; and translation by 
Warder, Amer. Med. Library edit. p. 145. Philad. 1839. 

s Riecke, op. cit. S, 290. 

6 Wm. Stokes, in Amer. Journal of Medical Sciences, May, 1834, p. 543, cited fr6m 
Lond. Med. and Surg. Journal. ' Journal de Pharmacie, 1834. 

8 On the Nalure and Treatment of Dropsical Diseases, 2d edit. p. 48. Lond. 1837: 
or Amer. Med. Library edit. Philad. 1838. 

9 Elliotson, in Lancet, 1830-31. See, also, P. Spalding, in Boston Med. and Sirrg. 
Journal, Dec. 25, 1839, p. 314, 



464 IODINUM. 

testicle had not been a precursor. The effect of the ointment of 
iodide of potassium left nothing to be desired; and, accordingly, 
he afterwards employed it in all cases of hydrocele of the tunica 
vaginalis, which he met with, — even in the new-born, — united 
with mercury or extract of conium ; and in every case which was 
not of too chronic a character, it exhibited its sanative powers. 
The only unfavourable effects induced by it were a temporary dis- 
appearance of the testicle, in some cases ; and a humid cutaneous 
eruption of the scrotum. He also found iodine extremely useful 
in hydrothorax and ascites; and especially in cases of dropsy that 
succeeded to exanthematous diseases, — and it acted more speedily 
and powerfully when combined with some diuretic. He found, 
farther, that it was followed by the most beneficial results in the 
hydrocephalus of children — as well chronic as acute — especially 
when the latter form had attained its full development, — that is, 
when the inflammatory stage was over, and the accumulation of 
fluid was the prominent condition. In these cases, he commonly 
used iodine in the form of iodide of potassium made into an oint- 
ment, and rubbed on the head. Frequently, however, he gave 
iodine also internally, in combination with calomel and digitalis ; 
but it may be objected to this combination, that iodine with calomel 
forms corrosive chloride, iodide and red iodide of mercury; so that, 
in very small doses, it might affect the stomach too violently. 1 
Dr. Roser, 2 of Wurtemberg, likewise advocates the use of iodide 
of potassium, in large doses, in cases of acute hydrocephalus or 
tubercular meningitis, where the ordinary remedies have failed, 
paralysis has occurred, and death appears to be impending ; and 
three successful cases have been recorded by Mr. C. Fluder. 3 
The ordinary means had been employed in vain, when he sug- 
gested a trial of iodide of potassium in half grain doses, every two 
or three hours. In all the cases, there was speedy diuresis, and 
dribbling of the saliva. A similar successful case has been re- 
corded by Dr. John Christie. 4 The child was eight years old, 
and before Dr. Christie saw him had been ill a week. He had 
experienced an attack of convulsions the evening before. He lay 
with the eyes half closed, moaning frequently, and now and then 
uttering a loud scream ; the pupils were fixed ; the urine was 
passed involuntarily; there were frequent automatic movements 
of the left arm and leg, and the pulse w T as rapid and weak. 
Dr. Christie determined to make a trial of iodine in a mode men- 
tioned by Drs. Evanson and Maunsell, 5 and prescribed a mix- 

1 Riecke, op. cit. S. 291. 

2 Hufeland's Journal, for April, 1 841 , S. 84 ; cited in Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journ. 
of Med. Science. See, also, Dr. Fluder, in Lond. Med. Gaz. Sept. 30, 1842, and K. G. 
Zimmermann, Zeitschrift fur die gesamrate Medicin., Aug. 1842, S. 41 8. 

3 Lond. Med. Gaz. Sept. 30, 1842. 

4 Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal, March, 1843. 
6 On Diseases of Children. 



IODINUM. 465 

ture consisting of iodide of potassium, sixteen grains; iodine, four 
grains; and water, one ounce; of which a teaspoonful was or- 
dered every four hours. The head was also directed to be rubbed 
with a weak ointment of red iodide of mercury. Good effects, in 
a similar case, resulted from the internal use of iodide of potassium 
in the practice of Dr. Barbour, of St. Louis ; x and Dr. Malin 2 
prescribed a combination of iodine and calomel in oedema menin- 
gum and hydrocephalus acutus with advantage. 

M. Ricord 3 employed iodine with success in five cases of hy- 
drocele; — the tincture being diluted with distilled water, and ap- 
plied by means of compresses wetted with it, in which the scro- 
tum was enveloped. He used it of four different strengths — 3j., 
3ij., £iij.j and gvj. of the tincture, to f giij. of water. 

In hygroma or dropsy of the bursas mucosas of the joints, an 
ointment of iodide of potassium (3ij-, ad adipis §j.) has been suc- 
cessfully used by M. Reynaud. 4 The limb is kept at rest, and 
morning and evening, or three times a day, friction is made with 
this quantity of ointment; after which the knee — the joint com- 
monly affected — is covered with a large flaxseed poultice. From 
some trials made with iodide of lead, there was reason to believe 
it more efficacious than iodide of potassium. The treatment was 
generally successful in about a fortnight. 

Intermittent Fever. In obstinate intermittents, which had 
resisted quinia and other antiperiodics, M. Seguin 5 found the 
tincture of iodine a very valuable and effective remedy. He 
prescribed it in doses of thirty drops in a little sweetened wa- 
ter, gradually increasing the quantity to forty, fifty, and even 
sixty drops. Three doses were given in the apyrexia. He did 
not find it equally effectual in recent cases. 

Typhus and Typhoid Fever. Dr. Morrison 6 states, that 
there is a condition in typhus fever, which is materially benefited 
by iodide of potassium. It is marked by a dry, parched, brown 
or black tongue ; by dark sordes on the teeth and gums ; by a dis- 
position to dark fetid discharges from the bowels; by a weak and 
compressible pulse; and by the ordinary signs of depraved secre- 
tions, vitiated fluids, and debility. The dose which he is in 
the habit of administering is three grains every four or five 
hours, dissolved in water, or mixed with wine, &c. A case 
of typhoid fever is reported by Dr. C. B. Voigt, 7 in which iodide 
of potassium was apparently beneficial. 

1 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Jan. 1846. 

2 Schmidt's Jahrbucher, u. s. w. No. 2, S. 164. Jahrgang 1849. 
8 Journ. des Connaissances Med. Chirurg., Janvier, 1833. 

4 Cabissol, in Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Fev. 1838. 
s Journal des Connaissances Medicales Pratiques, Dec. 1846, cited in Amer. Journ. 
of the Medical Sciences, July, 1847, p. 223. 
6 Dublin Medical Press, Oct. 21, 1840. 
1 Medical Examiner, Dec. 1845, p. 715. 



466 IODINUM. 

Variola. Iodine has been successfully employed in variola 
to prevent pitting. Dr. Crawford, 1 of Montreal, tried the compa- 
rative merits of tincture of iodine and nitrate of silver, and gives 
the preference to the former. He found the application "very 
manageable and very bearable." Dr. Jackson, 2 formerly of North- 
umberland, Pa., now of Philadelphia, informs the author, that he 
was led to make an experiment of aborting small-pox by the tinc- 
ture of iodine, from having contemplated its wonderful influence 
over erysipelas. He applied it in April, 1845, to one arm of a 
child eleven months old, in confluent small- pox, on the third day 
of the eruption, and to the arm which appeared the worst, rubbing 
it freely on with a sponge three times that day and twice the next. 
On the 11th day, when the pocks over the whole body were 
at their height, elevated, with hard bases, those on the arm to 
which the iodine had been applied were entirely flat, with thin 
purulent matter under the dead cuticle without any swelling of 
the part. The abortion at the time was considered to be complete. 
There were, however, some very slight pits to be seen afterwards, 
but they were very inconsiderable compared with those on the 
other arm. Dr. Sargent stated to Dr. Jackson, that he had sub- 
sequently used iodine on one side of the face in 25 cases : the swell- 
ing, soreness and tenderness were very much less than on the side 
not covered: each pock remained flattened, but he could not 
say that pitting was prevented. Dr. Goddard tried it in five 
cases ; " not one of the patients showed the least pit or mark ; 
none of them had been vaccinated, and the disease w r as confluent 
in most of them." Dr. Jackson considers, that no fair trial of its 
ectrotic powers in variola can be had without applying it on the 
first day of the eruption, and continuing it for several days, — say 
five or six. More recently, Dr. Sargent 3 instituted other expe- 
riments with it. It was painted over one half the face only, in 
order that the appearance of the surface, thus protected, might be 
fairly compared with that of the other side. Having been tested 
in this manner in a great many cases, of which thirty were care- 
fully noted, the effects were found to be as follows: — The side of 
the face which was covered w T ith the tincture was comparatively 
little swollen; the eruption was flattened, so as to be scarcely 
higher than the surface, w 7 hilst on the other side the vesicles first, 
and subsequently the pustules, were full and swollen ; there was 
much less heat and soreness in the protected side than in the other, 
and much less tenderness when this side was -touched. When pits 
were left on the unprotected side of the face after the disengage- 
ment of the scabs, and the healing of the little ulcers thus exposed, 
those on the protected side were found to be less numerous and 
perhaps less deep; but in no instance could Dr. Sargent certainly 

1 Montreal Medical Gazette, April 1, 1844. 

2 Medical Examiner, August, 1846, p. 464. 

3 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, April, 1849, p. 373. 



IODINUM. 467 

affirm that pitting was entirely prevented by the iodine, in cases 
in which there were pits on the opposite surface. 

Dr. Schreiber 1 states, that he has found the administration of 
iodine useful in preventing the family of a person labouring under 
variola from being infected. [?] The formula employed by him 
was as follows : 

R. Potass, iodid. gr. viij. 
Tinct. iodin. g«> xvi. 
Aquse f ^ij. M. 

A teaspoonful of this was given night and morning. Dr. Schrei- 
ber invites practitioners to a farther investigation of the anti* vari- 
olous power of iodine. 

Measles and Scarlatina. It has been already remarked, that 
M. Ricord considers that iodine determines diseased action to the 
skin ; and it has been affirmed 2 that in cases of suppressed measles 
and scarlatina, it will frequently induce a healthy reaction under 
the most desperate circumstances. One or two grains of iodide of 
potassium — according to the age of the patient — when under twelve, 
maybe dissolved in sugared water, and be administered repeatedly as 
an ordinary drink, the whole quantity being taken in the 24 hours 
for three or four days. In measles, a small plaster to the chest is 
said to assist the peculiar action of the iodine. In scarlatina, the 
compound tincture of iodine, diluted with three or four parts of 
water, may be frequently applied, by means of a camel's hair 
brush, to the front and sides of the throat and neck. 

Nervous Diseases. — As to the efficacy of iodine in these diseases, 
testimony is somewhat discordant. Drs. Manson 3 and Elliotson 4 
found it useful in paralysis, but Dr. Bardsley failed with it. Chorea 
was removed by Gibney, 5 Bardsley, Manson, Oke, 6 and Muller; 7 
and Franklin, 8 by very large doses, relieved a case of epilepsy. 
Dr. Bennett 9 found the iodide of potassium of great use in cases of 
nervous headache, when the circulation was not affected; and the 
local use of the tincture of iodine has been beneficial in neuralgia. 10 
In a patient, whose life had been imbittered for five years with 
7ieuropathic maladies, and who suffered at the time from a very 
painful affection of the head and neck, with occasional and frequent 
pain of the arms and legs, Prof. J. K. Mitchell 11 gave seven grains 
of iodide of potassium three times a day, which speedily relieved, 
and within six weeks completely cured the patient, after arsenic, 

I Northern Journ.of Med., July 184 4, cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, x. 187. New 
York, 1845. a London Lancet, Jan. 21, 1843, p. 632. 

3 Op. cit. * Lancet, 1830-31. s Ibid. 1827-8, p. 54. 

6 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, April and May, 1844. 

* Gazette Med. de Paris, No. 19, cited by Gorup-Besanez, in Oanstatt und Eisen- 
mann's J ahresbericht uber die Fortschritte in der Heilkunde im Jahre 1848, S. 135. 

8 Lancet, 1836, and Cogswell, op. cit. p. 24. See, also, Scott, Provincial Med. and 
Surg. Journ., April 3, 1844, p. 9. 9 London Lancet. Dec. 21, ld3U. 

10 Crawford, Montreal Med. Gaz. April 1, 1844. 

II Medical Examiner, Aug. 1846, p. 460. 



468 IODINUM. 

mercury, and most of the narcotics had been prescribed in vain. 
An equally beneficial and speedy effect was produced in a case of 
protracted erratic pains. 

Recently, like many other agents, iodide of potassium has been 
proposed as a prophylactic in cholera. *In this relation, it has 
been recommended by M. Marchandier. M. Bouchardat, 1 how- 
ever, knew a case of cholera supervene in a person who was at 
the time under its use. 

The intimate affinity between iodine and the urinary organs has 
given occasion to its employment in 

Incontinence of Urine, of which Corter cured two cases by 
the tincture. 

Chronic Diseases. — Cases of dry, scaly tetter were treated 
by Tiinnermann with an ointment of iodide of potassium, ap- 
plied to the affected parts three or four times a day. For 
the most part, an increase of the evil was at first a pretty sure 
harbinger of a radical cure; when this attained a certain degree, a 
change in the organic actions of the skin succeeded ; the remedy 
was then pretermitted, and the parts were washed a few times 
with soap, when the eruption faded and gradually disappeared. 
In moist tetter, Tiinnermann applies only a very weak salve, 
with which the parts are touched daily, two or three times: in the 
intervals, he envelops them in a dry linen rag. The pain, which 
is always induced by the application, soon passes away. Magen- 
die, Gimelle, and Jeffray 2 have likewise applied it successfully 
in tetter. In chronic cutaneous diseases in general, the various 
preparations of iodine are valuable remedies. They enter, as we 
have seen, the mass of blood, modify the condition of that fluid, 
and, in this manner, exert a new impression upon the morbid 
tissues. The author has often employed them in these cases 
with success; and like testimony has been afforded by MM. Biett, 
Gimelle, Kolley, Locher-Balber, Kennedy, 3 and others. Brehme 
succeeded^ in removing, rapidly and completely, a case of invete- 
rate porrigo favosa, and ophthalmia thereon dependent, by an 
ointment of iodine. Dr. G. Billingslea, of Alabama, asserts, 4 that 
for twelve years he had used the tincture with the happiest effect, 
as a local application in the troublesome cases of herpes circinatus 
or ring-worm that are so common in the southern part of this 
country. He adds, that he does not recollect a case in which it 
had been employed, which was not radically cured; and in porrigo 
of the scalp it is highly extolled by Drs. Graves, and J. J. Ross. 5 
Dr. Graves advises that it should be strongly rubbed into each 
spot by means of a small piece of sponge covered with fine linen, 

1 Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1850. p. 196. 

9 Cogswell, op. cit. p. 80. 3 London Med. Gazette, May 8, 1840, p. 260. 

4 American Medical Intelligencer, May, 1839, p. 34. 

s London and Edinb. Monthly Journ. of Med. Science, Sept. 1842, p. 292. 



IODINUM. 469 

and tied to the end of a quill or slender stick. When effectually 
done the application must not be repeated oftener than once a 
week; and immediately after the application the scald must be 
covered with a spermaceti dressing, which must be renewed at 
least four times daily, so as to keep the head constantly moistened 
with it. fhe head is not washed for three days after the appli- 
cation of the tincture, when it may be well to wash it gently with 
yellow soap and water twice a day, taking care to cover it as 
before with spermaceti dressing after each washing. Dr. Barosch 1 
cured an inveterate dartrous eruption, affecting the perinaeum 
and scrotum, by a lotion consisting of fifteen grains of iodine, and 
two scruples of iodide of potassium dissolved in five fluidounces of 
distilled water, and one fluidounce of alcohol. In lupus, the 
tincture applied locally has proved highly beneficial. Under its 
use, the process of ulceration has stopped, and cicatrization taken 
place. It is recommended to be applied not only to the ulcerated 
portion, but to the parts around. 2 Some inveterate cases yielded 
to the use of iodide of potassium, given in large doses, by M. 
Maisonneuve. 3 

A case of elephantiasis, or enormous enlargement of the leg, 
has been recorded by M. Cazenave, 4 which was cured by iodine, 
associated with other remedies. The patient — a woman — was 
ordered a strong decoction of guaiac and mezereon ; the leg was 
carefully bandaged from the toes, and every other day the ban- 
dages were removed, and an ointment of iodide of potassium 
rubbed on. She was put on generous diet and wine, and kept in 
bed. This treatment was continued for a little more than three 
months, by which time the leg was reduced to its former dimen- 
sions. M . Cazenave states, that he has met with several similar 
cases, which have been all more or less benefited, and some even 
cured by this plan of treatment. 

M. Ogier Ward 5 cures itch by a simple lotion of iodide of 
potassium, a single washing with which, in some instances, com- 
pletely eradicated the disease. To ensure complete success he ap- 
plies sulphur ointment at night, and the lotion during the day. 
It usually effects a cure in seven days. The lotion consists of 
one dram of the iodide to eight or sixteen fluidounces of fluid, 
according to the delicacy of the cutaneous surface. 

Jlmenorrhcea. — According to Coindet, iodine is a powerful 
emmenagogue, and the possession of this property has likewise 

1 CEsterreich, Medicinisch.Wochensch. cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, 
Aprils*!), 1843, p. 99. 

2 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. i. 246. Lond. 1842, or 2d Amer. 
edit. Philad. 1846. 

3 Bulletin de Therapeutique, Jan. 1849; cited in Canstatt und Eisenmann's Jahres- 
bericht, u. s. w. im Jahre 1849, V. 159. Erlangen, 1850. 

* L'Experience, Oct. 19, 1843, cited in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal. April, 1844. 

* Lond. Med. Gazette, April 3, 1846, p. 608. 



470 IODINCJM. 

been ascribed to it by Brera 1 who frequently administered it suc- 
cessfully in amenorrhoea; and Formey, Nieustadt, and Ashwell 2 
confirm their observations. Sablairoles cured three cases by fric- 
tions with iodine ointment on the breast, conjoined with the inter- 
nal use of iodine. It was necessary, however, to give it in large 
doses, and for a long time. Dr. Aldridge, 3 of Dublin, states, that 
benefit may be expected from its use, when the absence of the 
catamenia is dependent upon uterine irritation, whether from ex- 
posure to cold, mental emotion or other causes, and accompanied 
by pain in the loins, headache, palpitation, &c Locher-Balber 4 
and Golis found iodine of value, at times, in those troublesome 
cases which occasionally precede the establishment of menstrua- 
tion; the latter was, however, often deterred from its use, in such 
cases, by the evil consequences it produced on the respiratory 
organs, — such as dry cough, or cough accompanied by bloody 
sputa. 

Degeneration of the Ovaries. — Rochling observed a marked 
effect from the use of iodine in induration of the ovary. Jahn 
cured, by an ointment of iodine and mercury, an enormous dege- 
neration of the ovaries, which gave rise to two tumours, each the 
size of the head; and Messrs. Thetford, 5 Klaproth, 6 Jewel, 7 and 
Ashwell 8 were equally successful. Baron employed it beneficially 
in a case of dropsy of the ovarium. 

In hypertrophy of the ventricles of the heart, Magendie recom- 
mended it long ago. 

In scirrhus of the uterus, mammce, &c, it has been advised 
by Heun, Klaproth, Hennemann, Von dem Busch, 9 Ullmann, Hill, 
Benaben, Magendie, Hammer, Elwert, Wagner, 10 Copland, 11 Zim- 
mermann ; 12 and from their recorded observations, it would seem, 
that great efficacy ought to be ascribed to it, both when internally 
and externally administered. A case is published by Dr. Thet- 
ford 13 in which the uterus was of bony hardness, and so large as 
nearly to fill the pelvis ; yet it gave way in six weeks to the use 
of iodine. Seven cases of hard tumours of the uterus are like- 
wise reported by Dr. Ashwell, 14 which were removed by it, with 
occasional depletion, and regulated diet. It was given internally, 
and at the same time applied externally in the form of ointment, 
(lodin. gr. xv., Potass, iodid. Bij., Ung. cetacei ^ss.,) of which 
a piece of the size of a nutmeg was introduced' into the vagina 

1 Sagsio Clinico suit' Iodic 

* Guy's Hospital Reports, No. 1. Loud. 1836, and Cogswell, op. cit., p. 43. 

3 Dublin Hospital Gazette, Oct. 1, 1845. 

4 Hecker's Litter. Annal. i. 275: and Cogswell on Iodine, p. 77. 

5 Transactions of the Dublin College of Physicians, v. 510. Dublin, 1828. 

6 Revue Medicale, Mars, 1824. 7 Op cit. 

- Guy's Hospital Reports, vol. i. 9 Hufeland's Jour. B. lx. St. 2, S. 81. 

10 Revue Medicale, Juin, 1833. " Diet, of Pract. Med., art. Cancer. 

" Journal de Pharmacie, Juin. 1842, p. 598. 
13 Trans, of the King and Queen's College of Physicians of Ireland, vol. v. ,4 Op. cit 



IODINUM. 471 

and rubbed into the cervix uteri for ten or twelve minutes every 
night. The average time required for the removal of these tumours 
was from eight to sixteen weeks. In congestion, erosion or 
ulceration of the cervix uteri, Dr. Churchill 1 found iodine, used 
according to the formula given hereafter, the best application of 
all that he has tried. He usually commences with a single appli- 
cation of nitric acid, or the acid nitrate of mercury, and then, 
after a few days, paints the entire cervix with iodine, which he 
repeats once or twice a week. The application occasions no pain 
unless the orifice of the vagina should be touched. Jahn extols 
it much in incipient scirrhus of the stomach, when combined with 
the application of leeches. Riecke asserts, that his father found 
an ointment of iodine extraordinarily useful in a case of induration 
of the pancreas ; and, also, in one of scirrhus of the pylorus, 
Magendie extols it in cancer of the tongue; and Benaben and 
Triistedt employed it successfully in stricture of the urethra, 
supervening on badly managed gonorrhoea. In a case of scirrhous 
tumour, of large size, seated in the neck, and protruding into the 
isthmus faucium, which was attended by a prolonged ceaseless pain 
of an aching and depressing character, Professor J. K. Mitchell 2 
found the most marked relief follow the administration of eight 
grain doses of iodide of potassium. " After the second dose the 
pain ceased for some days, although the tumour continued to 
enlarge. The pain returned at irregular intervals, but was alwaj^s, 
as speedily as at first, relieved by iodide of potassium." 

Leucorrhcea and gonorrhoea. — A Parisian physician made the 
observation, that during the employment of iodine in goitre, obsti- 
nate and protracted leucorrhcea disappeared : this induced him to 
try the remedy in the latter disease, and he found it efficacious. 
Goden and Broglio, likewise, observed it useful in malignant fluor 
albus; and Benaben, Richond, 3 De Salle, Caswall, 4 and Broglio, 
in gonorrhoea. The last two individuals gave it especially in 
those cases, in which, without any marked inflammation, a deeply 
rooted gonorrhoea existed, with ulcers in the urethra and prepuce, 
not apparently of a syphilitic character. In chronic fluor albus, 
it was used by Muller 5 with marked success. A young female 
had long suffered under this affection, which had reduced her 
strength, and did not yield to any of the means that had been 
employed, when the ointment of iodide of potassium was rubbed 
— morning and evening — on the inner surface of the thighs. After 
this plan had been continued for four weeks, the disease entirely 
ceased. MM. Gimelle and Jewell are also advocates for it. 6 M. 

1 Medical Times, May 19, 1849. a Medical Examiner, Aug. 1846, p. 462, 

3 Archives Generates de Medecine, vol. iv. 4 Lond. Med. Gazette, for 1834. 

5 Wo.chenschrift. f ur die gesammte Heilkunde, No. 40, S. 633, Oct. 1836. 

6 Revue Medicale, vii. 249; and Practical Observations on Leucorrhcea, &c,,by Geo. 
Jewell, p. 80. Lond. 1830. See, also, Solon, in Nou'v. Diet, de Med. et Chirurg., art. 
lode. 



472 IODINUM. 

Ricord, 1 however — who considers that the genito-urinary organs 
are amongst those that are most susceptible of the action of iodide 
of potassium — says, that he has been able to trace the fresh access 
of blennorrhceas ineffectually got rid of previously, or the exaspe- 
ration of those actually existing, so frequently to its use, that he 
regards the existence or recent presence of a blennorrhea as its 
temporary contra-indication. " Perhaps, however," he adds, (on 
the principle similia similibus probably,) " advantage may be 
derived from the iodide of potassium in some cases of blennorrhea." 
A dilute tincture of iodine has been used by M. Steenkiste with 
great success in cases of obstinate chronic leucorrhcea. He dis- 
solves a dram of iodine in twelve fluidounces of alcohol; and adds 
about forty fluidounces of water. About a fluidounce of this is 
thrown into the vagina as an injection; which is repeated every 
day, or every other day, according to the excitement it occasions. 

In discharges from the nose, iodine, in the form of iodide of 
potassium, has been used with advantage by Dr. Elliotson 2 and by 
Mr. George Fayrer, 3 — given internally, as well as employed in 
the form of injection Oj. ad aquce f 3iv.) 

In secondary syphilis, iodine has been recommended by Tyrrel, 
Saville, De Salle, Schlesier, 4 Dietrich, 5 A. Cade, 6 Acton, 7 and 
numerous others; — especially when the disease is complicated 
with scrofula, and the effects of mercurials. Wallace 3 has like- 
wise communicated some fortunate results from the administration 
of iodide of potassium in secondary syphilis, and Ebers, 9 Ricord, 10 
Von Haselberg, 11 Cullerier and others have confirmed his observa- 
tions. Benecke 12 has employed iodide of potassium, with the best 
effects, in every form of syphilis — primary, secondary and tertiary. 
Mr. Bullock 13 has reported the particulars of eleven cases of 
secondary syphilitic diseases, of a formidable character, relieved 
by iodide of potassium given internally, in doses of eight grains 
three times a day, in camphor mixture. The symptoms were: — 
destruction of the vulva and soft palate; or nodes, with nocturnal 

I L'Experience, cited in Lancet, Jan. 28, 1843. 

3 Lancet, Feb. 1 0, 1838, p. 725. 3 Ibid. Feb. 24, p. 786. 

4 Casper's Wochenschrift. Feb. 4, 1837, S. 78. 

* Joum. des Chirurg. und Augenheilkunde, von Grafe und Walther, cited in Ency- 
clog. des Sciences Med. Jan. 1841, p. 165. 

6 Bull. Gen. de Therap. Mai, 1841, and Encycl. des Sciences Med. Aout, 1841, 
p. 319. * London Lancet, Jan. 31, 1846. 

8 Treatise on the Venereal Disease. Lond. 1833. 

9 Medicinische Zeitung, Oct. 5, 1836, S. 201 and 207. 

10 J. J. L. Rattier, La Lancette Franqaise, No. 34, 19 Mars, 1839. Gazette des Ho- 
pitaux, Mars, 1839, and Langston Parker's Modern Treatment of Syphilitic Diseases, 
&c, &c. Amer. Med. Library edit. p. 77. Philad. 1840. 

II Medicinische Zeitung, No. 48 and 49. Berlin, 1837. 

,a Cited in Schmidt's JahrbUcher der in-und-auslandischen gesammten Medicin, Jahr- 
gang 1848, No. 8, S. 185. 

" Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan. 2, 1837. See, also, Cogswell on Iodine, 
p. 80; Lay cock, Lond. Med. Gaz. March 2, 1839, p. 821; and Lisfranc, cited in Med. 
Times, Jan. 11, 1845. 



IODINUM. 473 

pains in the tibia, ulna, frontal and malar bones, and affection of 
the bones of the nose, or rupia, and other tubercular eruptions. k 
The period of cure was from one to two months. Mr. Mayo 1 
has described it as efficacious in certain disorders, which are the 
consequences of syphilis, as emaciation, with ulcers of the skin; 
ulcerated throat, affections of the bones, &c, occurring in those 
to whom mercury had been given ; and M. Michel 2 gave it with 
great advantage for the removal of tertiary symptoms, in the dose 
of four grains in the day, dissolved in an ounce of tar water. 

Iodide of potassium has been used with much success by M. 
Ricord, 3 in deep-seated syphilitic tubercles. Before the tubercles 
have become inflamed or softened, whilst they are still indurated, 
he has constantly succeeded in dispersing them by iodide of potas- 
sium, with small doses of iodide of mercury. Very commonly, 
however, he employs iodide of potassium alone; and when the 
tubercles have become ulcerated, he still relies upon it as his prin- 
cipal remedy. M. Ricord 4 considers its results to be most happy 
in the tertiary forms of syphilis, in which he regards it as the 
great remedy. He employs it in gradually increasing doses, com- 
mencing with ten grains dissolved in three fluidounces of distilled 
water, given at intervals during the day in any convenient vehi- 
cle. When the remedy agrees, w 7 hich it most commonly does, if 
the stomach be healthy, the dose is increased ten grains every 
two or three days, till it is carried to a dram, a dram and a half, 
or even more, in the course of the day. In the great number of 
patients who have been treated by M. Ricord, the beneficial effects 
of the iodide were constantly exhibited, but not always with the 
same degree of rapidity. By the same plan Jagerschmits 5 treated 
successfully two cases of constitutional syphilis, after the mercurial 
treatment had failed. In one of the cases, the iodide of potassium 
was given with the iodide of quicksilver; in the other, the iodide 
of potassium alone. 

From an examination into the comparative value of the differ- 
ent preparations of mercury and iodine, and the best modes of 
administering them, Dr. Hocken 6 concludes, that iodine is inert in 
almost all the symptoms of primary syphilis, w T ith the exception 
of some forms of phagedena, attended with great debility and 
derangement of the health ; — that in constitutional syphilis it is 

* Lond. Med. Gaz., xi. 249. See, also, a Treatise on Syphilis, by Herbert Mayo, 
F.R.S. Lond. 1840. 

2 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1848, p. 193. .Paris, 1848. 

* Langston Parker, op. cit. p. 77. 

4 Trait e Pratique des Maladies Veneriennes, &c. Paris, 1838; also, Acton, Com- 
plete Treatise on Venereal Diseases, &c. Lond. 1841; or Amer. edit., New York, 
l84(i •, M. Lafargue, Encycl. des Sciences Med. Fevrier, 1841, p. 359, and M. Seguin, 
Bull. Gen. de Therap. Dec. 1841. 

1 Bulletin de Therapeutique, Janv. 1849; cited in Canstatt und Eisenmans Jahres- 
berieht u. s. w. im Jahre 1849, v. 159. Erlangen, 1850. 

6 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1844, p. 325. 



474 IODINUM. 

a less valuable remedy, in the majority of secondary symptoms, 
than mercury, with the exception of some severe cases of pustular 
eruptions, phagedenic sore throat, rupia, and secondary ulcerations 
of a bad character, all of them marked by a cachectic and debilitated 
constitution; whilst in tertiary symptoms iodine is far more valu- 
able than mercury, and its effects more certain and decided than 
in any other set of symptoms; — that mercury and iodine are most 
advantageously combined, in cases presenting both secondary and 
tertiary symptoms ; and that the only form of iodine, safely appli- 
cable to the treatment of syphilis, is the iodide of potassium, 
which should never be carried beyond moderate doses ; and hence, 
that however valuable the iodide of potassium may be in some 
forms of syphilis, it cannot be substituted with advantage for 
mercury in the great majority. 

Nocturnal pains in the bones, and diseases of the bones and 
periosteum have likewise been particularly benefited by the iodide : l 
the latter, when localized for a longer or shorter period, have 
yielded sooner when blisters have been applied over the affected 
parts. Mr. A. Ure 2 reports a case of periostitis of the left ulna, 
of two months' standing, which, after leeching, blistering, &c, had 
been employed, was cured by two grains of iodide of potassium 
given twice a day in a compound infusion of gentian, with a grain 
of opium at bed-time for a fortnight; — bran poultices being ap- 
plied to the arm. 

An iodine suppository appeared to Mr. Keate 3 to be beneficial 
in enlarged prostate; and iodide of potassium was administered 
successfully in the same disease by Dr. Casey. 4 In enlargements 
of the third lobe of the prostate, Mr. R. A. Stafford, 5 has recom- 
mended it to be applied, by charging a bougie at its point with 
iodine, or iodide of potassium, and then dipping it into melted 
tallow, so that a coating may be formed upon it. The bougie 
having been passed so as to reach the desired spot, its point is 
allowed to rest upon the diseased part, when the tallow gradually 
melts, and brings the iodine or iodide of potassium into contact 
with it, and, by drawing the bougie gently backwards and for- 
wards, the necessary friction is produced. He has found it ad- 
visable to be very cautious as to.the strength of the application, 
as the prostate will not bear a strong preparation either of iodine 
or iodide of potassium at first. He has found it necessary to 

1 Wm. B. Casey, in New York Journal of Medicine and Surgery, October, 1840, p. 
3-20; and J. M. Ferrail, Lond. Med. Gazette, April 18, 1840, W. S. Oke, Provincial 
Med. and Surg. Journ. April 24, 1844; and Henry Hartshorne, Amer. Journ. of tLf 
Medical Sciences, Jan. 1849, p. 47. 

* London Medical Gazette, March 21, 1845, p. 785. 

3 Lancet, for 1832-3, p. 672. 

4 xNew York Journal of Medicine, Oct. 1840, p. 324. 

' Brit, and For. Med. Rev. Oct 1840, p. 529, being a notice of Mr. Stafford's Essay 
on the Prostate Gland. 



IODINUM. 475 

employ belladonna, opium, hyoscyamus, &c, to quiet irritation 
and pain. When these have subsided, he begins carefully by in- 
troducing iodide of potassium in the proportion of one grain to a 
dram of unguentum cetacei, and increasing it as the patient can 
bear it. He then goes on with two, three, four, five, and even 
as far as ten grains or a scruple to the dram, according as the case 
requires it. After this, he adds iodine to it; — half a grain, one, 
two, three, four, or even more grains in the same manner. 

In different forms of rheumatism, iodine has been given with 
success by Dr. Clendinning, 1 in the Mary-le-bone Hospital, and 
a series of cases in which it was employed has been published by 
him. Sir B. Brodie 2 twice relieved rheumatism by the tincture, 
although, in one of the cases, only temporarily. Cases of acute 
rheumatism, treated successfully by iodide of potassium, used in- 
ternally and externally, have been published by Dr. Mackey, 3 
Mr. Wardleworth 4 and M. Bouyer. 5 Dr. Cowan 6 gave the 
iodide of potassium in fifty-two cases, in average doses of five 
grains three times a day. In no instance was either bleeding or 
leeching prescribed. Its action in rheumatism he considers to be, 
on the whole, satisfactory : in many cases it may be regarded as 
heroic, while in others, not a priori distinguishable, almost negative. 
In chronic rheumatism its success appears to have been equally 
decided ; given alone in full doses — six grains, for example, three 
times a day — or associated with sarsaparilla. This combination 
has been highly extolled by Dr. Graves in sciatica and lumbago; 7 
and by Dr. Heygate 8 in chronic rheumatism, secondary syphilis: 
&c. 9 When rheumatism assumes the chronic form, or if there 
should exist a strumous or syphilitic taint, no remedy, according 
to Dr. George L. Upshur, 10 will be found equal to the iodide of 
potassium, of which he usually prescribes five grains four times h 
day in hop tea, the bowels, in the mean time, being opened every 
day by the black draught or other cathartic. He has rarely seen 
the most obstinate cases resist this treatment. In gout, too, it has 
been prescribed. Jahn found it extremely effective in dispersing 
gouty tophi. Yalentin observed, that when iodine was given 
in a case of goitre complicated with gout, the tumefaction of the 
joints and the depositions gradually disappeared. Adopting the 

1 London Med. Gazette, May, 1835. a Lancet, for 1832-3. 

3 Ibid. March 2, 1839, p. 830. 4 Ibid. March 30, 1839. 

s Gazette Med. de Paris. No. 32. 1840; see, also, Davies, op. cit. p. 317, and Craw- 
ford, Montreal Medical Gazette, April 1, 1844. 

6 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. May 27, 1843. 

7 Dublin Journal of Med. Science, Nov. 1840, and M. Ebrard, Journ. de Med. et Chi- 
rurgie Pratiques, Nov. 1845, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, July, 1846. 
p. 225. 

8 London Lancet, Mar. 0, 1841; see, also, E. D. Connor, American Medical Infci'l- 
gencer, Dec. 1, 1840, p. 257. 

9 See, also, W. S. Oke, Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. May 1, 1844, p. 54. 
i0 Medical Examiner, Oct, 1850, p. 581. 



476 IODINUM. 

hint, he gave it in several cases of gout, with the effect of always 
mitigating the disease, and, at times, of completely curing it. 
Gendrin used iodine not only in chronic gouty swellings with suc- 
cess, but also in acute cases. Ebers likewise confirms the efficacy 
of iodine in gout. In coxalgia, Buchanan recommends the tincture 
of iodine to be applied by means of a small brush, as well as in 
cases of false joint, of which he has detailed a successful instance. 
A similar case has also been given by Treusen. Painting the af- 
fected surface with it, even in acute rheumatism, has been found 
useful. 1 In various rheumatic affections of the joints, especially 
of the chronic kind, Dr. R. B. Todd 2 has employed "with un- 
questionable benefit," the local application of iodine to the affected 
joints, — both in the form of the tincture, and of a stronger com- 
pound, used at the King's College Hospital, London, under the 
name of "Iodine Paint;" the formula for which is given hereafter, 
(see Potassii Iodidum.) The mode of application is to paint the 
part freely by means of a camel's hair pencil. More or less smart- 
ing is produced, and frequently vesication, or an herpetic eruption 
may ensue. The painting may be repeated as often as circum- 
stances demand. Dr. Todd considers it to be extremely useful, 
when an effusion has taken place into synovial membranes or 
sheaths; yet Dr. Gros, of Wesserling, 3 affirms, that before he 
recently recommended the tincture of iodine, it had never been 
employed in chronic rheumatic affections of the joints ! In adi- 
posis, Von Grafe 4 prescribed it, and not without advantage. The 
case was accompanied by great voracity and sense of suffocation. 
Bleeding and cathartics were premised. In stomacace or a scor- 
butic state of the gums, the use of iodine has been recommended 
by Friedrich ; as well as in mercurial salivation, by Kluge, Knod, 5 
Klose, 6 Graves, 7 Asmus, 8 and others; yet its efficacy appears to 
be somewhat doubtful in the last affection. Heyfelder found it of 
no value in three cases. Dr. H. D. Holt 9 found, that every case 
of nurses' sore mouth, which he treated with five grain doses of 
iodide of potassium three times a day, yielded within forty-eight 
hours. In a case of stricture of the oesophagus, it was given with 
much benefit by Dr. Cumming, of New York. 10 A bougie had 
been previously used, but without advantage. An adventitious 

1 Cowan, Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, May 27, 1843. 

3 Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Med. Science, Dec. 1843, p. 1084; and Craw- 
ford, Montreal Med. Gazette, April 1, 1844. 

3 These de Strasbourg, cited in Archives Generates de Medecine, Fevr. 1850, p. 214. 

4 Walther und Gr'afe's Journal fur Chirurgie, B. ix. St. 3, S. 367. 

5 Gazette des Hopitaux, July, 1837. 

• Medicinische Zeitung, No. 34, 1836. See, also, Amer. Journal Med. Sciences, Feb. 
1834, p, 533. T Dublin Journ. Med. Science, Jan. 1834. 

8 Casper's Wochenschrift. fur die gesammte Heilkunde, No. 45, 1838, and Encyclo- 
graphie des Sciences Medicales. Juillet, 1839. 

9 New York Journal of Medicine, May, 1848. 

xo New York Journal of Medicine and Surgery, No. 2, Oct. 1839, p. 451. 



IODINUM. 477 

membrane was brought up in scales soon after commencing the 
iodine. For two or three weeks, the medicine was laid aside, but 
it was necessary to resume it. In affections of the mucous mem- 
brane of the middle ear, it has been used by Dr. Manson, and also 
by Mr. T. Wharton Jones ; 1 by the former with advantage ; by 
the latter without any marked effect. Dr. Manson likewise suc- 
ceeded in curing chronic dacryocystitis by it. 

In cases of hydrocele, Velpeau 3 prefers a solution of iodine to 
wine as an injection. He employs the tincture in the proportion 
of from one to two, and even four, drams to an ounce of water. 3 
Mr. J. R. Martin, 4 of India, appears, however, to have anticipated 
him in this application of the remedy. Up to the time of the pre- 
sentation of his paper to the Medical and Physical Society of Cal- 
cutta, (January, 1835,) he had used it successfully in upwards of 
ninety cases, and subsequently, he communicated to the Medical 
and Physical Society of Calcutta the results of his after expe- 
rience. The number treated since March, 1832, at the Native 
Hospital, was seven hundred and seventy-seven : of these, seven 
hundred and sixty-six had a solution of tincture of iodine injected. 

In order to ascertain whether it was by mere stimulation that 
the cure by the tincture was obtained, Mr. Martin treated ten 
cases with a common urethra-syringeful of undiluted port wine, 
and one with diluted tinctura lyttaB, in the same proportion as that 
of iodine, — 3ij. to water ^vj. Of this, two drams were injected 
and retained ; the pain during twenty-four hours was excessive, 
and the inflammation, although not proportionate to the pain, was 
much longer in subsiding than when the tincture of iodine solution 
was used : this was also remarkably apparent in the cases treated 
with undiluted port wine. Of seven hundred and sixty-six cases 
it does not appear that more than four failed. 5 

For hydroceles containing from six to thirty ounces of fluid, two 
drams of the solution of tincture of iodine are sufficient; for those 
containing from thirty to sixty ounces, three drams ; and for those 
of a larger size, four to five drams. When the hydrocele contains 
Jess than three ounces, a dram of the injection is sufficient. 6 The 
cure is effected much sooner by iodine ; and if any infiltration takes 
place it is readily absorbed. Highly favourable results have also 
been obtained by MM. Oppenheim 7 and Fricke, 8 and by Mr. 

1 Lond. Med. Gaz. Aug. 17, 1839, p. 754, and Amer. Med. Intel. Nov. 1, 1839, p. 
233. 

3 Archives Generates de Medecine, Jan. 1 837; La Presse Medicale, Mai, 1837. See, 
also, Amer. Med. Intelligencer, July 15, 1837, p. 138; and Oct. 16, p. 263. 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1844, p. 338. Paris, 1844. 

4 Amer. Journal of the Medical Sciences, Nov. 1837, p. 238. 

5 Quarterly Journal of the Calcutta Med. and Physical Society, for Jan. 1837; cited 
in American Journal of the Medical Sciences, for Feb. 1839, p. 485. 

8 Dujat, in Gazette Medicale de Paris, Sept. 1 838. 

1 Zeitschrift fur die gesammte Medicin. Aug. 1838, S. 389. 

8 Ibid. S. 405. 

31 



478 IODINUM. 

Bransby Cooper, 1 and the method has been largely employed in 
this country with equal advantage. 2 Two successful cases are 
reported by Dr. Stewart. 3 

Encouraged by the success which attended the use of iodine in- 
jections in hydrocele, M. Velpeau 4 has adopted a similar mode of 
treatment for various kinds of serous cysts, enlarged bursa, &c, 
about the knee, in the axilla, breast, neck and other parts. He 
punctures the cyst with a trocar proportioned to its size; emptying 
it in this manner, and then injects through the cannula a mixture 
of one part of tincture of iodine and two parts of water. In a few 
seconds this is drawn off. In a day or two, the cyst inflames, 
though never greatly, and it ultimately shrivels and disappears. 
Since then he has used the injection successfully in five cases of 
goitre, which is often formed of cysts filled with a thin serous or a 
blackish fluid. In hydrarthrosis, the operation appeared to him 
to be more formidable. He practised it in two cases; one reco- 
vered ; the other did not. 5 The plan has been employed by M. 
Bonnet, 6 of Lyons, in one case of hydrarthrosis. He prefers for 
the injection a watery solution, consisting of one part of iodine, 
two parts of iodide of potassium, and eight of water, in order to 
avoid the possible coagulation of the effused fluid by the alcohol of 
the tincture. He only withdraws through the trocar a portion of 
the fluid ; and the quantity of injection thrown in is nearly the same 
as that of the fluid which has been withdrawn. In all M. Bon- 
net's cases, the acute arthritis which supervened subsided within a 
few days, and was never followed by suppuration. Recently, M. 
Velpeau 7 has expressed himself more decidedly in regard to the 
beneficial effects of this plan; and he states that at least fifty cases 
treated by different surgeons, are now on record, in none of which 
were any alarming symptoms developed. Dangerous and fatal con- 
sequences had resulted, according to him, in M. Boyer's cases, from 
the joint having been laid widely open, and irritating fluids several 
times thrown in, whilst in the modern operation the smallest possi- 
ble trocar is employed, and in the majority of cases a single injec- 
tion is sufficient. He is now of opinion, that there is not more 
danger in injecting a joint than the tunica vaginalis. 

M. Velpeau likewise tried the effect of iodine injections into the 

1 Medico Chi rurg. Rev. A pi. 1841, p. 541. 

9 A. C. Post, New York Journal of Medicine, April, 1840, p. 369, and G. W. N orris, 
Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Feb. 1839, p. 299. 

8 India Journal of Medicine, May, 1636. 

4 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Nov. 1841. 

■ Recherches sur les Cavites closes, &c, pp. 112 — 165, and Bourchardat, Annuaire de 
Therapeutique pour 1843, p. 256. Pari?, 1843. 

6 Braithwaite's Retrospect, v ii. 231 ; cited from Medico-Chirurgical Review, Apl. 1843 ; 
also, Traite des Maladies des Articulations. <!fcc. Paris, 1845; reviewed in Brit, and For. 
Med. Rev. July, 1846, p. 71. This Review, by the way, contains a condensed account 
of the different cases in which the injection had until then been employed in hydrarthrosis. 

1 Gazette des Hopitaux, cited in Brit, and For. Med. Chirurg. Rev. July, 1850, p. 268. 



10DINUM. 479 

sac of a reducible hernia, and repeated the experiment on two 
other cases; but the difficulty of" reaching the sac with certainty, 
and the unsatisfactory results obtained in these three cases, have 
been regarded as serious objections to the practice. The plan has 
been adopted by Prof. Pancoast, who has, likewise, used the 
tincture of cantharides for the material of the injection. 

M. Velpeau 1 was disposed to go even farther, and, as he con- 
sidered it to be proved by his experiments, that the tincture of 
iodine does not induce either suppuration or gangrene when thrown 
into serous cavities; he suggested whether we might not hope that 
certain varieties of spina bifida, hydropericardium, hydrothorax 
and ascites may respectively find an efficacious remedy in this 
kind of medication ? " It would, doubtless," he remarks, " be 
rash to reply affirmatively to this question, before having invoked 
experience and direct observation ; but the facts which I possess, 
and analogy, are sufficient, I think, to justify fresh trials in this 
direction. I may add, that the iodine injection has succeeded 
with me in purely liquid h&matocele as well as in hydrocele." 
A case of spina bifida has, indeed, been treated successfully by 
Dr. Brainard, 2 with injections of iodine. The patient, a girl, thir- 
teen years of age, had a tumour at the top of the sacrum, nine 
inches in circumference and about three in length, with thin walls. 
She had been paralytic in the lower limbs, but within three years 
had acquired a partial use of them. Through a small puncture, a 
solution of a grain of iodide of potassium with half a grain of 
iodine m a fluidram of water, was thrown into the sac; compresses 
and a bandage were applied to prevent the escape of the fluid ; 
and methodical compression by a bandage was exerted on the 
tumour. A month afterwards the injection was repeated, of half 
the strength of the first, and in about a fortnight the fluid in the 
sac was in great part absorbed. A spring truss was now applied, 
and the fluid became entirely absorbed. 

Since then, Dr. Brainard 3 has treated three cases, all associated 
with hydrocephalus, and therefore incurable. He is of opinion 
that the disease is generally curable by this plan of treatment, and 
that, compared with every known method, it is "safe and efficient." 
He advises that, at the commencement, not more than the thirty- 
second part of a grain of iodine, and three times as much iodide of 
potassium, dissolved in distilled water, should be used. As long 
as it produces moderate inflammation, the quantity should not be 
increased. Collodion is subsequently applied and reapplied as long 
as the tumour continues to decrease; and when it ceases to decrease, 
or increases, the injection is repeated. 

A case of ovarian dropsy has been published by Dr. Benjamin 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1844, p. 132. Paris, 1844. 
9 Illinois and Indiana Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan. 1848. 
* North- Western Med. and Surg. Journal, July, 1850. 



4S0 IODINUM. 

A. Allison, 1 of Indiana, in which a solution of iodine — the strength 
is not mentioned — was injected into the dropsical sac. "The 
symptoms that followed were truly alarming, and could not be 
entirely controlled. 2 They subsided, however, in a few days, and 
she continued improving. The discharge rapidly increased until 
it almost entirely ceased." A similar plan has been used success- 
fully in some cases of ascites. 3 

In a case of empyema after paracentesis, Dr. Suytgaerens, of 
Puers, repeatedly injected the pleura with an iodine solution, and 
the patient recovered. In a case of ascites, M. Dieulafoy, of Tou- 
louse, threw a quantity of iodine injection into the peritoneum, and 
after diffusing it over the entire cavity drew off about half the 
quantity injected. About a month after, half the cavity seemed 
obliterated; but the fluid having again collected, the injection was 
repeated with similar consequences. A third injection was em- 
ployed about six weeks afterwards : after this the ascites disap- 
peared. 4 Another case is related 5 in which a cure was effected 
in the same manner. The patient — a child, seven years of age, 
— had been tapped several times, but the abdomen had always 
become filled again, and he was in an almost hopeless state when 
this course was resorted to. The case was one of asthenic dropsy, 
without any apparent complication of disease of the heart or 
other viscus ; and M. Leriche, of Lyons, has published two cases in 
which a single injection, after the complete evacuation of the fluid- 
was sufficient for the cure. M. Boinet presented a memoir before 
the Societe de Chirurgie, in which he enumerated eighteen eases? 
from various sources, wherein different substances, as gases, water, 
iodine, &c, were injected. Fifteen of these were successful, and 
only one died ; iodine seeming to be the preferable material for the 
injection. " M. Morel, reporting upon this paper, pronounced 
an almost unqualified opinion in favour of the practice; but MM. 
Vidal, Gosselin, Robert and others, protested against drawing any 
such hasty conclusions from cases the history of which had been 
imperfectly given, and have to be confronted with others in which 
a fatal termination has resulted, an example of which has recently 
occurred in Paris." 6 

Dr. Brainard states, 7 that in December, 1845, he* threw into 

1 Medical Examiner, June. 1846, p. 336; and August, 1847, p. 459. 

3 Gazette des Hopitaux, Fev. 1845. See, also, on this case and subject, Proceedings 
of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Paris, Jan. 27, 1846, in Medical Times, Feb. 7, 
1846, p. 363. 

3 Rul-Oges, of Antwerp, cited by Thirion, in Gazette Medicale de Paris, 10, 1849 ; 
and in Schmidt's Jahrbiicher, u. s. w. No. 11, S. 169. Jahrgang 1849. 

* British and Foreign Medical Review, July, 1846, p. 78. 

'' Gazette Medicale de Paris, 4 Mars, 1848. 

6 British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, July, 1850, p. 270, cited from 
L'Union Medicale, Nos. 17, 18, 19, and 20. 

1 North- Western Medical and Surgical Journal, July, 1850, cited in Amer. Journal 
of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1850, p. 560, and in the Ohio Medical and Surgical Journal, 
January, 1851, p. 249. 



IODINUM. 481 

the peritoneal cavity fifteen grains of iodide of potassium dissolved 
in one fluidounce of distilled water, after he had evacuated the 
fluid of ascites by tapping. Acute smarting pain followed, which 
subsided in a few minutes without any subsequent evidence of in- 
flammation* The patient returned home, and Dr. Brainard lost 
sight of him. In another case, Dr. Hagemann injected the cavity 
twice without the supervention of inflammation. In the winter of 
1850, Dr. Brainard injected the abdomen of a patient affected with 
anasarca, as well as ascites, from cardiac disease, with four grains 
of iodine, and eight of iodide of potassium in solution, without 
drawing off the fluid. The injection was followed by no signs of 
inflammation, but the fluid in the peritoneum was absorbed, and a 
great amelioration of the symptoms followed. Dr. Brainard refers 
to cases treated in a similar manner by Dr. M'Clure, of Dundee, 
Illinois, and by Professor Mussey, with similar results ; whence he 
concludes, it may be considered an established fact, that injections 
of this kind may be made, with suitable care, without danger of 
producing inflammation. 

Iodine is said by Coindet and Formey to have been efficacious 
in cases of impotence; and Mr. Key 1 regards it as one of" the 
most efficacious remedies we possess in checking or controlling 
the ulcerative process — the most active phagedenic ulcers often 
yielding in a surprising manner to its influence, and assuming a 
healthy, granulating appearance. M. Lisfranc 3 employed iodide 
of potassium with success in atonic ulcers of long standing, which 
had resisted other modes of treatment. The only topical applica- 
tion used by him was simple cerate and charpie. The iodide was 
prescribed in doses of a scruple daily, which was subsequently in- 
creased to six grains every six hours. 

Dr. John Davies 3 has published at length the results of his ex- 
perience with the local application of iodine — especially the tinc- 
ture — in various diseases. In erysipelas, no matter where present 
or of what description, he found the tincture, " painted " over the 
part with a camel's hair brush, preferable to leeches, lotions, in- 
cisions, scarifications, or caustic. 4 Mr. Wm. Reeves 5 uses in 
these cases the compound iodine ointment. In phlegmon, where 
pain and throbbing only exist, one application of the tincture of 
the full strength cut short the disease; and where suppuration 
had commenced, its repeated use not only checked its progress, 
but caused the deposited matter to be absorbed. Not a single case 
of failure occurred, where the tincture was applied in superficial 

1 Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, vol. xix. 
a Cited in London Lancet, Jan. 7, 1843. 

3 Practical Remarks on the Use of Iodine Locally Applied, &c. &c. London, 1839 ; 
or Amer. Med. Library, 1839-40. 

4 See, also, Burns, in Philad. Med. Examiner, Nov. 6, 1841 ; and Crawford, Mon- 
treal Medical Gazette, April 1, 1844. 

* London Lancet, Oct. 22, 1842, p. 119. 



482 IODINUM. 

phlegmon before suppuration took place, and even then the pus 
was much less in quantity than where poultices were used. In 
extensive sloughing of the areolar membrane, after phlegmonous 
erysipelas of the lower extremities, the tincture proved to be a 
most valuable application. Whilst the usual remedies had no 
effect in checking the inflammatory process, the iodine arrested 
it at once, and gave the living parts a chance of casting off the 
dead slough. 

In acute inflammation of the joints it w T as more efficacious 
than any of the ordinary local applications. Over the knee — if the 
skin be delicate — it may be applied at first about half strength, 
and be increased gradually as required. When the hip is affected, 
the strong tincture must be painted all round the upper part of 
the thigh and groin. In these cases, Dr. Davies prefers leeching 
the joint, and then using the iodine as the bleeding ceases. Mr. 
William Reeves 1 employs the compound iodine ointment in these 
cases. In mastitis or inflammation of the mamma, the tinc- 
ture, of full strength, must be laid extensively over the part, as 
soon as the disease is discovered ; and if an abscess should form, 
its extent will be limited. In gout, its application cuts short the 
attack; and in anomalous pains of the joints, supposed to be 
gouty or rheumatic, its effect has been marked. In these cases, 
Dr. Davies dilutes the tincture to about two-thirds of its full 
strength. In chronic inflammation and enlargement of the 
joints, such as of the hip and knee, leeches are first employed, 
and then the diluted tincture is laid extensively over the part, and 
the application is repeated every two or three days according to 
its effects on the skin. In the ankle or wrist, where the enlarge- 
ment is of old standing, an iodine lotion — composed of 32 grains 
of iodide of potassium, dissolved in a fluidounce of distilled wa- 
ter, to which eight grains of iodine are added — is preferred to 
the tincture by Dr. Davies; — a rag being wetted in it three or 
four times a day, and laid round the joint, and the strength of the 
lotion being determined by the discretion of the attendant. In 
inflammation of the absorbents, the strong tincture, applied 
along the track of the vessels, is generally sufficient to subdue 
the affection. Employed in anthrax, before or after incisions, 
it dispels the inflammation, and enables the parts to cast off the 
dead areolar tissue, and form granulations. It is equally appli- 
cable to boils and buboes, — cutting short the progress of the latter ; 
or, if used after suppuration, limiting the extent of the abscess. The 
suppurative process in cases of abscesses being well established, and 
the acute inflammation of surrounding parts repressed by cataplasms, 
M. Borelli, 2 of Turin, after opening the abscess in itsjnost depend- 

' Op. cit. 

3 Omodei, Annali. c.xxviii. 79 — 154. cited in British and Foreign Med. Chir. Rev. 
July, 1850, p. 269. 



IODINUM. 483 

ing part, and evacuating the contents as far as practicable, intro- 
duces the nozzle of a small syringe through the aperture, and 
throws in pure tincture of iodine with some force, allowing it to 
remain in, when the pain is not too great, about half a minute. 
He now waits three or four days, to see whether the plastic effu- 
sion into the cavity will effect its occlusion, which is rarely the 
case, unless the abscess is very small, and the engorgement of the 
surrounding tissues slight. The injection will require, therefore, 
repetition every two or three days, according to the amount of re- 
action produced, and, when this is in excess, emollient cataplasms 
are required. M. Borelli has never seen any ill effect, local or ge- 
neral, from this mode of using the iodine. He reports, also, a case 
of ranala, which yielded to the iodine injection, after simple punc- 
ture had repeatedly failed. 

In lupus or noli me t anger e, the strong tincture laid upon the 
ulcerated surface has cured the disease without the use of internal 
remedies. In malignant ulcers of the tongue and tonsils, the 
tincture, of full strength, brushed all over the parts, arrested the 
affection, no matter how threatening. The only internal remedy 
was the ioduretted solution, — in doses of ten drops twice a day, in 
water. In scrofulous swellings of the glands, it either resolved 
the inflammation and caused absorption of the morbid deposits, or 
limited the formation of matter and assisted in the cicatrization of 
the sore. In whitlow, the strong tincture must be immediately 
painted over the whole finger or thumb, and the application be re- 
peated in twelve hours, unless the morbid sensation has ceased. 
Where this has been done prior to suppuration, it never fails, ac- 
cording to Dr. Davies, to subdue the disease. Should matter 
have been formed, a free incision must be made, and the tincture 
be applied over the finger or hand, if swollen. In chilblains, the 
tincture, of full strength, is to be applied over the part affected, 
and beyond the boundary of the surrounding inflammation. This 
must be repeated daily for sometime, and the affected parts should 
be immersed every night in water as hot as can be borne. When 
the ulceration looks healthy, and the skin around has lost its livid 
colour, the strength of the tincture may be reduced. After each 
application, the sore, if any, should be dressed with some stimu- 
lating ointment. In cases where the inflammation spreads along 
the foot or leg, the affected parts must be painted with the strong 
tincture. Mr. James Henderson 1 has likewise found a compound 
preparation of iodine useful in chilblains. The form is given 
hereafter. Three applications have generally been sufficient. 

In lacerated, contused, and punctured wounds, the tincture 
was found by Dr. Davies to be preferable to every plan of local 
treatment. When the accident was one of simple laceration — after 

1 London Lancet, April 18, 1840. 



484 IODINUM. 

the blood or dirt had been wiped away, every point of the surface 
of the wound was touched over with the tincture, generally of the 
full strength, and the application was extended a little distance 
beyond. After allowing it to dry, the edges of the wound were 
brought together with adhesive plaster, w 7 hich was not renewed 
for three or four days. At the end of this time, part of the wound 
was found to be united, and the rest granulating. The granula- 
tions with the surrounding skin were washed over and then dressed 
with common wax ointment. The cure was generally rapid. 
Where contusion only exists, the tincture is applied by Dr. Davies 
every day or two to the surface : this quickly occasions the absorp- 
tion of the extravasated blood. Where there is a combination of 
laceration and contusion, the treatment is compound. The surface 
of the wound and contusion is brushed over, and the edges of the 
former are approximated, and kept together by a plaster or a 
roller. In punctured wounds, from whatever cause, the tincture, 
liberally applied, is used with the same success it exerts in local 
diseases, and injuries attended w 7 ith inflammation. In such cases, 
it should be allowed to insinuate itself freely into the wound, and 
be thickly painted upon the surrounding skin. In burns and 
scalds, it appears to act as in erysipelas. When the integuments 
are not destroyed, although the cuticle may be in blisters, one or 
two applications of the tincture, of moderate strength, subdue the 
pain and redness, after which the parts only require to be kept 
free from injury. Lastly: — the remedy is said by Dr. Davies to 
be eminently successful in ulcers. Several cases of chancre yielded 
sooner than to the ordinary treatment; and in malignant ulcera- 
tions about the lips, tongue or tonsils, no topical remedy would 
seem to be equal to it. In all cases of irritable or sloughing 
sores, the tincture, of full strength, must be applied to the surface 
and surrounding skin. After being allowed to remain some time, 
the ulcer must be covered with simple ointment in preference to a 
poultice. The application must be repeated daily till the sore be- 
comes clean and healthy, when the granulations may be touched 
with the diluted tincture every two or three days. Under this plan, 
the cavity of the ulcer fills up rapidly. Mr. Ferguson 1 has pub- 
lished a most obstinate case of old ulcers, which were cured by 
the use of the corrosive chloride of mercury internally, and the tinc- 
ture of iodine externally. M. Ricord 2 considers the tincture to be 
the very best topical application in phagedenic chancres, and Dr. 
Samuel Jackson, of Philadelphia, (formerly of Northumberland, 
Pa.,) has found it an admirable remedy in the irritable ulcer with 
inflamed surface and erysipelatoid margins. It soon fills the 
surface, and with this the whole inflammation disappears. A lit- 
tle lunar caustic then disposes the ulcers to granulate. 

1 London Lancet, Nov. 13, 1841. See, also, Lisfranc, cited in Med. Times, Jan. 1 1 , 
1845. 2 Bulletin Generate de Therapeutique, 15 et 18 Fevrier, 1841. 



IODINUM. 485 

In snake bites, as in those of the rattlesnake, viper, and cop- 
perhead, in both man and animals, the tincture of iodine has been 
successfully used by Dr. Whitmire 1 with the effect of putting an 
entire stop to the swelling and pain in from twelve to sixteen hours. 
He paints the bitten part and the whole swelling with three or 
four coats of the tincture twice daily, and should the swelling ex- 
tend, which it almost ahvays does after the first application if 
made soon after the infliction of the wound, he repeats it. 

Besides these affections, the tincture has been employed with 
good effect in gouty and rheumatic swellings of the small joints 
from thickening of their ligaments, fistulous openings, malig- 
nant warts or adventitious excrescences, ganglions, the sting- 
ing of ivasps, diseases of the spine, ununited fractures, or- 
chitis, inflamed urethra and chordee, inflammation of the 
bursas, chronic ophthalmia, granulations of the eyelids, 2 and 
opacities of the cornea, 3 (being much diluted,) in strumous oph- 
thalmia, when applied to the outside of the eyelids, 4 in ulcera- 
tions of the tonsils and fauces, specific or non-specific, 5 and in 
dissection ivounds. The strength of the remedy, in the several 
cases, must depend upon the judgment of the practitioner. 6 It has 
also been used as a counter-irritant in many internal affections. 
Painting the trachea and larynx with a strong tincture of iodine 
has been found beneficial by Mr. E. Copeman 7 in inflammation 
of the air passages. Dr. Willige 8 extols it highly in cases of 
croup ; and in bowel complaints, an iodide liniment, in the pro- 
portion of a scruple to the ounce of olive oil, has been employed 
most advantageously by Mr. M'Diarmid. 9 He directed the entire 
surface of the abdomen to be smeared over with it, and the ope- 
ration to be repeated as soon as the liniment is absorbed, and the 
skin has again become dry and colourless, or almost so. In the 
acute form of diarrhoea of infants, in which the surface of the 
abdomen feels hot and dry, somewhat tender and full, with great 
irritability of the bowels, and frequent w T atery evacuations, change- 
able in colour, and offensive, wdth general febrile phenomena, an 
almost magical effect was produced by the liniment in a few hours. 
Iodine has been employed by M. Reiniger 10 to remove sparks of 
iron from the cornea. A small particle of steel struck the eye 

1 North-western Medical and Surgical Journal, Jan. 1849. 

3 Fromont, cited in Wahu, Annuaire de Medecine, &c. pour 1849. p. 246. 

3 See, also, Lohsse, Medicinisch. Zeitung, Mar. 3, 1841 ; cited in Brit, and For. Med. 
Rev. July, 1841, p. 258; also, W. S. Helmuth, Med, Examiner, Sept. 11, 1841, p. 583. 

4 Furnivall, Lancet, Dec. 10, 1842, p. 405. 

5 J. J. Loss, Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journ. of Med. Science, Sept. 1842, p. 792. 
• Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, August 12, 1843. 

1 British and Foreign Medical Review, Oct. 1839, p. 523. See, also, Langan, Lon- 
don Lancet, June 27, 1840, p. 484. 

8 Schmidt's Jahrbucher, No. 7, 1847; and Lond. Med. Gaz. Jan. 1848. 

9 British Amer. Journal of Med. Sciences, Nov. 1846. 

10 Journal de Rharmacie et de Chimie, Juin, 1845. 



486 IODINUM. 

of a culler whilst at work, and fixed itself in the substance of the 
cornea, from which it was found impossible to remove it either by 
the forceps or the needle. It soon excited inflammation, and 
after eight days, the eye was still red, hot and painful, and the 
patient complained of a pricking sensation on moving it. The 
fragment of steel could be distinctly seen retaining its polish. 
As a strong magnet also failed to remove it, it was resolved to 
have recourse to a chemical solvent, but one which would not 
injure the eye. A weak solution of iodine and iodide of potassium 
was therefore used as a collyrium, and its very first application 
sensibly deadened the lustre of the spark of steel. By its conti- 
nued use, the steel was rendered soluble, and gradually removed. 

With regard to the relative value of the preparations of iodine, 
Dr. A. Buchanan 1 is inclined to place them in the following order: 
— Iodide of starch, hydriodic acid, (iodine,) and iodide of potas- 
sium; although he admits that the superiority he ascribes to the 
first is perhaps owing to his having prescribed it most frequently. 
The operation of all of these is, however, similar. The only mode, 
he thinks, of explaining the similarity of action on the body of 
substances so dissimilar in nature, is by considering the hydriodic 
acid as the active principle— free iodine being immediately con- 
verted in the stomach into hydriodic acid. 

Mr. B. Phillips 2 prefers the iodide of iron in all cases. 

M. Moj'sissovics, of Vienna, 3 considers iodide of potassium and 
the iodides of mercury to be decidedly the most valuable prepara- 
tions, when pure: but they are often, he affirms, given in prescrip- 
tions with matters that decompose them. 

In the Glasgow Infirmary, they are in the habit of preparing a 
liquid hydriodic acid, by dissolving three hundred and thirty 
grains of iodide of potassium in f 5iss. of distilled water; and 
two hundred and sixty-four grains of tartaric acid in a like quan- 
tity ; the solutions are then mixed, and when the bitartrate of po- 
tassa has subsided, the fluid is filtered. Water enough is then add- 
ed to make §vj. and ^ij. 4 Each dram of this liquid acid contains 
five grains of iodine. The acid, thus prepared, is, however, very 
liable to change, and is necessarily variable in its effects. 5 

Lastly ; from his researches on the effects of the various prepa- 
rations of iodine, Dr. Cogswell 5 infers, 1. That iodine and iodide 
of potassium act very much in the same way, but that there is still 
a difference, not merely in point of power, but of specific proper- 
ties. 2. That, whatever be the proper action of the iodide of sul- 

1 Medical Gazette, July 2, 1836. 

2 London Medical Gazette, Jan. 10, 1840. 

3 Oesterreich, Med. Jahrbuch., cited in Encyclog. des Sciences Med. Avril, 1841, p. 8. 

4 Buchanan, op. cit. 

* Guibourt, in Revue. Medicale, Aout, 1837 ; and Bull. Gen. de Therap. Sept 1837. 
6 Essay on Iodine, p. 106. Edinb. 1837. 



IODINUM. 487 

phur, its facility of decomposition gives it a resemblance to iodine. 
3. That the iodides of carbon, so far as examined, have an action 
peculiar to themselves ; and, 4. That in those metallic iodides which 
were submitted to examination, the preponderance of power is on 
the side of the metals. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Iodine is not easily given internally in substance — in the form 
of pill or pow T der; neither are these forms to be recommended. 
Coindet preferred it in the form of tincture; and this is one of the 
most common modes in which it is administered. When, how- 
ever, the tincture is taken with water, a great part of the iodine 
is thrown down, and, it has been conceived, it may thus exert a 
noxious influence on the stomach; but in the small doses in which 
it is taken, such an effect can scarcely be anticipated. It w 7 ould 
seem, however, that, in the generality of cases, when iodine has 
disagreed, it has been in the form of tincture. For this reason, it 
has been given more, of late years, in watery solution; and, to 
promote the solution, iodide of potassium is added; or a little 
chloride of sodium, according to Lugol's prescription. An ethe- 
real solution is also prescribed. Externally, it is applied in the 
form of tincture, ointment, or watery solution, or in baths, or fu- 
migations. Frictions with iodine readily occasion considerable 
irritation of the skin, which commonly soon passes away when 
the friction is suspended for a time. After bathing a part, painful 
rubefaction of the skin often ensues, which is usually followed by 
perspiration and sleep. Iodine is given internally in the dose of 
one-eighth of a grain to a grain, twice or thrice a day. 

In Dr. Pereira's opinion, 1 the most effectual method of employ- 
ing iodine externally is the endermic, in the form of an ioduretted 
ointment to the cutis vera after the epidermis has been removed 
by a blister. The plan is not, however, often used. 

Under the idea that the virtues of cod liver oil might be owing 
to the small quantity of iodine it contains, rather than to the fatty 
matter, which — as has been elsewhere shown — is probably not the 
case: iodine has been added to olive or almond oil, and the results 
have not appeared to the author to be less favourable than w T hen 
cod liver oil has been given. Such a preparation — iodized oil — 
has superseded — it seems — the other forms of iodine at the Val- 
de-Grace, in Paris. M. Marohal (de Calvi 2 ) found, that in this 
way far larger doses of iodine can be administered without irritating 
the stomach. The trials made by him with the iodized oil have 
been very satisfactory in their results, the progress of the cure of 
buboes and other glandular enlargements having been much ex- 
pedited. M. Ricord, too, exhibited it with benefit in tertiary 

1 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 2d edit. p. 242. Lond. 1842, or 2d Amer, 
edit. Philad. 1846. 

2 Gazette des Hopitaux, Fevr. 1848. 



488 IODINUM. 

syphilis, caries syphilitica, and M. Marchal directs the iodine, as 
wanted, to be dissolved in fresh almond oil, in the proportion of one 
part to fifteen. The minimum dose is a grain of the iodine. 

The following are some of the forms in which pure iodine is 
administered internally and externally: — 

Tinctura iodini. 
Tincture of iodine. 
Tinctura seu Alcohol lodii. 
R. Iodini gr. xlviij. 
Solve in 

Alcohol. 35° (s. g. .842) £j. 

Dose. — Ten drops in some mucilaginous or saccharine fluid, or 
in wine and water. Coindet fy Magendie. 

The tinctura iodini of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States 
consists of an ounce of iodine to a pint of alcohol. 

Mr. Durand, an able pharmacien of Philadelphia, finds, that 
forty grains of iodine, and ^x. of alcohol form a saturated solution. 
Based on this fact, the following formula has been given, which 
does not seem, however, to possess any advantages over the simple 
tincture. 

R. Iodin. £ij. 
Alcohol. ,§j. 
Spirit, lavand. comp. ^ij. 

Dose. — Five to ten drops, twice a day, gradually increasing it. 1 

Tinctura aUherea iodini. 

Ethereal tincture of iodine. 
Tinctura iodii cetherea. — French. Ether iodure. 
R. iEther. sulphuric, f gi. 
Iodini gr. iv. M. 

Dose. — Eight or ten drops, two or three times a day. 

Magendie. 
Pulvis iodini cum hydrargyri chlorido mite. 

Powder of Iodine and Calomel. 

R. Hydrarg, chlorid. mit. gr. viij. 
Iodin. gr. j. 

Sacchari albi gr. lxxx. M. 
et divide in partes xij. , 

One to be taken every four hours, to control scrofulous inflam- 
mation and its effects. Bennett Sf Wilshire. 

Dccoctum cinclionae cum tinctura iodini. 

Decoction of cinchona with tincture of iodine. 
R. Decoct, cinchon. f ^x. 
Tinct. iodin. g" xc. M. 

Dose. — Two spoonfuls, three times a day. In scrofulous ulcers. 

Rey. 

1 Ellis's Medical Formulary, 8th edit. p. 113. Philad. 1846. 



IODINUM. 489 



Henry, 



Mistura iodini. 

Mixture of iodine, 
R. Iodin. gr. v. 
Alcohol, f gij. 
Solve et adde 

Aq. cinnam. f giiss. 
Syrup, simpl. f ^iss. M. 

To be taken in twenty-four hours, in dram doses. 
Syrupus iodini. w 
Syrup of iodine. 
R. Tinctur. iodin. gr. vj. 
Syrup, simpl. f ^ij. M. 

liquor iodini. (Lugol's.) 

Solution of iodine, 
(1. For internal use.) 



:r. 



R. 

Aq. destillat. Oj. Oj. 

Solve. 

Lugol gives formula for the solution of the three different 
strengths above, 

Lotio iodini. 

Lotion of iodine, 
R. Tinct. iodin. f gss. 
Ferri iodid, gr. xij. 
Antim. chlorid. Jss. M. 

Used for corns. To be applied by means of a camel's hair pen- 
cil, after the corns have been well pared. James Henderson. 

R. Iodin. 3j. 

Potass, iodid. gij. 
Aq. destillat. 
Alcohol, aa. ^ij. M. 

As a local application in congestion and ulceration of the os 
uteri. Churchill. 

Gargarisma iodini. 

Gargle of iodine. 
R. Tinct. iodin. f gj.«— gij. 

opii f gi. 

Aquae f ^vj. M. 

To be used three or four times a day. J. J. Ross. 



French. Boisson iodee. 




A. B. 


C. 


Iodin. gr. |. gr. #. 
Sodii chlorid. gr. xij. gr. xij. 
Aquse destill. Oj. Oj. 

(2. For external use.) 
A. B. 


gr- 3- 
gr. xij. 

oj. 

Solve. 
C. 


Iodin. gr. ij. gr. iij. 
Aq. destillat. Oj. Oj. 


gr. iv, 

oj. 



490 IOD1NUM. 

Unguentum iodini. 

Ointment of iodine. 
Unguentum Iodatum.— French, Pommade d'lode. — German, Iodsalbe. 
R. Iodin. gr. iij, 
Adipis £ij. M. 

The Unguentum Iodini of the Pharmacopoeia of the United 
States, (1842,) is made as follows : — 

R. Iodini gr. xx. 
Alcohol, it^xx. 
Adipis §j. 

Rub the iodine first with the alcohol, and then with the lard, 
until they are thoroughly mixed. 

Linimentnm iodini. 

Liniment of iodine. 
R, Linim. sapon. f jfj. 
Tinct. iodin. f gj. M. 

Manson. 
Gataplasma iodini. 

Cataplasm of iodine. 
R. Tinct. iodin. f gss. 
Lin. pulv.gj. 
Avenge farm. ^iij. 
Aquae destillat. q. s. ut fiat cataplasma. 

Used as a cataplasm in scrofulous tumours, and goitre. 

Iodide of Ammonium, lo'didum seu Iodure'tum Ammo' nit, 
Ammonium Iodatum seu Hydroiodicum, Hydriodas Ammonia, 
Hydriodate of Ammonia, loduret of Ammonium; German, 
lodammonium — is formed by saturating liquid hydriodic 
acid with caustic ammonia and evaporating the solution. It 
crystallizes with difficulty, and is deliquescent. It was introduced 
into medical practice by M. Biett, of Paris, as a valuable thera- 
peutical agent in certain diseases of the skin. Several successful 
cases of its employment in lepra and psoriasis, by M. Biett, are 
given by Dr. Pennock, 1 accompanied by interesting remarks by 
the latter. It is administered in the form of ointment, — from a 
scruple to a dram of the iodide being added- to an ounce of lard — 
the weaker ointment being used in milder or more acute, and the 
latter in more inveterate cases. The ointment should be freshly 
prepared, or kept excluded from the air, as it is readily decomposed. 

Iodide of Starch, lo'didum seu Iodure'tum Am'yli, Amy- 
lum Iodatum ; French, lodure oV Amidon; German, Iodstiir k- 
mehl, Iodstdrke, S tar kmehl-oder-S atzmehlio- 

1 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Feb. 1835, p. 374. 



10DINUM. 491 

diir , has been extolled by Dr. Andrew Buchanan, 1 of Glasgow. 
It is prepared of iodine, gr. xxiv.; starch, in fine powder, ^j. 
The iodine is first triturated with a little water, and the starch is 
gradually added,. the trituration being continued till the compound 
assumes a uniform blue colour. The iodide is then dried with a 
heat so gentle as not to drive off the iodine, and it must be after- 
wards kept in a well stopped bottle. 

Iodine, in the usual forms of exhibition, is not in general given 
in larger doses than four or six grains daily, whilst, in the above 
formula, Dr. Buchanan has given as much as seventy-two grains 
daily. Professor Forget, of Strasburg, has published the case of 
a youth, seventeen years of age, who took, in 48 days, 139 ounces, 
or nearly nine pounds, of this iodide, containing 3336 grains, or 
nearly six ounces, of iodine, — being nearly sixteen grains a day. 2 ' 
Pauli 3 thought it inert ; but it is proper to state, that Dr. Laurie, 
of Glasgow, 4 was of opinion, that it proved fatal in a case, in which 
not more of the iodide than corresponded to a grain of iodine, had 
been given twice a day for five days. It has been proposed by M. 
Burguet 5 to cover the abdomen in a case of ascites with a thick 
layer of iodide of starch, made of about 9j. of iodine, to twelve 
ounces of starch. He found the iodine absorbed, and the dropsical 
effusion disappear. 

Iodic Acid, Jlc"idum lod'icum; French, Acide Iodique ; 
German, Iods au re. This is obtained by boiling iodine with 
nitric acid; or by decomposing iodate of baryta by dilute sul- 
phuric acid. It is a white, transparent solid, slightly deliquescent, 
and very soluble in water. It was proposed in medicine by Mr. 
Monks, 6 of Norwood, England, who gives it in combination with 
sulphate of quinia, rendered soluble by sulphuric acid, as a tonic, 
excitant and eutrophic in hoarseness consequent on catarrh, in 
scrofula, incipient phthisis, chronic inflammation, syphilis, &c. 
Unlike iodide of potassium, it can be given in combination with 
sulphuric or nitric acid without suffering decomposition. 

The dose for children, from seven to fourteen years of age, is 
three grains; for adults, from three to six grains, or more. Its 
general effects on the system are those of iodine. 7 

Iodide of Chloride of Mercury, Iod'idum Hydrar'gyri 
Chlo'ridi, Hydrargyrum iodatum cum Chlorido Mercurii ; 
French, lodhydrargyrite de Chlorure Mercureux ; German, 

1 Lond. Med. Gaz. July 2, 1 836 ; see, also, Soubeiran, in Revue Medicale, A out, 1837, 

" Gazette des Hopitaux, 19 Fev., 1839. 

3 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w, S. 22, Erlangen, 1848. 

* Lond. Med, Gazette, July 3, 1840, p. 590. 

8 Journal de Med. et de Chirurgie Pratiques, cited in Annuaire de Therapeutique 
pour 1848, p. 194. 

6 Medical Times, Oct. 3, 1846. 

1 Pereira, The Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 3d edit. i. 398. 
Lond. 1849. 



492 IODINUM. 

Iod-C hlor-Quecksilber . This preparation, discovered 
by M. Boutigny, 1 is made by the reaction of iodine on mild chlo- 
ride of mercury, (calomel.) Two iodides may be prepared in this 
manner — the iodide and the biniodide. The iodide is prepared of 
one equivalent of iodine, and one of chloride of mercury. The 
calomel is coarsely powdered, put into a matrass, (matras d'es- 
sayeur,) heating gently, and agitating it, until it begins to sub- 
lime: the iodine is then added in small portions. 

The combination is effected with noise, without any sensible 
loss of iodine. 

The biniodide is prepared of one equivalent of iodine, and one 
of the mild chloride of mercury. It may be run in cylinders 
like nitrate of silver. 

The effects of both these preparations are those of violent irri- 
tants. The biniodide especially is a most powerful caustic. They 
are said 2 to have been used as secret remedies, in France, in ob- 
stinate scrofulous affections of the glands. The iodide has been 
given internally in the same cases: the biniodide has only been 
used externally, like nitrate of silver, in scrofulous and certain 
syphilitic ulcerations. M. Rochard 3 employs the iodine, in scro- 
fula, in the form of ointment — one part of the salt to twenty of 
lard, varying the proportion according to the sensibility of the in- 
dividual. Of this ointment he uses a piece, of the size of a pea, 
which he applies lightly, and arrests it, if too great pain and irri- 
tation supervene. In this way he has found nutrition modified 
locally and generally. He rubs it on the tumefaction, applies it 
lightly to ulcers, or rubs it in the axillae, the inner part of the 
thigh, or on the back or chest. 

Pilnlae Iodidi Hydrargyri Chi or id i. 

Pills of Iodide of Chloride of Mercury. 

$. Iodid. hydrarg. chlorid. gr. v. 
Acacias pnlv. gr. xvj. 
Micee panis gij. 
Aq. flor. aurant, q. s. ut fiant pil. 100. 

Boutigny. 

Ungnentnm iodidi liydrargyri ckloridi. 

Ointment of iodide of chloride of mercury. 
(Unguentum contra Scrophulosin.) 
R. Iodid. hydrarg. chlorid. gr. xv. 
Adipis gij, 

Boutigny. 
The other preparations of iodine are described in different parts 
of this volume. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1848, p. 186. 
1 Aschenbrcnncr, Die neueren Arzneimittel und Arzneibereitungsformen, S. 150, 
Erlangen, 1850. 
1 Bouchardat, op. cit. p. 188. 



JUGLANS REGIA. 493 



CXIII. JUGLANS REGIA. 

Synonymes. Walnut Tree. 
French. Noyer. 

German. Wallnussbaum, Baumnuss, Koni gswallnu s s, 
Nussbaum, Walschenuss. 

The walnut tree, Sexual System, Monoecia Polyandria : Na- 
tural Order, Terebinthacese or Juglandese, is a native of Persia, 
whence it was carried to Greece, Italy, France, &e. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The leaves of the walnut have been highly extolled by M. Ne- 
grier 1 as superior to all other antiscrofulous remedies. He pre- 
scribed them to 56 patients affected with different forms of scro- 
fula. Of these, 31 were unequivocally cured, 18 experienced a 
very manifest improvement, and the majority were in course of 
cure. Four derived no benefit as regarded their sores. Four 
children died during the treatment, — two of tubercular phthisis ; 
one of acute encephalitis, and the fourth of double pneumonia. 
The extract of the leaves, which may be ranked in the class of 
slightly aromatic bitters, M. Negrier found to be almost constantly 
efficacious in scrofulous affections, and in no case did he observe 
it exert any unpleasant action on the economy. 

The preparations of walnut leaves excite, in the first instance, 
digestion and circulation, and, according to M. Negrier, communi- 
cate remarkable energy to all the functions ; and he is disposed to 
think that they have a special action on the lymphatic system. 
In his last essay, 2 he arrives at the following corollaries. First. 
Scrofulous affections are, in general, radically cured by the pre- 
parations of the leaves of the walnut. Secondly. Their action 
on the economy is sufficiently constant to enable us to reckon upon 
the cure of the majority of patients treated by them. Thirdly. 
Their action is slow, unobjectionable and durable. Fourthly. 
The first effects of the treatment on the economy are general ; its 
local influence comes afterwards. Fifthly. Scrofulous affec- 
tions of the skin, mucous 'membranes, lymphatics and lym- 
phatic ganglions are cured as easily, promptly and certainly as 
by any other known agent. Sixthly. Affections of the osseous, 
cartilaginous, and ligamentous systems, whose essence is a 
scrofulous vice, are at times radically cured by the preparations 
of the leaves of the walnut alone. Lymphatic subjects always ex- 
perience good effects from them ; the profound modifications which 
they experience often cause the cure of caries of the bones and 

1 Archiv. General, de Medecine, Avril et Mai, 1841, Fevr. 1844 ; Fevr. 1850, p. 173, 
and Avril, 1850, p. 447. The last two memoirs have been given at length in the Edinb. 
Med. and Surg. Journ. for October 1850, p. 271 to 318. 

2 Archives &c, Avril, 1850, p. 466. 

32 



494 JUGLANS REGIA. 

their appendages. The same affections of the bones in dry ner- 
vous subjects are not sensibly modified by the treatment. Liver 
oil is then preferable, associated with infusions of the leaves or 
fruit of the walnut, (the green shell,) and seventhly, scrofu- 
lous inflammations of the eyes are certainly and speedily cured 
by a treatment, the basis of which is the preparations of the leaves 
of the walnut. 

Favourable reports of the action of the walnut leaves in scrofula 
are quoted by M. Negrier from Nasse, of Bonn, M. J. Kreutzwald, 
and Borgiali. They have likewise been given successfully by 
Mirault, Jurine and Hauser in the same affection ; and have been re- 
commended in helminthiasis, otorrhoea, fluor albus, scrophulo- 
sis; chronic bronchitis ; cutaneous diseases, as impetigo, tinea 
capitis, herpes, and chronic eczema, by Kreutzwald, Nasse and 
Hauser; and in the after treatment (Nachbehandlung) of 
cachectic conditions, — scrofula, gout, syphilis, mercurial cachexia, 

&C 1 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The preparations used by M. Negrier are the following: — 

Infusum juglandis regis. 
Infusion of ivalnut leaves. 

This infusion is made by throwing a large. pugillus (pincee) of 
the cut leaves into eight ounces of boiling water. This is sweet- 
ened with sugar or with the syrup mentioned below. Two or 
three cups were prescribed daily, and sometimes as many as five. 

Decoetum juglandis regis, 
Decoction of walnut leaves. 

The decoction may be made by boiling, for ten or fifteen mi- 
nutes, a small manipulus (poig?iSe) of the leaves in Oijss. {un 
kilogramme) of water. It is advantageously used as a lotion; 
and as a dressing to scrofulous ulcers, — lint being wetted with 
it and applied to them. It has, also, been used as a partial and 
general bath; and as an injection into fistulous openings. 

Extractum juglandis regis. 
Extract of walnut leaves. 
This extract is prepared by the method of displacement. 

Syrupus juglandis regis. 

Syrup of walnut leaves. 

The syrup is prepared from the extract by mixing six grains 
with an ounce of simple syrup. A syrup may, also, be made of 
the green leaves, which is more aromatic than that formed from 

1 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 159. Erlangen, 1848. 



JUGLANS REGIA. 495 

the extract. To little children M. Negrier gives two or three 
dessert-spoonfuls in the 24 hours ; to adults he has never given 
more than two ounces. The ordinary dose for the last is from 
eight to ten drams. 

Pilule extracti juglandis regise. 
Pills of extract of walnut leaves. 
Each of these may be made of three grains of the extract ren- 
dered solid by a sufficient quantity of the powder of the leaves. 
Two are given by M. Negrier in the day. He has never exceeded 
four. 

Where it has been necessary to have recourse to frictions on 
the diseased part, he has employed the following ointment : 

Ungnentum extracti juglandis regise. 

Ointment of extract of walnut leaves. 
R. Extract, juglandis regke gi. 
Adipis gx. 
01. bergamot. w\ iij. 

The friction must be gentle, and for about a quarter of an hour, 
twice a day. 

Vinum jnglandis regis. 

Wine of walnut leaves. 

M. Negrier directs this to be prepared by macerating from an 
ounce and a half to two ounces of the fresh leaves, or ten to twelve 
walnuts covered with their drupes, cut in fragments, in a quart of 
Malaga or Lunel wine. In winter, it may be prepared of from 
half an ounce to five drams of the extract to the quart of wine. 

The dose is a spoonful or more, after eating, night and morning. 

M. Negrier properly remarks, that in all such deeply rooted 
affections, it may be necessary to persevere in the remedy for some 
time; as not only have the effects of the disease to be combated, 
but a profound modification to be induced in the constitution of 
the individual. l 

Injections of a very concentrated decoction of walnut leaves, of 
the temperature of the room, whatever may be the season, have 
been used with much success in leucorrhcea by M. Vidal. 2 

1 Archiv. General, de Medecin, Mai, 1841. 

3 Essai sur un Traitement Methodique de quelques Maladies de la Matrice, &c 
Paris, 1840; noticed in Brit, and For. Med. Rev. for July, 1841, p. 215. 



496 LACTUCARIUM. 



CXIV. LACTUCARIUM. 

Sfnonymes. Lettuce opium, Thridace. 

German. Lattigopium, Lattigmilchsaft , Lattigbi tter. 

The ancient Greek and Roman physicians were well aware of 
the hypnotic property of the common garden lettuce {lactuca sa- 
liva,) the milky juice of which contains lactucarium. It would 
appear, however, that Dr. J. R. Coxe, of Philadelphia, was the 
first to propose the use of the inspissated juice in medicine. 1 Dr. 
Duncan, Senr., of Edinburgh, subsequently paid particular atten- 
tion to the subject, and recommended it as a remedy in phthisis, 
in place of opium. 2 The properties of the juice have also been in- 
vestigated by M. Francois, 3 a French physician. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

There are three kinds of lactucarium. The first and best, but 
the most costly, is obtained from incisions made into the stalks, 
whence the juice exudes, which is subsequently dried in the air. 
This preparation has a bitter taste, soon becomes of a brown colour, 
and solid ; has a gummy fracture, but absorbs moisture from the 
air, becoming soft and clammy. The second variety is obtained 
by expression of the selected stalks, and subsequent desiccation of 
the obtained fluid, either in the air or by artificial warmth. This 
is said to be the variety most commonly met with in commerce;* 
and the third variety is prepared in the same manner as any com- 
mon extract, from all parts of the plant. This is the Thridace 
of some. It is unworthy of confidence. 

The first is the strongest and most uniform, and therefore to be 
preferred. 

Chemical examination shows that lactucarium contains neither 
morphia nor narcotina, as had been supposed. It has been exa- 
mined by M. Aubergier, 5 who found it to have the following com- 
position: — Bitter crystallizable matter ; mannite; asparamide; free 
acid; brown colouring matter; resin; cerin; myricin; albumen, and 
gum; nitrate of potassa; chloride of potassium ; and phosphates of 
lime and magnesia. M. Aubergier regards the crystalline matter 
as the active principle of the lactucarium. 6 M. Quevenne 7 also 
analyzed it, and found it to contain a bitter principle, soluble in 
water and in alcohol, insoluble in ether, and not precipitable by 

1 Wood and Bache's Dispensatory, 6th edit. p. 424. Philad. 1S45. 

* Observations on Consumption. 2d edit. Edinb. 1816. 

8 Archiv. General, de Medecine, 1825. Journal Univer. xl. 254, and xli. 147. See 
also, Fischer, in Rust's Magazin. B. liii. Heft. 1. 

4 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S, 313; und 2te Auflage,S. 473. Stuttgart, 1840. 
See, also, Merat and De Lens. Diet, de Mat. Med. art Lactuca Sativa. 

8 Journ. de Pharm. Jan. 1842, p. 78. 

6 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1843, p 14. Paris. 1843. 

1 A. Richard, Elements d'Histoire Naturelle Medicale, 4emeedit., iij, 94, Paris, 1849. 



LACTUCARIUM. 497 

the salts of lead; albumen; caoutchouc; wax; a vegetable acid, 
(lactucic;) chloride of calcium; phosphate of lime; potassa; gum 
and acetic acid. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

To investigate these, Rothamel 1 instituted experiments with the 
Paris lactucarium. Half a grain to a grain produced little or no 
effect. From three to five grains occasioned a peculiar indescriba- 
ble feeling of lightness over the whole body, without any narcotic 
symptoms or modification in the pulse : from six to eight grains in- 
creased this sensation, and caused dilatation of the pupils. The 
same doses, repeated at intervals of three or four hours through 
the day, diminished the number of pulsations of the heart, and the 
sleep was disturbed. From ten to fifteen grains caused more in- 
disposition, nausea, oppression at the epigastrium, cold sweats, 
anxious respiration, cold sensation in the chest, great dulness, 
vertigo, considerable dilatation of the pupils, yawning and stretch- 
ing, slow pulse, disturbed sleep, general prostration; the tongue 
coated with mucus; disagreeable taste; loss of appetite; pains in 
the shoulders and bones, and uncertain gait ; all which symptoms 
were speedily removed by a few drops of acetic ether, or a glass of 
Rhenish wine. Coffee was much less efficacious. 

Lactucarium has been extolled by numerous physicians as equally 
effective with opium, whilst it is not — they assert — followed by 
the signs of narcosis and other inconveniences, so often induced 
by the latter. Accordingly, it is frequently given where a pure 
sedative is needed — to allay cough, and where much nervous ex- 
citement is present. It has also been used topically, in the form 
given below, by Rau, 3 of Berlin, in catarrhal ophthalmia, and a 
solution, in the proportion of four grains to the ounce, has been 
advised in acute inflammation of the conjunctiva, by Guibert. 3 

The results of the author's experience with lactucarium have 
been negative. He is unable to affirm, that it is possessed of any 
marked sedative and hypnotic powers ; 4 and such would seem to 
have been the general results of extensive trials made with it by 
others. 5 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Lactucarium is given internally, either in the form of solution 
or pill, in the dose of from one-third of a grain to three grains. 
Externally, it has been applied in plaster or ointment. 

1 Ferussac's Bulletin des Sciences Medicales, xxii. Paris, 1830. 
9 Berliner. Medicin. Central-zeitung, Nov. 2, ] 838. 

3 Froriep's Notizen, Bd. xxi. S. 320, and Osann, art. Lactuca, Encyclopad. Worterb. 
der Medicinischen Wissenschaften, xx. 697. Berlin, 1839. 

4 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. 4th edit. i. 376, Philad. 1850. 

* Bouchardat, op. cit. p. 26, and M, Homolle, in Bouchardat's Annuaire, &c, pour 
1845, p. 27. Paris, 1845. V 



498 M AGNES. 

Mi star a lac tucarii. 

Mixture oflactucarium. 
R. Lactucar. 9j. 

Mucilag. acac. q. s. ad subactionem. 
Perfecte unitis adfunde 

Aq. fgvj. 

Syrup, rub. idaei f ^ss. M. 

Dose. — Two spoonfuls, every two hours, in spasmodic cough, 
sleeplessness and hysteria. Von Hildenbrand. 

R. Acid, boracic. gij. 
Lactucarii 9j. 
Solve in 

Aq. destillat. f 3jvj. 
Syrup, papav. f sjss. M. 

Dose. — A small spoonful — in cases of "spastic hamoptysis." 

Rothamel. 
Collyrium lactucarii. 
Eyewash of lactucarium. 
&. Lactucar. gr. iij. 
Aq. destillat. f £iij. 
Mucilag. cydon. gtt. xx. M. 

Rau. 
M. Aubergier 1 considers the alcoholic extract to be the best 
form of preparation. The lactucarium is twice successively di- 
gested in alcohol of .922 : the fluids are then mixed, distilled, and 
evaporated in a water bath. During evaporation the fluid must 
be constantly stirred. The extract, thus procured, is of a brown 
colour, and very bitter. It may be given in pills, or in the form 
of syrup. For the latter — syrupus lactucarii — M. Aubergier 
recommends that every 501 parts should contain one of the extract. 
He gives it either alone or in association in the quantity of from 
f jiss. to f 31J. in the twenty-four hours, in cases of bronchitis or 
phthisis. 



CXV. MAGXES. 

Synonymes, Magnetes, Magnet, 
French. Aimant, Pierre d : Aimant. 
German. Magnet, Magne tstein. 

The natural magnet was employed of old both externally and 
internally, and in the most diversified forms and affections. 2 The 
artificial magnet has been used within the last century only. It 
is generally on the diseased part, or around it, that it is applied, 
and the application is made for a longer or shorter time according 
to circumstances — being at times drawn along the nerves of the 
affected part ; at others applied in a more prolonged manner. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire, &c, pour 1845. 

3 Art. Aimant, in Diet. Univers, de Matiere Medicale, par Merat & De Lens. 



MAGNES. 499 

It has been affirmed, 1 that magnets of 10 pounds supporting 
power, when drawn along the body downwards, without contact, 
produce certain sensations in a certain, or rather uncertain, propor- 
tion of human beings. Occasionally, in twenty persons three or 
four sensitive individuals are found ; and in one case out of twenty- 
two females, examined by Von Reichenbach, eighteen were sensi- 
tive. The sensation is said to be rather unpleasant than agreeable, 
and is like an aura, in some cases warm, in others cool ; or it may 
be a pricking, or a sensation of the creeping of insects on the 
skin ; and at times headach rapidly supervenes. These effects, 
it is said, occur when the patient does not see the magnet or know 
what is being done. They ensue both in males and females, but 
more frequently in the latter : they are sometimes seen in strong 
healthy people, but oftener in those whose health, although good, 
is not so vigorous, and in nervous persons. Children are often 
found to be sensitive. Persons affected with spasmodic diseases — 
epilepsy, catalepsy, chorea, paralysis and hysteria are especially 
sensitive, and lunatics and somnambulists, he says, are uniformly so. 2 

It is, then, on the nervous system that the magnet exerts its effi- 
cacy. Accordingly, the class of diseases in which it has been 
found most beneficial are those termed "nervous and spasmodic" 
This is strikingly shown by the published observations of MM. 
Andry and Thouret, 3 Commissioner of the Societe Royale de Me- 
decine, appointed to examine into the matter. In cases of spasms, 
palpitations, convulsions, epilepsy, tremors, cramps, neuralgia, 
rheumatism, &c, the only agent employed was the magnet, and it 
was wholly successful. These gentlemen were disposed to infer, 
that the magnet exerts an incontestable magnetic action on the 
nervous system, to which, in part at least, the curative agency 
must be ascribed, and their conclusions were thought to be corro- 
borated by cases observed by MM. Alibert, Cayol, Chomel, Re- 
camier, &c. The celebrated Laennec, 4 who employed the magnet 
in the manner recommended by Halle, — that is, by establishing a 
magnetic current through the diseased parts by means of several 
magnetized plates, affirms, that he frequently found it moderate 
the pain in pulmonary neuralgia, diminish the oppression in ner- 
vous asthma, suspend spasmodic hiccough, and exhibit its utility 
in simple neuralgia of the heart, and in angina pectoris. In the 

1 Abstract of Researches on Magnetism and certain allied Subjects, &c, by Baron 
Von Reichenbach; translated by W. Gregory: or notice of the same in the Bulletin of 
Med. Science. Philad. July, 1846, p. 217. 

a See on all this curious subject, Baron Charles Von Reichenbach, Physico-physiologi- 
cal Researches on the Dynamics of Magnetism, Electricity, Heat, Light, Crystallization, 
and Chemism in their relation to Vital Force, — translated, Ac. by John Ashburner, 
M.D. London, 1851. 

3 Mem. de la Societe Royale de Medecinede Paris, pour 1776, p. 531, and Thouret, 
art. Aimant, in Encycloped. Method. Partie Medicale,i. 421. Paris, 1786; also Du- 
mont, in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1843, p. 79. Paris, 1843. 

4 Traite de l'Auscultation Mediate, 2de edit, torn. ii. 



500 MAGNES. 

last disease, the application of a small blister under the anterior 
plate appeared to render the effects of the magnet v more marked. 

It is not many years since considerable interest was excited in 
London, by the success said to have been obtained in the treatment 
of neuralgia, toothach, and other affections of the nerves, by 
the application of the ordinary magnet or " mineral magnet" 
as it was termed by Dr. Blundell who employed it. 1 It would 
seem, too, that owing to a considerable demand for loadstone, the 
conductors of the Bulletino delle Scienze Mediche, 2 of Bologna, 
were led to make inquiries concerning the uses to which it was 
put. From these it appeared, that the Ex-Bey of Algiers, whilst 
at Leghorn, in 1831, mentioned to a Catholic dignitary, Father 
Campagnoli, who was suffering under gout, that the application 
of the loadstone was an oriental remedy for the disease, and of cer- 
tain efficacy. He immediately procured a piece of loadstone, as 
he had been subject to regular and frequent attacks of gout since 
1805, and its application removed the next paroxysm. Since this 
time, he has always had recourse to the same remedy, and has 
found, that the attacks come on less frequently and severely, and 
that they invariably yield, so that he has rejected all his former 
plans of treatment. On the first symptom he goes to bed, and 
places the loadstone in close contact with the pained part ; he pre- 
sently falls asleep, and awakes free from pain, and able to walk. 
The loadstone, which he uses, weighs five pounds, and has smooth 
sides. He has recommended this plan to other gouty individuals, 
who have experienced similar relief. 

The author has witnessed the application of the mineral mag- 
net repeatedly in nervous diseases, in persons of highly impres- 
sible habits ; but except in such, and apart from the effects of the 
imagination, he has seen no beneficial results from it. 

It has been affirmed, 3 that in the workshops of Fairbairne in 
Belgium, an artificial magnet was put up some years ago at the 
level of the eye ; and at every instant a turner, or an adjuster, or 
some other workman, who has had a particle of iron driven into 
his eye, is seen running to the magnet, which draws it out as soon 
as the eyelids are separated, and the eye is held near its pole. 

For Electricity, see Galvanismus ; and for Magnetic Elec- 
tricity, see Electro-Magnetismus. 

1 See Lancet for 1833, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Nov. 1833, p. 
247. 

2 Marzo et Aprile, 1835; cited in Brit, and For. Medical Review, July, 1836, p. 24b'. 
8 Gazette des Hopitaux, 14 Juin, 1842; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Rev., Oct 1S42, 

p. 557. 



MAGNESIA CITRAS. 



501 



CXVI. MAGNESIA CITRAS. 

Stnonymes. Citrate of Magnesia. 

French. Citrate de Magnesie. 

German. Citronensaures Magnesia oder Bittererde. 

This preparation has been introduced as an agreeable cathartic, 
by M. Roge Delabarre. 1 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Citrate of magnesia may be prepared by saturating a solution 
of citric acid with either magnesia or carbonate of magnesia. 
Dr. Pereira 2 finds that Bj. of the crystallized acid of commerce 
saturates about fourteen grains of either light or heavy carbonate 
of magnesia. Another mode of preparing it is by double decom- 
position from sulphate of magnesia and citrate of soda. 

Neutral citrate of magnesia is a white, pulverulent, insipid salt, 
and when aided by the addition of a slight excess of the acid, is 
soluble in water. The solution has an acid taste, and has not the 
disagreeable bitter taste of the magnesian salts. It is a mild lax- 
ative, in the dose of from an ounce to ten drams. 

It is, however, in solution, and in the effervescing state, that it 
is best known and preferred. Four drams of citric acid, and three 
and a half drams of carbonate of magnesia, dissolved in a suffi- 
ciency of water, yield rather more than an ounce of solid citrate 
of magnesia. 

Dr. Pereira gives the following formulae for, first, the simple 
solution, acidulated with citric acid and flavoured with syrup of 
orange peel, called magnesian lemonade; and, secondly, the effer- 
vescing solution, called effervescing magnesian lemonade. 

1. liquor maguesise citratis. 

Solution of citrate of magnesia. 

R. Acid citric. £ss. 
Magnes. carb. ^j. 
Syrup, aurant. gij. 
Aq. destillat. gij. M. 

2. Liquor magnesia citratis effervescens. 

Effervescing solution of citrate of magnesia. 

R- Acid citric. £Jss. 
Aquas destillat. §j. 
Syrup, aurant. gij. M. 

To be taken with f 3x. of Dinneford's solution of bicarbonate of 
magnesia in a state of effervescence. 

Various modes of preparing the effervescing solution of the 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, Juin, 1847, Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therap. pour 1848, 
p. 118; and Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, August, 1847, p. 218. 
3 Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 2d edit. i. 619. Lond. 1849. 



502 MAGNESIA CITRAS. 

citrate have been proposed by MM. Roge Delabarre, Bardet, 
Massignon, Garot, Marchand, Duclou, Dorvault, V. Gamier, 
Maury, Cadet Gassecourt, and others. 1 Mr. Edward Parrish, 2 
of Philadelphia, prepares it by forming a slightly acid citrate of 
magnesia — about an ounce and a half of the salt to a pint of 
water — which is introduced into ordinary Saratoga water bottles, 
containing the requisite quantity of lemon syrup, until nearly full, 
and the remaining space is filled with moist, recently prepared, 
carbonate of magnesia, immediately after which the bottles are 
well corked. On mixing the contents of the bottle, the carbo- 
nate of magnesia is decomposed by the free citric acid in the solu- 
tion, and the evolved carbonic acid is retained by the close cork, 
and absorbed by the liquid. 

The formula of M. Rabourdin 3 has been recommended. It is 
as follows: — 

R. Magnes. carbon, gr. 292. 

Acid citric, crystallizat. gr. 446. 

Aquae f ^x. 

Syrup, limon. f ^ij. 

Dissolve 13S grains of the carbonate in two fluidounces of 
water holding in solution 170 grains of citric acid, and pour it 
into a twelve ounce mineral-water bottle. The remaining 154 
grains are then triturated with the remainder of the water, and 
also poured into the bottle. 185 grains of citric acid are now 
added, and the bottle is immediately and strongly corked and tied 
over. The citric acid reacts with a portion of the carbonate, and 
forms citrate of magnesia, whilst the other portion is converted 
into bicarbonate of magnesia by the liberated and compressed car- 
bonic acid. As soon as, with occasional agitation, the opake 
fluid becomes but slightly milky, the cork is carefully removed, 
and the solution filtered and reintroduced into the bottle, along 
with two fluidounces of lemon syrup and 91 grains of citric acid. 
The cork is then securely replaced and wired. 

These quantities produce twelve fluidounces of the solution, each 
ounce containing about a dram of the citrate. If the carbonate of 
magnesia and citric acid are free from impurities, there is no 
necessity to filter after the second addition of acid, as the solution 
becomes clear a few hours after the last portion of acid has been 
added. 

The dose is from a half to a whole bottle. It is certainly an 
agreeable laxative, and is much employed. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therap. pour 1848, p. 118, 123, and Ibid, pour 1849, 
p. 188, 189, 192, 193 and 194. 
3 Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, Nov. 1847, p. 264. 3 Ibid. July, 1848, p. 254. 



MANNITA. 503 



CXVII. MANNITA. 

Synonymes. Mannitum, Saccharum Mannae, Mannite, Sugar of Manna. 
German. Mannit, Mannazucker, Mannastoff. 

This principle, which was first discovered by Proust, belongs to 
the varieties of sugar that are not susceptible of fermentation, and 
constitutes the chief ingredient of manna. Its presence is not con- 
fined, however, to that substance. It is met with in several other 
vegetable juices — cucumbers, melons, celery, beets, &c. Yet in 
these it is first found after fermentation, so that chemists have been 
disposed to regard it as a product of fermentation. 1 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Mannite is commonly procured from manna. Manna in lachry- 
mis, as it is obtained in commerce, is treated with boiling alco- 
hol, filtered, and suffered to crystallize : by rest and refrigeration, 
mannite is precipitated in small, beautiful, white needles. The 
manna in tears consists almost wholly of Mannite. Common manna, 
on the other hand, contains but little thereof, and in its place has 
a yellow extractive matter to which cathartic properties have 
been assigned: coarse manna consists almost wholly of the latter. 
To obtain mannite, consequently, the manna in tears is selected. 

Should the administration of mannite as a remedial agent become 
more common, it may be worth the trouble to inquire, whether it 
might not be advantageous to prepare it from the vegetable juices 
above mentioned. 

Mannite, prepared in the above manner, is of a white colour; 
soluble in five parts of cold water, and in almost every proportion 
in boiling water; it seems to be entirely insoluble in cold absolute 
alcohol; is somewhat more so in boiling alcohol, and still more so 
in boiling alcohol which contains water. At from 221° to 230° 
Fahrenheit, it melts into a colourless, adhesive fluid, and crystal- 
lizes on cooling. When more strongly heated, it burns, and is 
decomposed like sugar. From its alcoholic solutions it separates 
on cooling, in white, silky, shining, needle-shaped crystals, col- 
lected in stelliform roundish masses. When mannite is dissolved 
in an equal weight of boiling water, and the fluid is evaporated by 
a strong fire and rapid ebullition, until a small portion placed on 
a cold glass plate rapidly becomes solid, it may be poured out into 
shapes. 

The taste of the sugar of manna is feeble, but agreeably sweet : 
it is inodorous, or at least nearly so. According to Liebig, man- 
nite consists of 40.0228 of carbon, 7.6234 of hydrogen, and 52.3537 
of oxygen. 

Granatin or Grenadin of pomegranate root agrees so much with 

1 Art Mannite, in Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. 



504 



MANNITA. 



mannite in its properties that both have been regarded as the same 
substance. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

According to Magendie, 1 mannite may be advantageously sub- 
stituted for manna, as it possesses the cathartic property without 
the nauseous flavour. The dose is two drams for a child, and, 
at times, as much as half an ounce; but, in the latter dose, Magen- 
die always found the catharsis too active: for this reason he con- 
siders it to be the best dose for the adult. He recommends, that 
a syrup should be prepared from it, and that this should be pre- 
scribed both as a cathartic for children at the breast, and as an ad- 
dition to other articles in cases q{ pulmonary catarrh. M. Solon 
has likewise spoken favourably of the therapeutical advantages of 
mannite. He administered it in three cases of gastricism — in two 
of them combined with castor oil — in which it induced, in a few 
hours, critical evacuations; and in a case of peritonitis occasioned 
by obstinate constipation its use was followed by the best effects. 
In the last case, the inflammation completely disappeared, and the 
constipation yielded without any other agency. It was found, 
likewise, of essential service in convalescence from bronchitis and 
pneumonia. Only in two cases of females — the one labouring 
under ascites — the other under phlegmatia dolens, did mannite 
fail to have any aperient agency. This, it was presumed, was 
probably owing to both of the patients having been habituated 
to the use of powerful cathartics, and to there not being enough of 
the preparation to admit of the administration of the appropriate 
quantity. 

According to M. Solon, mannite may be given in the dose of 
one or two ounces dissolved in from two to four ounces of a hot 
aromatic water, the solution to be taken warm, otherwise it forms 
a stiff, adhesive mass; or it may be added to ordinary cathartic 
potions. He assigns it the preference over manna and castor oil; 
first, because it has an agreeable saccharine taste, and secondly, 
because it is always equally good; whilst those substances are 
often deteriorated, and on that account uncertain in their effects. 
It appeared to him to be peculiarly adapted for cases in which it 
was desirable to evacuate the intestines with as little excitation as 
possible. 

Magendie, in his lectures on the blood, classes mannite amongst 
the substances that promote the coagulation of that fluid. 2 

x Formulaire, &c, dem. edit. 

* Lemons sur le Sang, &c. &c. Translation in Lond. Lancet for Jan. 26, 1839, p, 636. 



MATIAS. 505 

CXVIII. MATIAS. 

Synonymes. Malambo ; Melambo. 

A paper on the Matias bark was read before the. Medical Sec- 
tion of the British Association for the Advancement of Science at 
their meeting in 1840, by Dr. Mackay. The plant, from which 
the bark was obtained, grows in great abundance in South Ame- 
rica ; but its botanical characters have not been given. From 
what Dr. Mackay heard, it would seem to belong to the genus 
Wintersonia. It contains an intensely bitter extractive matter, 
and yields, on distillation, two distinct essential oils, which differ 
in specific gravity, and are soluble in alcohol and ether; and but 
very sparingly so in water. The principal characteristic substance 
derived from it was a bitter resinous matter. No alkaloid was 
discovered in it. Mr. Ure 1 considers it to be identical with ma- 
lambo, the Indian name for the bark of a tree which grows in 
New Grenada, and is held in high esteem by the natives as an an- 
tiperiodic, and stomachic. He describes the bark as three or four 
lines thick; brittle, although somewhat fibrous; of a brown colour, 
and covered with an ash-coloured tuberculated epidermis. 

Malambo bark was analyzed by Cadet, and afterwards by Vau- 
quelin, who found it to contain resin, a light volatile oil, and an 
extract very soluble in water. No tannic acid was found in it ; 
scarcely any gallic acid, and none of the alkalies of the cincho- 
nas. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

In its native country, matias bark is extensively used as a sub- 
stitute for cinchona in intermittents. Its principal therapeutical 
properties are tonic, aromatic and astringent. Dr. Mackay stated, 
that it had been exhibited with marked success in dyspepsia accom- 
panied by loss of appetite, which it quickly restored. In phthisis, 
where tonics were admissible, it supported the strength and pre- 
vented rapid sinking. In dropsy, it was found to be a valuable 
adjunct to diuretics; and, in intermittents, to deserve its native 
reputation of being a good substitute for cinchona. 

The virtues ascribed to it by Dr. Mackay are confirmed by Dr. 
Neubigging, who has used it extensively. 3 Mr. Ure has often 
administered it with good effect as a substitute for cinchona. In 
scrofulous ophthalmia, after having removed feculent accumula- 
tions from the bowels, he has known an infusion, made with two 
drams of the bark to a pint of water, cause a speedy and complete 
removal of the inflammation and morbid sensibility of the eyes, 

1 Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. iii. No. 4, p. 170. 

2 Annates de Chimie, xcvi. 113: and Journ. de Pharmacie, ii. 172. See, also, Merat 
and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. &c., art. Malambo. 

* Lond. Athenaeum, Oct. 1840; cited in Amer. Journ. Med. Sciences. Jan. 1841, p. 209. 



506 MATICO. 

The dose of the infusion was from one to two fluidounces, re- 
peated twice or thrice in the course of the day. " It may, in 
some instances, be advantageously conjoined with salts of iron or 
of mercury, with both of which it is compatible. The addition of 
a little syrup of orange peel, and compound tincture of cardamoms, 
forms a draught by no means disagreeable." 



CX1X. MATICO. 

Synonymes. Piper An gusti folium seii Elongatum, Stephensia seu Artan- 

the Elongata, Matico plant, Soldier's Weed or Herb. 
Spanish. Yerba del Soldado. 

The name of this plant is said to have been derived from a Spa- 
nish soldier called Matico, who, lying desperately wounded, and 
bleeding to death, caught accidentally hold of some of its leaves, 
and by their application arrested the hemorrhage. 

At a meeting of the Medico-Botanical Society of London, held 
in 1827, Mr. Frost brought a specimen of this plant before their 
notice; which appeared to him to be a species of pepper. 1 A 
specimen of Matico leaves was brought from Peru to the United 
States, in 1834, by Dr. Ruschenberger, of the United States 
Navy, who has since received other specimens from Lima, with 
a portion of which he kindly favoured the author. The leaves 
are considered to be those of Piper angustifolium, of Ruiz and 
Pavon ; 2 but Dr. Ruschenberger observes, the properties of the 
plant, so far as we can judge from the imperfect dried specimens, 
differ somewhat from the pepper family, when we compare dif- 
ferent parts of the plants. The dried leaves are deeply reticu- 
lated, and of a greenish ashy-gray colour; the stem is herbaceous 
and jointed ; but the specimens are so much broken, as to render 
it difficult, if not impracticable, to form an accurate idea of the 
plant. It has been introduced of late years into Great Britain, and, 
according to Messrs. Ballard and Garrod, 3 promises to maintain 
the reputation it has enjoyed in South America as a most powerful 
styptic. 

Dr. Carson 4 states, that the specimens he has examined consist 
of the broken, and, in most cases, crumbled leaves, with portions 
of twigs, and flower spikes or fruit ; and such is the character of 
the specimens examined by the author. Dr. Hodges has seen two 
samples, — the one consisting of the dried leaves, whilst another, 

1 London Medical and Physical Journal, cited in the North American Medical and 
Surgical Journal, iv. 419. Philad. 1827. 

2 Persoon, i. 32, Cramer's edit , cited by Jeffreys in Transactions of the Provincial 
Med and Surg. Association, xi. 351. Lond. 1843; Carson, 2d. Amer. edit, of Pereira's 
Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. ii. 222. Philad. 1846: and Ballard and Garrod, 
Elements of Mat Med. and Therap. p. 411. Lond. 1845. * Op. cit. 

3 Op. cit. 



MAT ICO. 507 

■which he procured more recently, had mixed with the leaves a 
considerable quantity of the flowering twigs, and woody stems of 
the plant compressed together, and flattened into a cake. The 
leaves, according to him, have a strong aromatic and slightly as- 
tringent taste ; and the smell and taste of their infusion in water 
very much resemble those of the tea prepared by the country 
people in Ireland from the leaves of the indigenous Salvia 
verbenaca. Dr. J. H. Scrivener, in a letter to Dr. Ruschenberger, 
dated Lima, April 30, 1845, says, that Matico grows abundantly 
along the sides of the mountains of Monobamba and Huanuco in 
the department of Junin. There are three species, distinguished 
by the colour of their stems, which are red, brown and white. 
The red is considered superior to the others, and is carried to Lima 
in large quantities by the Indians, and sold to the druggists. 
When the Flora Peruana was published, the medicinal properties 
of the plant were unknown. Their discovery is attributed to a 
oldier, who was wounded on the 9th of December, 1824, at the 
battle of Ayacucho. 1 

The specimens examined by the author had no marked sensible 
properties. 

When analyzed by Mr. Clay, of Liverpool, 2 Matico seemed to 
have gallic acid in its composition; but from the experiments 
of Dr. Hodges, he concluded, that besides the ordinary constitu- 
ents of leaves, it contains a soft, dark-green resin, some aromatic 
volatile oil, and a bitter principle, to which he gave the name 
maficin. Its virtues are imparted to dilute alcohol, and to hot 
and cold water. Decoction, according to Messrs. Ballard and 
Garrod, volatilizes the essential oil, and if so, it would be an im- 
proper mode of preparation. Dr. Ruschenberger, however, affirms, 
that the oil is heavier than a saturated solution of common salt. 3 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Matico, under the name Yerba del Soldado, ( l Soldier's Weed, 3 ) 
has a popular reputation in Peru of being a remarkably powerful 
styptic; and it is said, that soldiers on going to battle carry with 
them a supply of it to stanch the blood. It is asserted, and 
popularly believed, that a Matico leaf applied at once, will arrest 
hemorrhage in a fowl after decapitation. It is very generally used 
in Lima, and along the coast, in cases of hemorrhage, and of all 
kinds of ulcers. The leaves are well pounded, and then applied 
to the wound: the vessels contract, and the hemorrhage ceases. 
An infusion of the plant is used as a wash to ulcers, and after 
washing a small quantity of the powder is applied ; but it does 
not appear that Matico has ever been used in Lima as an internal 
remedy. In the province of Chequas, however, in the eastern 

1 Ruschenberger. 3 Jeffreys, op. cit. p. 352. 

3 Med. Exam., July, 1846, p. 401. 



508 MAT I CO. 

extremity of Bolivia, where it is equally regarded as a valuable 
haBraastatic, it is said to be given as a diuretic. 1 In a case of 
hemorrhage from the tongue, occurring in a lad of the hemor- 
rhagic diathesis, Mr. J. Hamilton, of Dublin, arrested the flow of 
blood by the application to the under surface of a small piece of 
Matico leaf. 

In one case, Dr. Ruschenberger employed the leaves to arrest 
hemorrhage after an operation below the angle of the jaw, where 
there was considerable bleeding, and difficulty in taking up the 
vessels, owing to the indurated condition of the parts, attributable 
to inflammation of long standing, caused by the pressure of a mo- 
lar tooth, which had been driven in by a musket ball to a point 
between the base of the tongue and the angle of the jaw. The 
tooth was removed by incision, and the application of the Matico 
was successful. The wound, an inch and a half in depth, was 
filled with leaves moistened with water, and the bleeding ceased 
almost instantaneously. 

In enlarging a burrowing bubo, Dr. Ruschenberger divided the 
arteria ad cutem abdominis, which' bled freely. He directed that 
an attempt should be made to arrest the hemorrhage by lint and 
pressure. After a trial of ten minutes, which totally failed, he 
directed moistened Matico leaves to be applied. The assistant 
reported, in a few moments, that the Matico exerted no influence, 
and proposed to secure the bleeding vessel by ligature. Dr. Rus- 
chenberger now visited the patient, who had lost six or eight 
ounces of blood, and was still bleeding. Coarsely powdering some 
Matico leaves in the palm of his hand, he formed the mass into a 
paste with cold water. He then removed a clot, through which 
the arterial blood had formed a passage of the size of a crow's 
quill: the blood flowed per saltum, forming a jet at least three- 
fourths of an inch high. The paste was applied lightly with the 
fingers, and filled the wound. The surrounding skin was imme- 
diately sponged clean: the hemorrhage ceased instantly, and not 
a single drop of blood flowed afterwards. No pressure was used, 
nor dressing applied. On the first application, which failed, the 
entire Matico leaf had been simply dipped in water and applied. 

A cupper and leecher, in Brooklyn, informed Dr. Ruschenber- 
ger that he found Matico, applied as described above, arrest, 
instantly, bleeding from leech-bites in children, which, before he 
obtained the leaves, often caused him great anxiety. He expressed 
himself perfectly satisfied, that there need be no difficulty in ar- 
resting hemorrhage from leech-bites where Matico can be obtained. 
Mr. Edward Young 2 has also found it a valuable agent in arrest- 
ing the bleeding in such cases. 

1 Jeffre)-s, Lond. Lancet, Jan. 5, 1839. p. 567. 

- Dublin Hospital Gazette, cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, xii. 179, Amer. edit. 
New York, 184a. 



MATICO, 



009 



When first introduced into England, it was found by Dr. Jef- 
freys 1 to possess the power of controlling obstinate accidental 
hemorrhages ; such as arose from leech-bites, the removal of nsevi, 
incisions, &c, when the under side of the leaf was applied to the 
bleeding surface. Testimony of its hsemastatic powers was also 
furnished by Dr. Kendrick, 2 Dr. Monroe, 3 Dr. Scott, Mr. Hamil- 
ton, 4 and others. 

The stump of an arm, amputated near the shoulder, bled to a 
dangerous amount from the whole surface. Pressure having failed, 
a paste was made by moistening powdered Matico, which was 
spread over the part. It acted as an artificial coagulum, and 
checked the flow of blood, which did not subsequently recur. 
The only other remedy would have been to tie the subclavian 
artery. 5 

Possessed apparently of powers as a styptic, it was soon ad- 
ministered internally in cases where astringents appeared to be 
indicated. By Dr. Jeffreys and others, it was found to be valu- 
able in gonorrhoea, leucorrhcea, menorrhagia, hemorrhoids, catar- 
rhus vesicae, &c. In a case related by Dr. Jeffreys, the patient 
had been subject for two months to excessive discharges of blood 
and coagula from the vagina, occurring every ten days or a 
fortnight, and followed by a serous or muco-purulent discharge. 
The usual treatment had been unsuccessful; when a wine-glassful 
of infusion of Matico was given four times daily; and in ten days 
she recovered from all severe symptoms. In another case of 
discharge of blood from the bowels, with scarcely any feculent 
matter in the evacuations, a decoction of Matico, in the proportion 
of half an ounce to the pint, was prescribed, of which two table- 
spoonfuls were taken every four or six hours. Three doses were 
sufficient for the cure. In melcena, occurring in the course of 
adynamic fever, Dr. Watmough 6 found a combination of it with 
senna particularly beneficial. Two drams of each were infused 
in a pint of water; and a wine-glassful of the infusion was given 
frequently. 

Dr. Hunter Lane 7 found the infusion and tincture very ser- 
viceable in similar cases. In chronic diarrhoea, it did not prove 
of very eminent service, but as an injection in leucorrhcea, it had, 
he thought, all the advantages, and none of the disadvantages of 
a solution of nitrate of silver. He also found it serviceable in 



1 London Lancet, Jan. 5, 1839, p. 567. 3 Jeffreys, op. cit. p. 357. 

3 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, June 18, 1842, p. 209, and London and Edin- 
burgh Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Aug. 1842. p. 737. 

* Monthly Journal of Med. Science, for Nov. 1846, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med. 
Sciences, Jan. 1847, p„ 142. 

5 H. Hartshorne, Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Jan. 1850, p. 112. 

6 Provincial Medical Journal, March 10, 1847. 

7 Lond. Med. Gazette, Oct. 6, 1843, p. 9, 

33 



510 MATICO. 

menorrhagia, and in the varicose and ulcerated condition of the 
rectum for which Dr. Houston proposes the topical application of 
nitric acid. 1 (See Acidum Nitricum.) Mr. Butler 3 used the 
Matico infusion internally, and by injection, with the best results, 
in two cases of uterine hemorrhage accompanying abortion. Mr. 
Edward Young 3 also found great benefit from it in leucorrhcea, in 
the form of injection, made by boiling an ounce of the leaves in a 
pint of water for ten minutes ; and he considers it unsurpassed as 
an external application in hemorrhoids, when made into an oint- 
ment w T ith opium, according to the form given hereafter, and 
applied night and morning. 

Dr. Ruschenberger used the tincture advantageously in a case of 
hcematemesis, after other plans of treatment had been resorted to 
ineffectually. In several cases of gonorrhoea, its impression was 
very slight. He does not think it equal to cubebs. He used the 
syrup in teaspoonful doses, with decided advantage, in leucorrhcea 
of long standing. In certain cases of chronic ophthalmia, where 
astringent applications were indicated, he prescribed the watery 
infusion, dilute tincture, and watery solution of the extract, and 
in every case with beneficial results. 

From the whole of the testimony, then, there is encouragement 
to expect beneficial results from Matico. The difficulty, however, 
of establishing the action of styptics is considerable, as is suffi- 
ciently exemplified in the history of the Acqua Binelli and the 
Acqua Brocchieri. The same difficulty likewise exists in regard 
to the determination of its powers as an internal astringent. After 
the discharge of an uncertain amount of blood, hemorrhage gene- 
rally ceases spontaneously ; and hence any article that may have 
been administered may acquire a hemastatic reputation. This is 
probably the history of the employment of chloride of sodium to 
check the flow of blood in haemoptysis. Doubtless, however, 
Matico is worthy of more extensive trials, although its sensible 
properties, taken alone, would not encourage us to place more 
faith in it than in the overrated hemastatic * Waters ' referred to, 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Matico may be given internally in powder, in the dose of from 
half a dram to a dram, in infusion, decoction, tincture, syrup, or 
extract. Externally, it has been employed in the first three forms ; 
and also in ointment. In epistaxis, the powdered herb, used as 
snuff, has been found a convenient mode of application. 4 

* See, on this subject, Dr. O'Ferrall, Dublin Hospital Gazette, Oct. 1, 1845; cited in 
Braithwaite's Retrospect, xii. 203, Amer. edit., New York, 184G. 

a London Lancet, Jan. 18, 1845. 3 Op. cit. 

4 Jeffreys, Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, June 12, 1844, p. 161. 



MATICO. 



511 



Infusum piper is angustifolii. 
Infusion of matico. 

R. Piper, angustifol. fol. %\» 
Aquae buliientis Oj. 

Infuse for two hours. Dose, two table-spoonfuls twice or thrice 
a day, or often er. Jeffreys. 

Infusum matico. 
R. Piper, angustifol. fol. concis. gss. (avoirdupois.) 
Aquse buliientis Oss. (f 3X.) 
Infunde per horam et cola. 

The product should measure about eight ounces. 

Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. 

Decoctum piperis angustifolii. 
Decoction of Matico. 
R. Piperis angustifol. jfj. 
Aquas Oj. 
Boil for ten or fifteen minutes, and strain. 
Dose, the same as that of the infusion. Jeffreys. 

Tinctura piperis angustifolii. 
Tincture of matico. 
R. Piperis angustifolii fol. Ifiij. 
Alcohol, dilut. Oj. 
Digest for fourteen days, and filter. 
Dose from 30 to 60 drops in water. Jeffreys. 

The Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850 has a Tinctura Matico, 
formed of ^viij., avoirdupois, of matico leaves, in coarse powder, 
to a quart (f 3x1.) of proof spirit. 

Syrupus piperis angustifolii. 
Syrup of matico. 

R. Piperis angustifol. fol. Sjiv. 
Alcohol, dilut. Oj. 
Exhaust by displacement ; evaporate to one half, and add the proper 
quantity of sugar. 

Dose, a tea-spoonful or two. Ruschenherger. 

Extractura piperis angustifolii. 

Extract of matico. 

This is made by treating Matico with alcohol and with water succes- 
sively, and reducing to the consistence of a fluid extract. 

Dose — ten to twenty grains. Ruschenherger. 

Unguentum piperis angustifolii et opii. 
Ointment of matico and opium. 
R. Piper, angustifol. fol. pulv. giij. 
Opii pulv. gr. iij. 
Adipis gi. M. 

Applied night and morning in hemorrhoids. Young. 



512 MONESIA. 



CXX. MONESIA, 



This vegetable substance has been imported into Europe, from 
South America, within the last twelve years, and, in consequence 
of the trials that have been made with it, by the French practi- 
tioners more especially, it was introduced in the year 1840 into 
this country. It is imported into France, in the form of hard, 
thick cakes, weighing upwards of twenty pounds. These cakes 
or loaves are much flattened, and have a yellowish coloured paper 
strongly adhering to them. 1 They are composed of an extract, 
prepared in South America from the bark of a tree. It would seem, 
that a French merchant, who had dwelt for a long time in the in- 
terior of South America, and had witnessed the surprising effects, 
in certain diseases, from the employment of an extract which the 
natives made from the bark of a tree of the country, determined to 
import it into France, and to submit it to the experiments of his 
medical and pharmaceutical countrymen. 2 A quantity of the drug 
was accordingly sent to Paris, and placed in the hands of M. De- 
rosne. About a year and a half after this, he obtained some spe- 
cimens of the bark of the tree, from which he procured an extract 
presenting all the characters of that previously sent to him, and 
identical in composition. This bark is said by M. Derosne to be 
called by some travellers Goharem, and, by others, Buranhem and 
Guaranhem ; and the naturalists, who have examined it there, think 
that the tree which furnished it is a chrysophyllum — chrysophyl- 
lum Buranhem seu glycyphlseum? It is smooth and grayish, 
like that of the plane tree; but with this difference, that it is much 
thicker; its fracture is imbricated, and its sweet taste contrasts 
singularly with the bitterness of the thin laminae that are detached 
from the plane tree. The extract — monesia — is of a deep brown 
colour. It is very friable, and its fracture presents the same ap- 
pearance as that of a well torrefied cacao nut. It is wholly soluble 
in water, and its taste, — which is at first sweet like liquorice, — 
soon becomes astringent, and leaves behind a well-marked and 
enduring acrid impression, which is felt especially in the tonsils. 

Chemical analysis of the bark has detected the following sepa- 
rate principles: — chlorophyll; vegetable wax; fatty and crystal- 
lizable matter; glycyrrhizin ; an acrid and slightly bitter matter; 
a little tannic acid ; an organic acid, not studied ; a red colouring 
matter, analogous to that of cinchona; phosphates of lime and 
magnesia; and salts of lime, w T ith an organic acid. 4 The extract 

1 Martin Saint-Anore, Gazette Medicale de Paris, 19 Oct., 1839. 

8 Bernard Derosne, Notice sur ie Monesia. Paris, 1839; Sigmonri, Lond. Lancet. 
1840; and A. Richard, Elements d'Histoire Naturelle Medicale, 4eme edit. iii. 3. 
Paris, 1849. 

3 See a translation of a communication by M. Saint-Anore, in American Journal of 
Pharmacy, July, 1840, and in Amer. Med. Intel. March. 1840, p. 363. 

4 Bernard Derosne, and O. Henry, in Notice sur le Monesia. par B. Derosne; and in 



MONESIA. 513 

— monesia — contains nearly 8 per cent, of glycyrrhizin, and 20 
per cent, of acrid matter (monesin;) and no difference was found 
by M. Derosne on analysis between the imported extract and that 
prepared from the bark. 

An analysis by M. Persoz, 1 Professor at the •flcademie des Sci- 
ences of Paris, gave the following as the constituents of the ex- 
tract: — tannic acid, rendering iron blue, 52 ; gum or mucilage, 10 ; 
sweet matter, 36; loss, 2. 

It has been suggested, that the bark of the tree which fur- 
nishes monesia is the same with that of quillaia saponaria of 
Chili. Neither the bark nor the extract would seem, however, 
to be identical, although in certain respects they resemble each 
other : moreover, the analysis of quillaia was made by MM. Henry, 
fils, and Bourtron-Charlard, and if monesia and quillaia were the 
same, the identity could not have failed to be detected by these 
able chemical analysts. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 
When monesia is exhibited internally, in the dose of from 15 
grains to a scruple daily, for eight or ten days, it exerts at first a 
direct operation on the digestive passages, and accelerates in a re- 
markable manner the action of the stomach. If the dose be pushed 
to a dram or more in the day, and it be continued for fifteen or 
twenty days, the appetite increases, but a feeling of heat is expe- 
rienced in the epigastric region ; and tenesmus and obstinate con- 
stipation may likewise supervene. 3 Its action is manifestly excitant, 
and slightly astringent, and as such it may be adapted for many 
pathological conditions in which such agencies are indicated. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
Being possessed of the properties described above, monesia has 
been used in the various profluvia, and especially in such as are of 
an atonic character. In chronic bronchitis, and bronchorrhoea, 
it has been successfully employed by Alquie, Daynac, Manec, and 
others, — sometimes alone, at others associated with opium; and, 
in the majority of cases, benefit has appeared to accrue from its 
use. The same has been the result in hemoptysis, according to 
Alquie. On phthisis, it of course exerted no direct efficacy ; but 
its administration appears to have been followed by increased tone 
of stomach and facility of expectoration. The first of these re- 
Tableau Synoptique, &c, du Monesia, par M. Saint-Ange. See, also, Saint-Ange, in 
op. cit., and MM. Bernard Derosne, O. Henry, and J. F. Payen, in Journal de Pharma- 
cie, Janvier, 1841, p. 20. 

1 Forget, Bulletin General, de Therapeutique, Avril, 1839. 

2 See, on this subject, Drs. Chaloner and Ruschenberger, in Amer, Med. Intel. Sept. 
15, 1840, p. 184-187. Merat and De Lens, art. Quillaia ; and the analysis of Quillaia, 
by Boutron-Charlard, and Henry, fils, in Journal de Pharmacie, xiv. 247; and in Araer. 
Journ. of Pharmacy, for Oct. 1840, p. 210, with remarks by Carson. 

* Martin Saint-Ange, op. cit. 



514 MONESIA. 

suits has led to its use in languor of the digestive functions ; and 
it has been given as a tonic to females who have been exhausted 
either by antecedent maladies, or by uterine hemorrhage. In one 
case, 1 where the debility was so great that syncope was induced 
on the least movement of the body, the extract was given in pills 
in the dose of sixteen grains in the course of the day, with the 
best effect. In chronic enteritis, it has been prescribed by Alquie, 
Baron, Manec, Monod and others, and in many cases with decided 
advantage. Its success is said to have been most marked in di- 
arrhoea, especially when owing to improper diet, and several for- 
tunate results have been published by M. Adrien ; 2 and by Dr. 
Q. Gibbon, of Salem, N. J., 3 and a pupil of the author, (1851,) 
Mr. J. Hendley Kennon, informs him, that his father, Dr. H. C. 
Kennon, of Greene county, Alabama, and himself, have employed 
it successfully in some very obstinate cases. Even in the colliqua- 
tive diarrhoea of phthisis it has acted beneficially. B. Derosne 
affirms, that surprising results have followed its administration in 
the diarrhcea of phthisis with intestinal ulceration, after all astrin- 
gents had been employed to no purpose. Notwithstanding the dis- 
advantageous circumstances in such cases, monesia is said to have 
constantly mastered the diarrhoea. Dr. Joseph G. Nancrede 4 gave 
it successfully in a case of diarrhcea of long standing, and Dr. 
Burns 5 in two cases of chronic diarrhcea succeeding to cholera in- 
fantum. In leucorrhcea, the efficacy of monesia, as of every other 
astringent, is less marked than in diarrhcea. Where the internal 
treatment is alone employed, the astringent has probably to pass 
into the mass of blood, and in this manner to act upon the parts con- 
cerned, whilst in every form of chronic enteritis, it can come into 
immediate contact with the seat of the disease. Injections of mo- 
nesia have accordingly been more advantageous in leucorrhcea. M. 
Baron, after having employed all the ordinary means in a case of 
inflammation of the vagina, had recourse to them, and arrested 
the discharge. M. Payen gives a case in which, when taken in- 
ternally, it augmented the discharge, but when it was employed in 
the form of injection, the discharge yielded, and did not recur. 
In all the cases of metrorrhagia or uterine hemorrhage, in which 
monesia has been given, it is said to have succeeded in moderating or 
suppressing the flow more perfectly than any other agent. It has 
been given, with excellent effects, in these cases by MM. Daynac, 
Payen, Alquie, and Martin Saint-Ange. In an obstinate case of 
menorrhagia, of seven weeks' duration, after the usual agents had 
been employed in vain, Dr. Chaloner 6 administered the extract in 

1 Bernard Derosne, Notice sur le Monesia, p. 7. 

2 Journ. des Connoiss. Med. Chirurg. Nov. 1840. 
s American Medical Library, Jan. 1842, p. 143. 

4 Medical Examiner, April 4, 1S40, p. 215. 5 Ibid. Aug. 15, 1840, p 4 517. 

6 Ibid. July 11, 1840, p. 44J. 



MONESIA. 515 

the dose of three grains in the form of pill, every hour and a half, 
until an effect on the discharge was manifest. After three pills 
had been taken, benefit was experienced, and the patient was di- 
rected to take three more, — one every two hours. The cure was 
complete. It is proper to add, that perfect rest and cold drinks 
were used at the same time ; and the same may be said of a suc- 
cessful case reported by Dr. Burns. 1 In blennorrhea, it has ex- 
erted but little action when administered by the stomach; but when 
injected into the urethra it effected a cure in half the cases, and 
diminished the amount of the discharge in the other half. 2 In a 
case of well marked scorbutus, with petechia of the inferior ex- 
tremities, soft and bleeding gums, and frequent epistaxis, which 
had required plugging of the nasal fossae, M. Laurand obtained a 
complete cure, by giving, daily, from 24 to 40 grains of the extract 
in the form of pill, washing the mouth, at the same time, with a 
collutory formed of a dram of the tincture to four ounces of honey 
and water, and inhaling, by the nostrils, acidulated water con- 
taining an ounce of the tincture to a pint of water. In two cases 
of scrofula, the tincture was used internally by M. Daynac, and 
with excellent effects. 

In ulcers of a bad character, monesia has been applied externally 
with advantage ; — sometimes, in the form of ointment ; at others, 
of the powdered extract. In venereal and scrofulous ulcers, ex- 
cellent effects were obtained from it by MM. Baron and Martin 
Saint-Ange. M. Manec used it with benefit in an obstinate ser- 
piginous ulcer of long duration. M. Monod cured a phagedenic 
ulcer by it, which had resisted the use of nitrate of mercury and 
the arsenical paste. M. Payen was equally successful with an 
ulcer on the lower jaw, which, for ten months, had resisted all 
treatment, internal as well as external. He employed it likewise 
with much success in ulcerated chilblain ; in two cases of stoma- 
titis, 3 one of a gangrenous character; and in cases of fissure of 
the anus, the result of inflammation from hemorrhoids. Two 
cases of purulent ophthalmia were cured by M. Saint- Ange; 
and M. Laurand was equally fortunate in a case of gangrenous 
sloughs on the region of the sacrum. M. Buchey, surgeon den- 
tist, has employed it in cases of caries of the teeth, the progress 
of which it appeared to him to retard, and, when united with 
opium, it seemed to assuage the pain more than when the latter 
was given singly. He recommends the use of the tincture to main- 
tain a good state of the gums. 4 ' 

Such are the chief diseases in which monesia has been used. Its 
employment can readily be extended to others, by bearing in mind 
the nature of its powers. It would appear, that experiments have 

1 Medical Examiner, August 15, p. 517. 

2 Martin Saint-Ange, op. cit. 3 See, also, J. G. Nancrede, op. cit. 
4 Bernard Derosne, Notice sur le Monesia, &c. &c. 



516 MONESIA. 

been made in Dublin, and that much benefit had been derived from 
it as an astringent. 1 Still, it is not much used. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Monesia is generally given in pills in the dose of from twelve to 
forty grains a day; — the medium dose, in the twenty-four hours, 
being fifteen to twenty grains, taken at twice or thrice. M. Martin 
Saint-Ange has given it to the extent of forty- five grains a day. 

The syrup, which contains six grains of extract to the ounce, 
is given less frequently. It is esteemed to be less active than the 
pure extract, and is preferred only in the case of infants. 

The Hydro-alcoholic Tincture, which contains thirty-two 
grains to the ounce, has been most commonly used in injections, 
in the proportion of a dram to a dram and a half to six ounces of 
water. It has also been prescribed internally in the dose of one 
or two drams a day in a bitter infusion. 

For external use, an ointment, containing one-eighth part of 
its weight of monesia, has been applied to ulcers; at others, pow- 
dered monesia ; and at others again, the acrid matter itself referred 
to in the analysis. 



MORPHIA ET EJUS SALES. 

Synonymes. Morphia and its Salts. 
French. Morphine et Sels de Morphine. 
German. Morphin und Morphinsalze. 

CXXI. MORPHIA. 

Synonymes. Morphina, Morphinum, Morphium, Morpheum, Morphine, 

Papaverine. 3 
German. Morphin, Mohn st o f f , Opiu malkaloid . 

The discovery of this principle is ascribed to Seguin and Sertur- 
ner, who were engaged in the chemical analysis of opium upwards 
of forty years ago ; but although the former may have first de- 
tected it, the latter deserves the credit of having improved our ac- 
quaintance with it, and of having attracted to it the attention of 
chemists and physicians. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The following is M. Robiquet's method. 3 He boils a very con- 
centrated solution of opium with a small quantity of magnesia 
— ten grains of the latter to a pound of opium — for a quarter of 
an hour. By this means, a tolerably copious, grayish precipitate 
is formed, which is collected on the filter, and washed with cold 

1 Sigmond, op. cit. See, also, Forget, Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Avril, 1 839. 
Q Jahn's Handworterbuch der Chimie, B. iii. S. 150. 
3 Annates de Chimie et de Physiq. v. '-276. 



MORPHIA. 517 

water. The well dried precipitate is then digested with weak al- 
cohol Tor some time, at a temperature short of ebullition ; by which 
means a very small quantity of morphia, and a considerable quan- 
tity of colouring matter, are separated. The liquid is then filtered, 
and the residue washed with a little cold alcohol. It is then boiled 
for some time in pure alcohol, and filtered again, whilst the liquid 
still boils. On cooling, the morphia is obtained, which by repeat- 
ed crystallization may be freed from the attached colouring matter. 

The process of Hottot is greatly followed in France. It is a 
modification of that used by Sertiirner, and similar to that adopted 
in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. In this, opium is ex- 
hausted by tepid water, and the clear liquid is evaporated to a 
density of 2° of Beaurne. Whilst the liquid is still tepid, a small 
quantity of ammonia is added, in order to render it neutral or even 
slightly ammoniacal. In this manner, a brown, resinoid precipi- 
tate is thrown down, which contains only traces of morphia and 
narcotina. The liquor is filtered, and by the addition of a fresh 
quantity of ammonia to it when cold, crystalline morphia is thrown 
down, which, when collected, dissolved in alcohol, and evaporated, 
is set aside to crystallize. 1 The process of the U. S. Pharmaco- 
poeia is essentially the same with that of Dr. Edward Staples, 
which was published in the Journal of the Philadelphia College of 
Pharmacy. 2 

Mr. Brande considers the process proposed by Robertson and 
Gregory to be the simplest and the best. 3 Chloride of calcium is 
added to a strong aqueous solution of opium to precipitate the 
acids by which the alkaloids are held in solution; it is then filtered 
and evaporated to the consistency of syrup, and set aside to crys- 
tallize ; the crystals are strongly pressed to squeeze out the mother 
liquor, which contains narcotina and other impurities. The pressed 
crystals are then purified by solution, crystallization, and the 
action of animal charcoal, till they are obtained colourless ; they 
consist of the chlorohydrates of morphia and codeia; these are dis- 
solved in hot water, and ammonia is added, which throws down 
morphia, which, being separated upon a filter, may be redissolved 
in boiling alcohol, and obtained in crystals. The liquor, from 
which the morphia has been precipitated, contains codeia, together 
with chlorohydrate of ammonia, and some morphia ; it must be 
evaporated until it crystallizes, and the crystallized mass be dis-, 
solved in a small quantity of water, and be decomposed by excess 
of a solution of caustic pot assa ; codeia is thrown down, and, when 
redissolved in ether, may be obtained in crystals. 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, x. 479. 

2 Vol. i. p. 15: see Dispensatory of the United States, 6th edit. p. 1035. Philad. 1845. 
For Fame's process, see Journal of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, ii. 71 . Philad. 
1 831 ; and for JVlohr's process, Journal de Pharmacie, cited in American Journal of Fhar- 
macy, April, 1*841, p. 60. 3 Dictionary of Materia Medica, p, 383. Lond. 1839. 



518 MORPHIA. 

In the London Pharmacopoeia, morphia is directed to be prepared 
from the hydrochlorate or muriate. Take of Hydrochlorate of 
morphia, §j.; Solution of ammonia, f 5V.; Distilled water, Oj.; 
(imperial measure.) Add the hydrochlorate of morphia, dissolved 
in a pint of water, to the solution of ammonia diluted with an 
ounce of water, and agitate. Wash the precipitate with distilled 
water, and dry with a gentle heat. 

Tilloy, Petit, and others, have obtained morphia on the large 
scale from domestic opium. 1 

The crystals are completely white, translucent, almost trans- 
parent, and slightly opaline ; they are wholly inodorous. In the 
form of powder, morphia is of loose texture, and as fine as mag- 
nesia. It melts at a trifling degree of heat, and very much re- 
sembles in this state melted sulphur ; but crystallizes again on 
cooling. It is sparingly soluble in hot water; and in cold water 
scarcely at all so. Boiling water, according to Choulant, dissolves 
one eighty-second part; according to Jahn, only one four-hun- 
dredth; and, according to Bally* it is even less soluble than 
strychnia, which, he says, requires 6000 parts of water for its 
solution. It is more readily soluble in alcohol, and still more so 
in ether, as well as in fixed and volatile oils: the solutions have a 
nauseous, bitter taste. It is alkaline in its nature. The crystals 
appear to be rectangular four-sided prisms. With all the acids, it 
forms peculiar, readily soluble, and very bitter salts, of which the 
sulphate, acetate, and muriate are the most used. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

Generally — it has been affirmed — morphia acts on the nervous 
system like opium, but does not exert the same agency on the 
vascular system. Magendie 3 asserts, that it possesses all the ad- 
vantages of opium without any of its disadvantages. Bally 4 took 
especial pains to investigate the effects of morphia on the organ- 
ism, and the results were communicated to the Jlcadcmie Royale 
de Medecine, of Paris. The most striking was its action on the 
brain, which, when sufficient doses w T ere administered, appeared 
to cause death by sanguineous apoplexy, as Bally had an opportu- 
nity of observing, in one case, on dissection. In this, there were 
no traces of injection of the membranes of the brain, whilst under 
the arachnoid much albuminous serum was effused, and there was 
an extravasation of blood into the left hemisphere of the brain. 

This result is especially to be apprehended in those who have 
experienced an apoplectic attack previously. Bally found, more- 
over — which does not accord with the author's experience — that 
morphia was more soothing and soporific in small doses than in 

1 Art. Morphine, in Merat and De Lens, Diet de Mat. Med. 
3 Memoires de l'Academie Royale de Medecine, i. 99. 

3 Formulaire pour la Preparation, &c. de plusieurs nouveaux Medicamens. 

4 Revue Medicale, Fev. 1824 ; and Mem. de la Societe Royale de Medecine, i. 142. 



MORPHIA. 519 

larger. It occasioned, in the latter case, cerebral confusion, ver- 
tigo, perversion of the senses, and a feeling of electric agency, 
which commenced in different parts of the trunk, and also in the 
extremities; but no delirium supervened, and the intellectual facul- 
ties experienced no alteration. In consequence of these effects on 
the sensorium, the energy of the motory apparatus suffered. By 
long administration, morphia, like opium, excited troublesome tre- 
mours. He found the pupils contracted under its use when larger 
doses were given, which is opposed to the ordinary effect of nar- 
cotic agents. Not unfrequently, when morphia was continued, 
the soothing and soporific effect was preceded, for some days, by 
restlessness, and loss of sleep. Very often it excited headach. 
On the vascular system it did not act as an excitant — neither 
rendering the pulse quicker, more frequent, nor tenser. The op- 
posite effect seemed, indeed, to be induced. It has no action, 
Bally affirms, as an emmenagogue ; produces no diaphoresis — 
which does not, by the way, at all accord with the author's ob- 
servation — does not even augment the animal heat, or redden the 
face, but frequently causes itching either over the whole surface 
of the body or topically; in the latter case, the sensation being 
chiefly felt in the face, neck, loins or genitals. At times, the 
itching is associated with an eruption of conical wheals or bumps, 
which are either red or of the ordinary colour of the skin, and can 
generally be detected more readily by the touch than the sight. 
On the organs of respiration, morphia exerts no influence ; and 
as to its effects on the digestive organs, it may be remarked, that 
it has no effect on the mouth, pharynx, or oesophagus, except that 
ptyalism has been observed to result from it. The tongue is not 
made red or dry, nor are the tonsils. It does not excite thirst; 
but, at times, there is a sense of bitterness in the mouth, which is 
a forerunner of its effects on the stomach. The appetite is not 
diminished, except when its emetic properties are developed in a 
high degree. Vomiting is not caused by large doses only, but in 
many individuals by small doses, and it may be very violent. 
Commonly, morphia causes constipation, on which, at times, 
diarrhoea supervenes. Very frequentlv, also, colic is induced by it. 

Morphia possesses, according to Bally, vermifuge properties. 
In men, he found it frequently excite ischuria, but not in women. 
The urine, however, exhibited no change of character. 1 

The author's own view of its action — when no idiosyncrasy 
interferes with its ordinary operation— is, that it exerts a decided 
sedative influence on the nervous and sanguiferous systems; and 
this accords with the experiments instituted on animals by Dr. 
Blake. 3 He found, when it was introduced into the veins, that it 

' Richter's Specielle Therapie, 2te Auflage, S. 358. Berlin, 1823. 
3 Edinb. Medical and Surgical Journal, April, 1839, p. 344. 



520 MORPHIA. 

exhibited its effects upon the heart, by rendering its pulsations 
slower, and diminishing the pressure of the arterial system. 

As in the case of opium, the system may, under excessive pain 
or long continued use, be so habituated to its action as to bear very 
large doses. Mr. Lingen, 1 of Hereford, has published a case in 
which a female, under a painful affection, took scruple, and, ac- 
cording to her own report, half dram doses of the acetate; and Mr. 
Teevan, 2 of London, one of a gentleman, labouring under a dis- 
ease of the spinal cord, attended with violent spasms of the muscles 
of the chest, abdomen, and inferior extremities, who took, on one 
occasion, twenty-five grains in the twenty-four hours. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Morphia may often be administered advantageously, not only 
where opium is indicated, but, it is thought, where it disagrees. 
Riecke 3 remarks, that where diaphoresis is needed, it cannot sup- 
plant opium ; but in this we apprehend he is mistaken, at least in 
febrile and inflammatory diseases. In such cases, the author has 
observed a sedative dose of opium succeed in restoring the cuta- 
neous transpiration more effectually than any other agent, by al- 
laying the pathological condition on which the suppression of per- 
spiration was dependent. With many persons, and in many cases, 
it possesses decided advantages over opium, but the author has 
often found, where opium disagreed, that morphia and its prepara- 
tions did so likewise. 

As a general rule, it may be said, morphia is proper where 
opium, in sedative doses, is demanded; hence it is had recourse to 
in febrile and inflammatory diseases, where there is much pain 
or sleeplessness — singly or combined, and in the various neurotic 
affections. 

On account of the very sparing solubility of morphia in water, 
it is but seldom prescribed; although Bally, in opposition to many 
experimenters, asserts, that he has found it equally efficacious with 
its salts. As, however, this result is doubtless owing to the exis- 
tence of acid in the stomach, and, consequently, is liable to uncer- 
tainty, it is advisable to give the salts of morphia the preference. 
These are administered in nearly the same doses as pure morphia 
itself. 

It has been likewise proposed to inoculate with morphia and 
its salts. If the point of a lancet, dipped in an aqueous solution 
of morphia, be inserted horizontally about one line in depth be- 
neath the epidermis, and be allowed to remain there a few seconds, 
the following effects, according to M. Lafargue, are observed: — 
About a minute and a half after the operation, a small pimple ap- 

1 London Lancet, Jan. 26, 1839, p. 680. 

2 Ibid, for February 9, 1839, p. 738. 

3 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 327. 



MORPHIA. 521 

pears, with a diffuse rosy areola, and slight itching: in about 
twenty minutes, the pimple becomes about four lines in diameter, 
and one line in thickness, and is flattened', its colour is some* 
what deeper than that of the skin; it is hard; the areola very red, 
and about an inch and a half in diameter; its heat is increased, but 
the sensation of itching remains about the same. During the first 
hour, the pimple and its areola are at the highest degree of de- 
velopment, after which they gradually disappear. The general 
effects, which M. Lafargue experienced from thirteen punctures 
thus made on the anterior part of his forearm, were, — heaviness 
of the head, frequent yawnings, clamminess of the mouth, and an 
invincible desire to sleep; yet the quantity of muriate of morphia 
employed could not have exceeded a quarter of a grain. He con- 
siders that the inoculation of morphia may supersede the use of 
blisters and ammoniacal plasters, and that it deserves employment 
more particularly where the object of the physician is to produce 
the local effects of morphia. Its influences as a rubefacient are 
marked, and hence its probable utility in superficial neuralgia 
and in chronic rheumatism. 1 

The experiments of M. Lafargue were repeated by M. Martin 
Solon, with nearly the same results. 2 

M. Jaques of Anvers, 3 and Castiglioni, 4 an Italian physician, 
also recommend inoculation with morphia — the sulphate— in neu- 
ralgia. In one case, the former made about forty punctures 
over the seat of pain. The same plan was used in sciatica, — the 
inoculations being made the w T hole length of the sciatic nerve. 
Poultices are useful in subduing the irritation produced by the 
punctures. The latter employs the acetate in a similar manner. 
He uses a solution of three grains of the salt in half an ounce of 
distilled water, and makes numerous punctures in the course of 
the affected nerve. Dr. A. T. Thomson 5 has drawn the following 
conclusions in regard to the utility of the endermic use of the salts 
of morphia in certain articular affections. First, In painful, 
swollen, and contracted joints, depending on rheumatism, or other 
causes, the topical application of muriate or acetate of morphia to 
a blistered surface, on the affected joint, is capable of reducing the 
swelling, abating pain, and restoring the motion of the joints. 
Secondly, These salts seem to produce their beneficial results by 
reducing the sensibility of the nerves of the joint, and favouring 
absorption by their counter-irritant influence. Thirdly, They do 
not act as narcotics until the joints are relieved : (?) and, fourthly, 

1 Rev. Med. Chlrarg. ii. 163, Gibbon, American Medical Intelligencer, July, 1841, p. 1 . 

2 Bulletin de l'Academie Royale de Medecine, Nos, 1 & 7, 1836-7. 

3 Boucbardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1844, p. 24. 

4 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, July 3, 1844, p. 208. 

8 London and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Oct. 1845, p. 774. 



522 



MORPHIA. 



they frequently excite a pustular eruption over the body ; but this 
appears spontaneously soon after the use of the topical application 
is discontinued. Mr. Rynd, 1 too, has found the inoculation of 
morphia triumphantly successful in rebellious cases of neuralgia. 
He associates the acetate of morphia, however, with creasote; in 
the proportion of ten or fifteen grains of the salt of morphia, to 
a dram of creasote. In a case of inveterate facial neuralgia, 
the solution was introduced into the supra-orbitar nerve, and 
along the course of the temporal, malar, and buccal nerves, by 
four punctures of an instrument made for the purpose. In the 
course of a minute, all pain, except that caused by the operation, 
which was very slight, had ceased. In another case — of sciatic 
neuralgia — the fluid was introduced by one puncture behind the 
trochanter, and another half way down the thigh. The man was 
instantly relieved from pain. Should the pain return, the fluid 
must be again introduced. 

M. Ebrard, of Bourg, 2 has employed, with signal success in the 
cure of toothach, the muriate of morphia, by friction on the gum 
of the pained part. These frictions are made in the following 
manner. The patient takes upon the moistened extremity of his 
fingers 13 milligrammes, — about one-fifth of a grain, Troy, — of 
the salt, and applies it for two or three minutes to the pained gum. 
Then, while inclining the head on that side, taking care not to 
swallow or eject the saliva which holds the salt of morphia dis- 
solved, he must allow the saliva to be in contact with the gum 
for five or ten minutes. He may afterwards swallow the saliva. 
Should there be no relief, and symptoms of narcosis be absent 
after a period of two hours, the application may be repeated ; but 
the repetition is rarely required. 

In frontal neuralgia, M. Ebrard has found a successful treat- 
ment to consist in causing the patient to take as a pinch of snuff, 
from four-tenths, to three-fourths of a grain, of muriate of morphia. 
He advises, however, that great caution should be used in em- 
ploying this powerful agent. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Pure morphia is only given internally in the form of powder 
or of pill, beginning with from one-sixteenth to one-fourth of a 
grain once or twice a day, and gradually increasing the dose to a 
grain and a half. If its use has been discontinued for some days, 
the dose, w T hen resumed, must be again small, and be gradually 
increased. Its salts— as is shown hereafter — have been introduced 
into the system both enderraically and iatraleiptically, and by 
inoculation. 

1 Dublin Medical Press, March 12, 1845. 

2 Gazette des Hopitaux, cited in Araer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, July, 1 846, p. 220. 



MORPHIJE ACETAS. 523 

Haustus morphiae, 

Draught of morphia, 

(Potio Narcotica.} 
R. Morphiae gr. |. 

Syrup, papav. f gj„ M. 
Aq. destillat. f £j. 

To be taken at bed-time. 

Enema morphias 

Injection of morphia. 

(Injedio leniens.) 
R. Morphiae gr. ij. 
01. amygdal. 
— lilior aa. §ss. 

To allay pain in the ear, the suffering in acute blennorrhagia, 
and the tenesmus in hemorrhoids, &c. Brera. 1 

Linimentum morphiae. 

Liniment of morphia, 

R. Morphise gr. iij. 
Solve in 

01. amygdal. gi. — giss. 

To be rubbed on the neighbourhood of the eye, as an anodyne, 
in cases of cancerous and other painful affections of the eye. 

A. Poll? 



CXXII. MOR'PHLE ACETAS. 

Synonymes. Morphinse Acetas, Morphium Aceticum., Acetas Morphii, 

Acetas Morphicus, Acetate of Morphia. 
French. Acetate de Morphine. 
German. Essigsaures Morphium., Morphiumacetat. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Acetate of morphia may be obtained by mixing morphia, acetic 
acid and distilled water in an appropriate vessel, and gradually 
evaporating to dryness, at a temperature of about 90° Fahr. 3 
This mode of preparation is required, owing to the difficulty of 
obtaining the acetate crystallized, in consequence of its extreme 
deliquescence. C^stallized acetate of morphia may, however, be 
prepared by dissolving morphia in alcohol, saturating with acetic 
acid, filtering the solution, and evaporating gradually in a vessel 
covered over with thin rag, The acetate crystallizes in an arbo- 
rescent manner on the sides of the vessel. 

Acetate of morphia is one of the substances, which, in the ex- 

1 Ricettario Clinico. Padova, 1825. 

3 C. G. Lincke, Vollst'andiges Recept-Taschenbuch, u. s. w. ii. 288. Leipz. 1841. 

8 Pharmacopoeia of the United States, p. 144. Philada, 1842. 



524 M0R±>HL£ ACETA3. 

periments of Magendie, 1 were found to promote the coagulation 
of the blood. 

This salt of morphia has been highly recommended in arthritis 
and nervous affections, by M. V. Cristin, 2 of the Hospital St. 
John, Turin, according to a form given below. When the pains 
are relieved, or sleep is about to commence, the intervals between 
the doses are increased, or it is suspended altogether. Its good 
effects in neuralgia have been extolled by many others; — the 
effect of the remedy being kept up for days and weeks, if necessary. 
Mr.Braithwaite 3 remarks, that Dr. Cristin prescribes it in the dose 
of one-tenth of a grain every hour, but that he has generally found 
it necessary to give much larger doses without any other bad 
effect than severe sickness, which was easily abated by creasote 
or excitants— as the spiritus ammonia aromaticus. He pre- 
scribes one-fourth or one-sixth of a grain every hour or two, in 
severe cases, until the system is completely under its influence, 
and then keeps up its effects by smaller, and less frequently 
repeated, doses. It is questionable, however, whether the ace- 
tate be superior to opium. M. Gerard, of Avignon, has found 
it so highly useful in Asiatic cholera, that he prefers it to all 
other remedies. Of ninety-nine patients, treated thereby, eighty- 
one were cured. He found, when given early, that it especially 
checked the vomiting, and moderated the subsequent reaction, 
after which the other symptoms gradually ceased. When, how- 
ever, the resources of art had been long postponed, the effects of 
the remedy w T ere less marked; the vomiting and the other symp- 
toms persisted longer; the supervening reaction was much more 
tardy, and frequently ended in a state of collapse, which, under 
the most trifling imprudence, produced an unfortunate result. 
Gerard administered the acetate at first in the dose of one-fourth 
of a grain every half hour, until the serious symptoms were re- 
moved, and he omitted it as soon as the spasms and the diarrhoea 
and vomiting had ceased, or as soon as reaction ensued. 

In the treatment of chronic gastralgia, M. Valleix 4 derived the 
greatest benefit from the employment of small doses of the acetate. 
Its use in that disease is not new, but he modifies the usual mode 
of its administration. Instead of giving it before a meal, he pre- 
scribes it after, and in this way has relieved cases that had resisted 
all other treatment. He orders a grain of the acetate to be dis- 
solved in thirty drams of distilled water and nine drams of syrup, 
and directs a teaspoonful to be taken immediately after each meal. 

1 Leeons sur Ie Sang, &c and translation in London Lancet, Jan. 26, 1839, p. 636. 

2 Repcrtorio Medico-chirurgico del Piemonte, cited in British and Foreign Medical 
Review, Jan. 1840, p. 252. 

3 Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery, vol. i. Jan. to Jul)-, 1840, 3d edit, 
p. 15. London, 1S42. 

* Revue Medico-Chirurgicale, ii. 100, cited in Brit, and For. Med. Chir. Review, 
Jan. 1848, p. 275. 



MORPHIA ACETAS. 525 

Under the use of these small doses, the bowels, instead of being 
very constipated, are better regulated. 

Acetate of morphia has been much used endermically , in the 
diseases mentioned under the head of Morphia. A quarter or 
half a grain or more is placed in some part of the skin whence the 
cuticle has been removed ; and it may be repeated, as the case may 
require. In the severer neuralgic and neurotic cases, the quantity 
applied in this way has been sometimes very large. In a case of 
hydrophobia, reported by Dr. Burne, 1 of London, ten grains at a 
time were sprinkled on a blistered surface, with excellent tran- 
quillizing effects. At times, when applied to a blistered surface 
for several days in succession, a papular eruption has been ob- 
served, which quickly becomes vesicular, proceeding from the 
edges of the blister, and gradually spreading over the entire sur- 
face. 2 A case of traumatic tetanus has been published, which 
was cured by the internal and endermic use of the acetate. 3 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The dose of acetate of morphia is from a quarter of a grain and 
less to a grain or more. Its strength does not vary materially 
from that of pure morphia. 

Liquor morphia acetatis. 

Solution of acetate of morphia, 

R. Morphias acetat. gr. xvj. 
Acido acetic, f gij. 
Aquas destillat. f sjvj. M. 

This formula was proposed by the author 4 as a substitute for 
the " gouttes calmantes " of Magendie, 5 which permit the depo- 
sition of the morphia when kept for a short time. The dose is 
from six to twenty-four drops. 

R. Morphias acetat. gr. xvj. 

Acid, acetic, gtt. iij. vel iv. 

Alcohol, f 5J. 

Aquas destillat. fgj. Fiat solutio. 

Magendie. 
Mistura morphise acetatis. 

Mixture of acetate of morphia. 
R. Morphias acetat. gr.i. 
Syrup, acacias f ^i. 
Aquae destillat. f %iv. M. 

Dose. — A spoonful every hour in arthritis and nervous affec- 
tions , until the pains are removed. Cristin. 

1 London Medical Gazette, April 14, 1838. 

9 A. T. Thomson, in London Lancet, for Jan. 19, 1839, p. 632. 

3 L. Piquot, Journ. den Connais. Med. Chirurg. Dec. 1840. 

4 Formulary, &c, translated from Magendie, by C. T. Haden, 2d edition, by Robley 
Dunglison, p. 14. Lend. 1824. Amer. edit., Philad. 1825. 

6 Formulary, &c. 

34 



526 MORPHLE ACETAS. 

Syrupus morphise acetatis- 

Syrup of acetate of morphia. 

R. Morphiae acetatis gr. iv. 
Syrupi siraplic. Oi. 
Dissolve the salt in half a dram of -water acidulated with a few drops 
of acetic acid; filter, and add it to the syrup. 

This syrup is recommended and used in Paris, in place of the 
syrupus papaveris. It has the advantage of being always of 
uniform strength. Magendie. 

It has been suggested, 1 that the syrup of the acetate or sulphate 
of morphia should always be made of the strength of one grain to 
the ounce; and it is certainly desirable that uniformity should 
prevail in this respect. If this exist, it matters but little what the 
proportion is, within certain limits. 

The acetate may, also, be applied in the form of ointment; 
and it is frequently added to glysters, in chronic diarrhoea. 
Hildenbrand recommends the following ointment to be rubbed on 
the pubes in cancer of the uterus : — 

Unguentum morphiae acetatis. 

Ointment of acetate of morphia. 

R. Morphiae acetat. gr. iv. 
Ung. hydrarg. ciner. 
simpl. aa. ^ij. M. 

A piece, the size of a pea, to be rubbed on twice daily. 

A solution of acetate of morphia, which he terms liquor opii, 
has been proposed by Mr. Houlton. 2 He prepares it as follows; 
— Take two ounces and a half of the best Turkey opium; thirty- 
two fluidounces of Beaufoy's acid, of the strength of pickling 
vinegar: macerate with a gentle heat for six days, frequently 
shaking the vessel; then filter, and evaporate the fluid to the con- 
sistence of the extracts of the pharmacopoeia, finishing the evapo- 
ration by the spontaneous method. This Mr. Houlton employs 
under the name extr actum opii aceticum. To the above extract 
he adds, alcohol, five fluidounces; distilled water , thirty-five fluid- 
ounces; macerating for eight days, and filtering. 

This liquor opii is about the strength of the tinctura opii in 
sedative property, and Mr. Houlton affirms, from his observations, 
that it is in no respect inferior to Battley's liquor opii sedativus, 
— a secret preparation which has been much used. 

1 Duhamel, Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, for Oct. 1840, p. 187. 
a Lond. Medical Gazette, Aug. 12, 1837. See, also, Buchner, pere, in Journal de 
Pharniacie, Fevrier, 1842, p. 48. 



MORPHIiE MURIAS. 527 



CXXIII. MORPHIA HYDRI'ODAS. 

Synontmes. Hydriodate or Iodhydrate of Morphia — called by some 

Iodide or Ioduret of Morphia. 
French. Iodhydrate ou Hydriodate de Morphine. 
German. Iodwasserstoffsaures Morphin. 

An Ioduret or Iodide of Iodhydrate of Morphia, has been 
introduced of late years. It is prepared by mixing a solution of 
acid sulphate of morphia, with a solution of ioduretted iodide of 
potassium, keeping the liquors for an hour at a temperature of 
140°: the liquid is then poured off; and the residuum washed, col- 
lected on a filter, and dried. 

The iodide of hydriodate of morphia is in small brilliant spangles, 
(paillettes,) of a beautiful deep purple colour. It is insoluble in 
water, very soluble in alcohol, and very little so in ether. It ap- 
peared from the few trials made of it by M. Bouchardat, 1 to 
possess the narcotic properties of morphia, without diminishing 
the appetite. It requires to be given in double the dose of the 
other preparations of morphia. 






CXXIV. MOR'PHLE MURIAS. 

Synonymes. Morphinae Murias seu Hydrochloras, Morphias Hydrochloras, 
Morphium Muriaticum, Murias seu Chlorhydras Morphicus, Hydro- 
chloras Morphicus, Murias. Morphii, Muriate of Morphia, Hydrochlo- 
rate of Morphia or Morphine. 

French. Hydrochlorate ou Muriate de Morphine. 

German. Salzsaures Morphium, Hy drochlorsaure s Mor- 
phium. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to the last Pharmacopoeia of the United States, mu- 
riate of morphia is prepared as follows: — Take of morphia in 
powder, ^i.; distilled iv at er Oss.; muriatic acid, a sufficient quan- 
tity. Mix the morphia with the water; then carefully drop in the 
acid, constantly stirring till the morphia is saturated and dissolved. 
Evaporate the solution by means of a water bath, so that it may 
crystallize on cooling. Dry the crystals on bibulous paper. 

In the London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, morphia is first 
separated from opium in the form of the muriate. 2 

Muriate of 1 morphia is in snow-white feathery crystals, which 
are wholly soluble in water. 

1 Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 70. Paris, 1845. 

3 For Wm. Gregory's mode of preparing the muriate, see Edinb. Med. and Surg. 
Journal, for April, 1831; or Philad. Journal of Pharmacy, iii. 124. See, also, M. Ro- 
bertson, in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, for April, 1832 ; and A. T.Thomson, Lond. 
Pharmaceut. Joum. and Transact., or Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, July, 1842, p. 154. 



•528 MORPHIA MURIAS. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. \ 

It may be given in the same cases and doses as the other salts 
of morphia. 

The following preparations are directed in the Edinburgh Phar- 
macopoeia. 

Trochisci morphiae, 

Morphia lozenges. 

R. Morphias rauriat. ^i. 
Tinct. tolut. f gss. 
Sacchar. ^xxv. 

Dissolve the muriate of morphia in a little hot water ; mix it 
and the tincture of tolu with the sugar: and with a sufficiency of 
mucilage form a proper mass for making lozenges; each of which 
should weigh about 15 grains. 1 Each lozenge contains about one- 
fourth of a grain of muriate of morphia. Dr. Pereira 2 states,, that 
the morphia lozenges of the shops usually contain one-twenty- 
fourth of a grain of the muriate. It is a good mode of employing 
morphia with the view of allaying cough. 

Trochisci morphiae et ipecacuanha . 

Morphia and ipecacuanha lozenges. 

R. Morphiae muriat. ^i. 

Ipecac, in pulv. subtil, ^i. 
Tinct. tolut. f gss. 
Sacchar. ^xxv. 

Proceed as for Trochisci Morphiae. 

Each lozenge contains about one-fourth of a grain of muriate of 
morphia, and one-thirteenth of a grain of ipecacuanha. They are 
used in the same cases as the last. 



CXXV. MORTHI^E SULPHAS. 

Synonymes. Morphinge Sulphas, Morphium Snlphuricum, Sulphas Mor- 

phii seu Morphicus, Sulphate of Morphia or Morphine. 
French. Sulfate de Morphine. 
German. Schwefelsaures Morphium, Morphiumsulphat. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
Morphia is dissolved in dilute sulphuric acid. The solution 
is then evaporated by heat, and suffered to crystallize, which it 
does in silken tufts, or snow-white feathery crystals that are wholly 
soluble in water. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The general effects of sulphate of morphia on the economy in 

1 Christison, Dispensatory, p. 643. Edinb. 1842. 

2 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. ii. 1782. Lond. 1842; or 2d American edi- 
tion, by Carson. Philad. 1846. 



MORPHLE SULPHAS. 529 

health and disease resemble those of the acetate, to which it is 
perhaps to be preferred on account of its greater uniformity. 
There is an advantage, however, in retaining both preparations in 
the Materia Medica, as when the system becomes accustomed to 
the one, the other may be substituted. 

In his experiments on the blood, Magendie 1 found that the sul- 
phate of morphia — unlike the acetate and the muriate — opposed 
the coagulation of that fluid. 

A syrupus morphia sulphatis, a liquor morphia sulphatis, and 
an unguentum morphia sulphatis may be formed in the same man- 
ner as with acetate of morphia. The common form for the solu- 
tion of sulphate of morphia is the following: it is that of the Phar- 
macopoeia of the United States ; and it is to be regretted, that the 
strength is not the same as that of the Liquor Morphias Jlce- 
tatis. 

Liquor morphise sulphatis. 
Solution of sulphate of morphia. 
R. Morphias sulph. gr. viii. 

Aquae destillat. Oss. Fiat solutio. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful (which is considered to be equivalent to 
about twelve or fourteen drops of laudanum,) to be repeated as oc- 
casion may require. 

Lotio morphise sulphatis et sodse boratis, 

Lotion of sulphate of morphia and borate of soda. 

R. Morphise sulphat. gr. vj. 
SodaB borat. ^ss. 
Aquse rosse f ^viij. M. 

To be applied thrice a day to the affected parts by means of a 
piece of sponge, or a piece of linen, in pruritus vulvas, taking the 
precaution first to wash the surface with tepid water and soap, 
and to dry them before applying the lotion. Meigs. 2 



Citrate of Morphia is occasionally used ; but it possesses no 
advantage over the preparations described above. Many years 
ago, Dr. Porter, of Bristol, recommended a liquor morphias ci- 
tratis to be prepared in the following manner: — Beat four ounces 
of the best crude opium in a mortar, with two ounces of crys- 
tallized citric acid ; mix well with a pint of boiling water; and 
filter after twenty-four hours' maceration. Dr. Paris speaks well 
of this preparation. 3 Magendie recommends the substitution of 
the following process : 

1 Legons sur le Sang, &c; or translation in London Lancet, January 26, 1 839. 

? A Treatise on the Diseases and Special Hygiene of Females, by Colombat de l'lsere, 
translated by C. D. Meigs, p. 272. Philad. 1845. 

3 Pharmacologic 4th American from the 7th London edit. By J. B. Beck, p. 439. 
New York, 1831. 



530 



MORPHIiE SULPHAS. 



R. Morphias pur. gr. xvj. 

Acid, citric, crystalliz. gr. viij. 

Aquae destillat. f ]§j. 

Tinct. cocci, q. s. Fiat solulio. 

Dose. — Six to twenty-four drops in the twenty-four hours. 

A Tartrate of Morphia was suggested by Mr. Haden 1 as a 
substitute for the liquor opii sedativus of Battley. Mr. Haden 
made it by macerating the dregs, remaining after making the tinc- 
ture of opium, in a solution of tartaric acid. Forty drops acted 
in all respects like twenty of the liquor opii sedativus. It neither 
stimulated nor induced costiveness. 



The bimeconate of morphia has been brought before the no- 
tice of the profession by Mr. Squire. 2 It may be prepared by 
adding freshly precipitated morphia , to meconic acid in solution. 
It occurs in minute crystals of a white colour, soluble in water, 
— the solution giving the reaction due to meconic acid and mor- 
phia. It is an acid salt: for meconic acid is tribasic; and in the 
bimeconate of morphia, there are two equivalents of morphia, and 
one equivalent of water to each equivalent of acid. 3 

Impressed with the idea, that the combination of the active 
principle of opium, as prepared by nature, would prove more be- 
neficial as a therapeutical agent than the artificial salts, Mr. Squire 
instituted a number of experiments, with the view of procuring the 
bimeconate as free from the other ingredients of opium as possible; 
and he asserts, that at length he obtained a tolerably pure salt, 
which, from the trials that have been made with it, has fully an- 
swered his expectations as to its superior medicinal power over 
the other preparations of opium. The salt is given in solution 
made nearly of the same strength as laudanum. The dose of the 
bimeconate is gr. J and upwards. 

Dr. Macleod, who made trial of it, asserts, that it appeared to 
him to be a very mild and efficient preparation, rarely producing 
headach or other discomfort ; and that it repeatedly answered, in 
the most satisfactory manner, where opium had disagreed, and suc- 
ceeded in some cases where other salts of morphia — the acetate 
and the muriate — had failed to give relief. Equally strong testi- 
mony in its favour is afforded by Dr. A. T. Thomson, who de- 
tails three cases — one of neuralgic pain of the left side of the 
face; another of wakefulness, without any apparent cause, and a 
third of anomalous pain of the hip and thigh, all benefited 
strikingly by its use. 

A preparation termed M l Munn > s Elixir of Opium has been 

1 Translation of Magendie's Formulary, 2d edit. By Robley Dunglison, p. 19. Lond. 
1824. 3 Lond. Med. Gaz., Mar. 9, 1839. 

3 Ballard and Garrod, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. p. 406. Lond. 1845. 



MOXA. 531 

introduced into American practice with many testimonials in its 
favour; but the formula for its preparation is kept secret; and 
therefore, it merits no farther notice here. 

M. Bouchardat 1 speaks of a double muriate of morphia and 
codeia; French, Chlorhydrate double de morphine et de co- 
deine ou Sel de Gregory, which is obtained directly in the pre- 
paration of morphia by the process of Dr. Gregory. It is not 
used in France, but, he says, it is much employed in England, [?] 
where it is considered to enjoy decidedly sedative properties. It 
is given in the same cases as the salts of morphia, from which it 
differs but little. 



CXXVI. MOXA. 

Synonyme. Moxiburium. 

By the term moxa, the Chinese and Japanese designate a cot- 
tony substance, which they prepare by beating the dried leaves of 
Artemisia Chinensis, a kind of Mugwort. Dr. Lindley, however, 
states, that it is made from A. Moxa. 2 With this down they form 
a cone, which is placed upon the part intended to be cauterized, 
and is set fire to at the top. This mode of exciting counter-irri- 
tation has been long practised by the Chinese and Japanese, and 
by the ruder nations of the old world ; but it was not much em- 
ployed in Great Britain and France until about the commencement 
of the seventeenth century, when it was introduced through the 
agency of a Dutch physician 3 who had resided in India. It fell 
again, however, into disuse, until attention was redirected to it, 
during the last century, by Pouteau 4 and Dujardin, and, at the 
commencement of this century, by Percy and Laurent, 5 and others. 6 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
Various agents have been used by different people, in " moxi- 
bustion," — for so the mode of cauterization has been termed, 
which consists in placing some combustible substance on a part 
of the body, and suffering it to burn down. From the earliest 
ages, the Nomades employed the fat wool of their flocks, as well 
as certain spongy substances growing upon oaks, 7 or springing 

1 Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 70. Paris, 1845. 

3 Flor. Med. 463. 

3 Ten Rhyne, Medit. de Veteri Medicin.; Dissert, de Arthritide, Lugd. Bat. 1672 ; and 
Kaempfer's History of Japan, translated by Scheuchzer, vol. if. append, sect. iv. Lond. 
1728. * Melanges de Chirurgie, p. 49. 

* Dictionnaire des Sciences Medicales, art. Moxibustion. 

6 See, for a history of the Moxa, the author's translation of Baron Larrey's Memoir on 
the Use of the Moxa. Lond. 1822. 

1 Hippoc. lib. de Affect, cap. xxx. 



532 moxa. 

from the hazel: 1 the Indian, the pith of the reed, 2 and flax or 
hemp impregnated with some combustible material ; 3 the Persian, 
the dung of the goat ; the Armenian, the agaric of the oak; the 
Chinese and Japanese, the down of the artemisia ; the Thessalian, 
dried moss ; 4 the Egyptians, the Arracanese, and several oriental 
nations, cotton ; 5 the Ostiaks 3 and the Laplanders, 7 the agaric of 
the birch ; and the aborigines of this continent, rotten and dried 
wood. Hippocrates s was in the habit of employing fungi and flax 
for the same purpose. 

In modern times, also, various substances have been used for 
the fabrication of moxas. Whatever article is selected, it ought 
to be a spongy, light, vegetable matter ; readily combustible, and 
so prepared as to burn down slowly. In Germany, they use the 
tinder — amadou — which is known to be an agaric prepared for 
the purpose; and it is not uncommonly employed in our hospitals, 
— a small disc or cylinder being placed on the part, and set fire 
to. It has been generally used in the French hospitals. 9 The 
match used by artillerists was recommended by Percy, 10 after 
Bontius: 11 it is composed of hemp steeped in a solution of nitre. 
He likewise proposed the pith of the sun-flower — helianthus an- 
num — recommending that the stalk should be cut into cylinders 
of the desired length, the bark being lefj; on ; so that, when ignited, 
it may burn in the centre and be held with the hand. 12 This he 
called moxa de voleurs. 13 These moxas, called Percy's moxas, 
prepared by Robinet, are found in the London shops. They con- 
sist of pith, rolled in cotton and enveloped in muslin. 14 

The moxa, used by Larrey, and very generally employed by 
many practitioners, is made by taking a quantity of cotton wool, 
pressing it somewhat closely together, and rolling over it a piece 
of fine linen, which is fastened at the side by a few stitches. Lar- 
rey advises, that it should have the shape of a truncated cone — 
the form usually adopted — and be about an inch long. Commonly, 
the cylinder is shorter than this ; six or eight lines — as, when 
above six lines high, the combustion is not felt — and about four 
or five lines broad. The moxas employed by Dr. Sadler, 15 of St. 

1 Paulus iEginet. lib. vi. cap. 49. 

3 Ksempfer, vol. ii. app. sect. iv. p. 36. 3 Bontius, De Medicina Indorurn, p. 32. 

4 Percy in Pyrotechnie Chirurgicale Pratique, p. 12. 

5 Prosper. Alpin. de Medicina iEgyptiorum, lib. iii. cap. 12. 

6 Voyages de M. Pallas, iv. 68. 

* Acerbi's Travels through Sweden, Finland, and Lapland, ii. 291; and Linnseus, in 
Lachesis Lapponica, translated by Sir James Smith, i. 274. 8 De Affect, cap. viii. 

p Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Juillet, 1840. 

10 Op. cit. p. 77. Paris, 181 1. ll Op. cit. p. 32. Paris, 1645. 

13 Art. Moxibustion, in Diet des Sciences Medicales. 

13 Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. art. Moxa. 

14 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. 2d edit. p. 1352. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit 
by Carson. Fhilad. 184 b. 

14 Zeitschrift fur die gesammte Medicin.'B. iii. H.ii. & iii., cited in British and For. 
Med. Review, July, 1837, p. 217. 



moxa. 533 

Petersburg, are about half an inch in diameter; and three-quarters 
of an inch in height. They are composed of a nucleus formed of 
the pith of the sun-flower wrapped in layers of cotton of various 
thickness, and surrounded with an external envelope of thin mus- 
lin ; both of the latter being previously steeped in a solution of 
nitre. They are held, while burning, by means of two long- 
hair-pins, the legs of which are slightly bent, in order to accom- 
modate them to the shape of the moxa ; and when the latter is 
burned down to the place where it is held by the first hair-pin, 
it can be held with the other, and retained in its proper position. 

With this last view, Larrey 1 has a special porle-moxa, consist- 
ing of a ring to receive the cylinder, with a handle attached to it, 
and three small supports or knobs of ebony, placed beneath the 
ring, to prevent the heated metal from acting upon the surface. 
Mr. Leney 2 soaks a piece of lint in a strong solution of nitrate of 
potassa, dries it, and cuts off pieces of the size of the thumb nail, 
which he fastens with thin adhesive plaster over the seat of pain; 
sets fire to the opposite extremity, and then applies the blow-pipe. 
The pain during the process is very severe, but he affirms, that 
the Irish prefer it greatly to the application of a blister. Pro- 
fessor Grafe 3 employs moxas made of wafers, dipped in a mixture 
of three parts of oil of turpentine, and one part of sulphuric ether. 
Before applying this inflammable matter to the skin, it is neces- 
sary to remove carefully the superfluous liquid. These moxas are 
said to ignite readily, burn promptly and uniformly, and not to 
crepitate. 

A plan for raising vesication on the surface has been adopted, 
which, as Dr. Granville remarks, must be regarded as a kind of 
moxa. 4 This he admits to be equally successful w T ith the one he 
proposes, and which has been already described (p. 24S 9 ) in form- 
ing a rapid vesication : "but it is, at the same time, so complicated, 
and attended by such intense pain," that, in practice, he says, it 
will not bear comparison with the preparations which he recom- 
mends. A piece of linen or paper, being cut of the requisite size, 
is immersed in spirit of wine, or brandy. It is then laid on the 
part to be blistered, care being taken, that the moisture from the 
paper or linen does not wet the surrounding surface. The flame 
of a lighted taper is applied quickly over the surface, so as to pro- 
duce a general ignition, which is exceedingly rapid. At the con- 
clusion of this operation, the cuticle is found detached from the 
true skin beneath. In cases of convulsions, the region of the spine 
has been treated in this manner, and with good effects. 5 

1 The author's translation of his Essay on the Moxa, p. 5. 

J Lond. Med. Gaz., July 15, 1842. ' 3 La Lancette Frangaise, 26 Jan., 1839. 

4 Counter-irritation, its Principles and Practice, Amer. Med. Library edit., p. 21 and 
p. 42. Philad. 1838. 

5 C. J. Edwards, in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Jan. 1842. 



534 moxa. 

Dr. Osborne, of Dublin, 1 avails himself of the high temperature 
produced by lime in the act of slaking, for the purpose of a moxa. 
Some quicklime in powder is placed to the depth of about half 
an inch within a strip of card, bent and tied so as to form a cir- 
cle. Water is then dropped on the lime, and mixed with it. In 
about two minutes, it swells, and becomes dry; and, at the same 
time, a degree of heat is produced, which — according to some ex- 
periments — may amount to 500° Fah. He considers this moxa 
superior to all others; — first, from the intensity of the heat, and 
secondly, from its convenience, — not requiring the assistance of 
any heated substance, and being unaccompanied by the emission 
of sparks or smoke, which frightens the patient. When the quan- 
tity of lime used is smaller than that mentioned above, or if it be 
not kept on long, an appearance results, resembling that produced 
by acetic acid; and a thick crust is formed, which separates as the 
new skin is perfected beneath. But if the quantity of lime be 
large, and it be kept on as long as the heat continues, a complete 
destruction of the skin ensues; and in this manner issues may be 
made of greater depth, and in a much shorter time, than by the 
usual cauterants. Dr. Osborne gives a case of apparent ulceration 
of the upper part of the rectum and sigmoid flexure of the colon; 
in which all the symptoms of internal ulceration disappeared after 
the application of a lime moxa, of about the size of a crown, over 
the region of the sigmoid flexure. In a case of incipient soften- 
ing of tubercles ; and in another apparently of purulent infil- 
tration after pneumonia, its effect in arresting the ulcerative 
process was most decided. In a case of hip- joint disease, in 
which there was great pain, and consequent loss of sleep, the pa- 
tient slept well on the following night, and, in a few days, had 
gained much power over the limb ; and in another case of the 
same disease, which had proceeded to destruction of the joint, and 
extensive enlargement of the parts around it, great relief was ob- 
tained. The size of the ulcer formed by it is always much larger 
than that of the lime applied. When the lime is prepared from 
calcareous spar, the heat, produced on the addition of water, is 
sudden and intense, and the pain is proportionably urgent. For 
ordinary purposes, however, well selected pieces of lime from a 
lime-kiln answer well if fresh, but not otherwise. 

In the application of the various moxas, or of most of them, 
their agency can be so graduated as to produce either simple ru- 
befaction, vesication or the formation of an eschar. Where it is 
desirable to produce the first result only, the cylinder of cotton 
may be removed w T hen the pain becomes somewhat severe; or the 
burning material may be held close to the surface, and be moved 
gradually along it. In this manner, a counter-irritant effect may 

1 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, Jan. 1842. 



NARCOTINA. 



535 



be exerted along the spine or any extensive surface. Any burn- 
ing substance — a lighted coal, for example — will answer for this 
purpose. When vesication is needed, it must be kept on longer; 
and if it be desirable to produce an eschar, the moxa may have to 
remain on until it is wholly consumed. Larrey, 1 indeed, advises, 
that the blowpipe should be occasionally employed to hasten the 
combustion. When the integument has once become disorganized, 
the slough will be thrown off in due time, leaving an ulcer. Lar- 
rey says the sloughing can be prevented by the application of liquid 
ammonia 2 to the burnt surface, after the moxa has been removed. 
This will do when the disorganization is partial; but we know, 
from experience, that it often fails. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Moxa — in its different forms— is doubtless a most valuable 
agent, when rapid counter-irritation is indicated. It resembles, 
indeed, in its action, the ammoniated counter-irritants of which we 
have already treated, and is applicable to the same diseases ; — the 
only difference between them — when cauterization is effected — 
being, that the agent in the case of the ammoniated lotion is a po- 
tential, in that of moxa an actual, cauterant. 

The moxa must be regarded as one of our most valuable re- 
vellents. 



CXXVII. NARCOTINA. 

Stnonymks. Narcotinum, Narcotin, Narcotine, Opiane, Matter or Salt 

of Derosne. 
French. Matiere ou Sel de Derosne, Sel Essentiel d'Opium. 
German. Narkotin, Opian ; Deros ne'sches Opiumsa Iz. 

In regard to the precise properties of this substance, which is 
one of the immediate principles of opium, and has attracted the 
attention of many chemists and therapeutists, much uncertainty 
exists. It seems, that it has not hitherto been found except in 
opium. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

It is commonly obtained, either from crude extract of opium, 
by means of ether, which only dissolves the narcotina, and con- 
sequently requires but to be evaporated to obtain it; or from crude 
opium, which has been exhausted by cold water : it may hence be 
obtained from the residue after the preparation of the aqueous 
extract of opium of the shops. With this view, the opium or re- 
sidue is twice treated with boiling acetic acid at 2° or 3°; it is pre- 
cipitated by ammonia, and the washed precipitate is purified by 
treating it with hot alcohol at 40°, and a little animal charcoal; 

1 Op. citat. p. 5. 2 Ibid. p. 9. 



536 NARCOTINA, 

the liquid is then filtered, and the pure narcotina is precipitated on 
cooling. 

It crystallizes in very white needles; is devoid of taste and 
smell; fusible in the manner of resins, and very slightly soluble in 
water; soluble with the aid of heat in alcohol, and in the volatile 
and fixed oils; very soluble in ether, which distinguishes it from 
morphia ; very soluble also in cold acetic acid, whence it is pre- 
cipitated on heating the solution — another mode of separating it 
from morphia — and soluble in dilute acids. It is coloured of a 
vivid red by nitric acid; and is analogous, in some respects, to the 
crystallizable resins or sub-resins of M. Bonastre. 1 

Narcotina is generally reckoned amongst the vegetable alkaloids ; 
but by some it is considered to be neuter. 2 Dr. Christison 3 states, 
that " opium contains no fewer than seven crystalline principles ; 
— morphia, codeia, and paramorphia, narcotin, narcein, porphy- 
roxin and meconin, of which the first three are alkaline and the 
others neutral." 

Dr. O'Shaughnessy 4 prepares muriate of narcotina by taking of 
Bengal opium., two pounds ; Alcohol, 20 pounds. These are rubbed 
together in a large mortar, adding the spirit by degrees, until the 
opium is exhausted of its soluble parts. The solution is then de- 
canted, and the insoluble portion pressed. To the alcoholic solution 
as much ammonia is added as renders the liquid slightly turbid. 
Fifteen pounds of the alcohol are then distilled from a common 
alembic; and the fluid in the still is drawn off, and set aside to 
cool. On cooling, a mass of coloured crystals is deposited, com- 
posed of narcotina, meconate of ammonia, and resin. This is 
washed with water, which dissolves the meconate of ammonia, and 
afterwards with a quart of water and a dram of muriatic acid, 
which dissolves the narcotina and leaves the resin. The solution 
is then filtered, and evaporated to dryness. 

Muriate of narcotina, thus prepared, is a transparent resinous 
mass, of rosy colour, and brittle vitreous texture. It is very 
soluble in distilled water and spirit; and its salts are intensely 
bitter. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

These have been so contradictory, that it has been conceived 
the same preparations cannot have been used by different obser- 
vers. 5 According to Magendie, 6 morphia is the anodyne prin- 
ciple of opium, and narcotina the exciting. When a grain of nar- 
cotina dissolved in oil was given to a dog, it produced a state of 
stupor, which superficial observers might readily confound with 

1 Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. art. Narcotine. 

3 Christison, Dispensatory, Amer. edit p. 702. Philad. 1S4S. 

3 Ibid. p. 701. 

• Calcutta Quarterly Journal, and Lond. Lancet, July 20, 1839. p. 606. 

5 Ibid, and Diet, des Sciences Medicates, xxxiv. 298. 

6 Formulaire pour la Preparation, &c, de plusieurs nouveaux Medicamens. 



NARCOTINA. 037 

sleep; but it differed evidently from sleep; the animal's eyes 
were open ; the respiration was not deep, as in sleep, and it was 
impossible to arouse it from its sluggish condition. Death 
generally took place in twenty-four hours. When combined with 
acetic acid, it produced quite different effects. Animals could 
bear a dose of even twenty-four grains without dying, and, whilst 
under its influence, they were agitated by convulsions like those 
which camphor induces — exhibiting the same signs of fright, the 
same backward motions, foaming at the mouth, convulsions of the 
jaws, &c. When morphia and narcotina were both given at the 
same time, the different effects of each occurred together. A grain 
of morphia, for example, and a grain of narcotina, dissolved in 
acetic acid, were placed in the pleura of a dog. The animal soon 
became drowsy, and fell asleep under the influence of the morphia ; 
but a singular and remarkable strife appeared to go on for an hour 
and a half, between the stimulating effects of the narcotina and 
the anodyne effects of the morphia. At length, however, the ani- 
mal slept soundly, being probably, Magendie suggests, under the 
influence of the morphia alone. His opinion is, that narcotina is 
injurious when not united with an acid, and very exciting when 
so united. M. Orfila — the celebrated toxicologist — has enter- 
tained, it appears, various views upon the action of narcotina; at one 
time considering it inert, at another to possess the same action as 
morphia ; and at another, to concur, when combined with morphia, 
in the properties of opium, but to a slight degree — since opium, 
deprived of narcotina, is not less deleterious — and to possess a 
different modus operandi from opium, without, however, our being 
able to regard it as the exciting principle. 1 

Owing to all these uncertainties connected with it, narcotina is 
little if at all employed in medicine. It would seem, however, 
that the exciting properties of opium do not appertain exclusively 
to it; for, as has been elsewhere remarked, there are many persons 
who are as disagreeably affected by morphia alone as they are by 
opium, which contains both morphia and narcotina. 

The salts of narcotina — the muriate and the sulphate — have 
been employed successfully as antiperiodics, especially in intermit- 
tents? and Dr. O'Shaughnessy 3 has laid before the Medical Society 
of Calcutta the results of his experience with them. Sixty cases 
were treated, of which all but two were successful. He remarks 
farther, that, besides the sixty cases recorded, more than one hun- 
dred ague patients had been treated by his pupils and acquaintances 
with perfect success by the remedy. 

1 Merat and De Lens, op. cit., and Orfila, Toxicologic Generate, ii. 69. 

9 Roots, London Lancet, Sept. 1832. and T. W. Jeston, ibid. Oct. 6, 1832, p. 41. 

2 India Journal of Medical Science, Sept. and Nov. 1838, cited in British and Foreign 
Medical Review, No. xv. for July, 1839, p. 263. 






•538 NUX VOMICA. 



CXXVIII. NUX VOMICA. 

Synonymes. Vomic Nut, Poison Nut. Bachelor's Buttons. 

French. Noix Vomique. 

German. Krahenaugen, Brechnuss. 

EXTRACTUM NUCIS VOMICAE ALCOHOLICUM. 

Synonymes. Extractura Nucis Vomicae Resinosum seu Nucis Vomicae 
Spirituosum, Spirituous, Resinous or Alcoholic Extract of Nux Vomica. 
French. Extrait Alcoolique de Noix Vomique. 
German. Geistiges Extrakt der Krahenaugen. 

In the year 1809, Magendie discovered that one entire class of 
vegetables — the bitter strycbnos — has the power of exciting the 
spinal marrow without implicating, except indirectly, the functions 
of the brain. 1 Since then, many have confirmed the observations 
of Magendie, and have attended especially to its agency in various 
diseases. The preparation of the strychnos most used, if we ex- 
cept the active principle — has been the alcoholic extract of the nux 
vomica. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Take any quantity of rasped nux vomica; exhaust it by repeated 
macerations in alcohol of 40° (.817,) and evaporate it slowly to the 
consistence of an extract. Alcohol of less strength may be used, 
but, according to Magendie, the product will be proportionably 
less active. A dried alcoholic extract is made by dissolving in 
water the alcoholic extract made by means of alcohol at 36° (.837 ;) 
filtering and evaporating in appropriate dishes, as in making the 
dry extract of bark. 

The Extractum Nucis Vomicje of the Pharmacopoeia of the 
United States is directed to be prepared as follows: — Take of Nux 
vomica, a pound; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Expose the nux 
vomica to steam till it is softened, then, having sliced and dried it, 
grind into powder. Introduce it into an apparatus for displace- 
ment, and pour alcohol upon it gradually until the liquid passes 
without bitterness. Distil off the greater part of the alcohol from 
the filtered liquor, and evaporate the residue to the proper con- 
sistence. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

According to Magendie, a grain of this extract, absorbed from 
any part of the body, or mixed with food, promptly destroys a 
dog of considerable size, by inducing paroxysms of tetanus, which, 
by their continuance, arrest respiration sufficiently long to induce 
complete asphyxia. When the dose is much stronger the animal 

1 Exarnen de Taction de quelques vegetaux sur la moel'.e cpiniere. Paris, 1809; and 
Formulaire, &c. 
* Pharmacopoeia of the United States, p. 352. Fhilad. 1842. 



NUX VOMICA. 



539 



appears to die entirely from the action of the nux vomica on the 
nervous system. 1 If an animal be touched whilst under the action 
of the substance, it experiences a commotion similar to that of a 
strong electric shock, and this takes place each time the contact is 
renewed. On dissection, no morbid appearances exist which can 
account for death. When introduced into the frog's stomach, Dr. 
Lombard, 2 of Geneva, found, that it produced tetanic convulsions, 
which, in a few hours, caused death. The contractions of the heart 
were sometimes strong and complete, sometimes irregular, tumul- 
tuous and intermitting; always diminished in frequency. Ap- 
plied to the heart itself, it slightly stimulated it, rendering the pul- 
sations more energetic and frequent, whence Dr. Lombard con- 
cludes, that nux vomica cannot be used with advantage in any 
diseases of the heart; for, although it diminishes the frequency of 
the pulsations, it renders them irregular. 

The action of the extract on healthy man is the same as that 
described by Magendie, and if the dose be sufficiently large, death 
speedily follows with the same symptoms. 3 In those that are af- 
fected with paralysis, the effect is also the same ; but, what is sin- 
gular, it is particularly manifested in the paralyzed parts by tetanic 
convulsions, and a feeling of creeping, which indicate the operation 
of the remedy; and a local perspiration is also often observed to break 
out on some parts of the body. When administered in cases of 
hemiplegia, the contrast between the tw T o sides of the body is ren- 
dered striking: whilst the sound side remains at rest, the other 
may be violently agitated ; tetanic shocks may supervene, and a 
copious perspiration break out. In a female, Magendie saw the 
affected side covered by a peculiar eruption, whilst the other side 
afforded no trace of it. There is a difference even between the two 
sides of the tongue, a decidedly bitter taste being occasionally per- 
ceived on the one, whilst the other exhibits nothing similar. If a 
much larger dose be given, both sides of the body participate, but 
unequally, in the tetanic spasms, so that the patient is sometimes 
thrown out of bed by the violence of the contractions. When 
given in very small doses, it has no perceptible effects immediately, 
and some days elapse before its advantageous or noxious properties 
can be appreciated. 

According to Magendie, 4 the extract may be given in all dis- 
eases that are attended with debility, general or local, and in 
paralysis of all kinds, general or partial. He himself observed 
excellent effects from it in debility of the genital organs, inconti- 
nence of urine, &c. He also used it with advantage in several 

1 S^galas, in Journal de Physiologie, par Magendie, Oct. 1822. 

2 Gazette Medicale de Paris, 18 Oct, 1835. 

8 See the details of two cases of poisoning by nux vomica, in Lond. Med. Rep. xix. 
448 and 456; Christison on Poisons, and Brande, Diet, of Mat. Med. p. 375. Lond. 1839. 
See also, A. S. Taylor on Poisons, Arner. edit., by R. E. Griffith, p. 620. Philad. 1848. 

4 Formulaire pour la Preparation, &c, de plusieurs nouveaux Medicamens, &c. 



540 NUX VOMICA. 

cases of partial atrophy of the upper and lower extremities. As 
regards its administration in cases of paralysis succeeding to 
apoplexy, he remarks, that it should not be given until some time 
after the coup de sang in the brain, which occasioned the palsy ; 
and that even then beneficial results can be expected only when 
no marked organic mischief exists: indeed, in the latter case, 
he considers the disease irremediable, and that bad effects might 
result from pushing the remedy. The efficacy of the alcoholic 
extract of nux vomica in various forms of paralysis has been con- 
firmed by many observers. Even before Magendie had employed 
it, Fouquier 1 had given it in several cases, with the most satisfac- 
tory results. Since then, we have the testimony of Chauffart, 2 
Gendron, 3 Perrussel, Recamier, Mauricet, Baxter, 4 Galli, Hauff, 
Wenneis, Burkard, Petrequin, 5 Gellie, 6 Debreyne, 7 and numerous 
others in its favour. The author's own experience with it in cases 
of hemiplegia has not been limited ; yet although he has succeeded 
in inducing tetanic movements in the limb, he has not been satis- 
fied that much advantage was derived from it; 8 and in some cases, 
it appeared to induce serious encephalic excitement. After effu- 
sion has occurred into the encephalon, time is required for its 
absorption, and but little beneficial agency can be expected from 
any remedy. Nor are the results of the experiments and obser- 
vations of Jahn by any means in accordance with those of the 
practitioners above mentioned. He tried it in numerous cases of 
paralysis, but affirms that he did not see any good effect from 
it; and, with the exception of two cases, did not notice the slightest 
action, although the extract was carefully prepared according to the 
formula given by Magendie. Yet, he remarks, he was by no means 
sparing in the dose. In the two cases in which a change seemed 
to be induced, there was an evident increase of the paralysis. This 
discrepancy, as well as other evidences of the same contrariety of 
experience, may doubtless have been partly owing to difference in 
the strength and quality of the preparation; and hence, according 
to some, the great value of strychnia — its active principle — which 
is not liable to so much uncertainty. 9 Dr. Christison, 10 however, 
affirms, that " there seems no particular reason why the powder 
and extract should have been displaced by the principle strychnia; 
for their effects are precisely the same; and the principle is not 

1 Bulletin de la Faculte de Medecine, &c., vol. v. 1818. 

2 Journ. Gener. de Med, Oct. 1824. 3 Ibid. Nov. 1829. 
4 New York Medical Repos. vol. viii. 

» Gazette Me'dicale de Paris, 27 Oct and 3 Nov., 1838, and Bulletin General de 
Therapeutique, Mars, 1840. 6 La Lancette Francaise, 29 Aoiit, 1837. 

1 Braithwaite's Retrospect, Amer. edit. x. 26. New York, 1845; cited from Med. 
Chir. Review, Oct. 1844, p. 384-396. 

8 See the author's Practice of Medicine, 3d edit., ii, 167. Philad. 1848. Also. 
Chauffart. in op. cit. 

9 Richter's Specielle Therapie, u. s. w. B. x. S. 352. Berlin, 1828. 

10 Dispensatory, p. 658. Edinh. 1842. 



NUX VOMICA. 541 

only troublesome to prepare, but likewise, being seldom pure, is 
liable to the objection of irregular strength, which is brought 
against the Galenical preparations of the drug. 

In cases of partial paralysis, as in colica pictonum, amaurosis? 
palsy of the rectum, &c, both the alcoholic extract of nux vomica 
and its active principle have been used with good effect. (See 
Strychnia.) M. Barez 3 affirms, that he has succeeded in readily- 
removing prolapsus ani in the young, after diarrhoea, &c, by 
means of an aqueous solution of nux vomica. Four scruples of 
salep are boiled for twenty minutes in three ounces and a half of 
water, and after straining, three-fourths of a grain of the aqueous 
extract of nux vomica are added. A spoonful of this mixture is 
given at intervals, so that the whole is taken in twenty-four hours. 
It need hardly be said that in the case of young children, this 
potent article should be used with great caution. 

It has been given with good results by M. Duclos, 3 in impo- 
tence and spermatorrhoea. He divides seventy-five grains of the 
alcoholic extract into one hundred pills. During five days, he 
gives one every night; then, for five days more, one, morning and 
night; for five days more, two, night and morning; and for five 
days more, two at morning, and three at night, until four are taken 
night and morning. The liniment, for which a formula is given 
hereafter, rubbed on the loins, and on the inside of the thighs, is 
a useful auxiliary. 

Dr. Cerchiari 4 treated two cases of incontinence of urine suc- 
cessfully with the extract. The first was that of a girl nineteen 
years of age — who, from her infancy, had passed her urine in- 
voluntarily every night in her sleep. She was ordered the third 
of a grain of the extract in pill, three times a day; and in eight 
days the cure was complete. The second case was that of a 
young married female, whose urine flowed involuntarily, day and 
night, after her first delivery. As there was no fistulous opening 
to account for the involuntary discharge, and it appeared to arise 
from weakness of the neck of the bladder, in consequence of con- 
tusion by the head of the child, the extract was administered in 
the same doses as in the preceding case, and in fifteen days the 
cure was complete. Mondiere, in cases of incontinence of urine, 
dependent upon atony, prescribed it advantageously in association 
with black oxide of iron ; 5 and M. Petrequin 6 found, that local 

' Petrequin and Miquel, in Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Juillet, 1838, De- 
freyne, op. cit. 

3 Journ. de Medecine, July, 1845, cited in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ. July, 1846, 
p. 256. 

3 Bulletin de Therapeutique, xxxvi. 529-33 ; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Chir., 
Oct. 1849, p. 5G4, and in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p, 24. 

4 Gazette Medicale, 14 Avril, 1838. 

s Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1841, p. 8. Paris, 1841. 
6 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mars, 1840. 

35 



542 NUX VOMICA. 

ancesthesia or loss of sensibility in a part yielded, in numerous 
instances, to embrocations of the tincture referred to hereafter. 

Cazenave gave the extract successfully in a case of St. Vitus' *s 
dance, which had resisted every other remedy ; and Professor 
Trousseau relates several cases of cure, from the employment of 
the alcoholic extract in the dose of about three-quarters of a grain; 
or of strychnia, in the dose of one-sixth of a grain. Sir Charles 
Scudamore, M. Roclants, 1 and Mr. Pidduck, 2 found it useful in 
neuralgia, the former in neuralgia faciei especially. Vogt gave 
it — not without advantage — in cardialgia; Hildenbrand, in epi- 
lepsy: by the Russian and Polish physicians it was administered 
advantageously in cholera diarrhoea, and by many it has been 
strongly advised in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, 3 as well as 
in dyspepsia, in the varieties termed pyrosis and gastrodynia, 
especially when they appeared to proceed from morbid irrita- 
bility of the nerves of the stomach* as in the vomiting of the 
pregnant female. 5 The addition of a small portion of the ex- 
tract has been suggested by M. Boult as a remarkably powerful 
adjuvant to cathartics. He generally prescribes it in pill, accord- 
ing to the formula given hereafter; and Dr. Ranking 6 affirms, that 
he has been in the habit of combining strychnia with an aperient 
extract, with considerable advantage, in habitual constipation. 
Two cases of obstinate constipation are recorded by M. Ossieurs, 7 
which, after having resisted other means, yielded at once to nux 
vomica. Recently, Mr. C. F. Gream 3 employed it, at the sug- 
gestion of Mr. Hammerston, of St. George's Hospital, London, 
in the cure of hay fever — summer bronchitis, with the best 
effects. He gave the tinctura nucis vomicae of the Dublin Phar- 
macopoeia in doses of ten drops, gradually increased to twenty, 
three times a clay ; at the same time applying to the lining mem- 
brane of the nostrils, as high up as possible, an ointment composed 
of a dram and a half of Goulard's extract, two ounces of 
spermaceti cerate, and a few drops of oilofbergamot. (See 
the article Strychnia.) 

1 Med -Chir. Review, from Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Oct. 1843. 
a London Med. Gazette, Aug. 7, 1840. 

3 Most's Encyclopadie, 2te A ullage, art. Dysenteria, i. 573. Leipz. 1836. Geddings, 
N. American Archives, No. 2, Nov. 1834 s Roots, in St. Thomas's Hospital Reports, 
No. iii. for April, 1836; Hufeland, in Bally, Bulletin General de Therapeutique. Fev. 
1S3S; and Nevins, Lond. Med. Gaz., Dec. 15, 1848. 

4 Mellor, in Med. Gaz., March 4, 1837, p. 850. H. S. Melcombe, ibid. March 25, 
1837, p. 964; cited in Amer. Med. Intel. July 1, 1837, p. 124; and M. Huss, in Zeit- 
schrift fur die gesammte Medicin. May, 1837, p. 393, cited in Amer. Med. Intelligencer, 
Aug. l,p- 162. 

5 Kroyher, cited in Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1S42, par Bouchardat, p. 39. 
Paris, 1842. 

6 Half-Yearly Abstract, &c, from July to December, 1848. p. 215. 
'Med. Times, May 26, 1849. 

8 Lancet, June 8, 18C0, 



NUX VOMICA. 543 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The best form for exhibiting the alcoholic extract of nux vo- 
mica, according to Magendie, is in pill, when we are desirous of 
inducing the tetanic convulsions. Each pill may contain a grain. 
One or two pills may be given at first, and the dose be daily aug- 
mented until the required effect is induced. It may then be dis- 
continued, to avoid accidents. It is better, he thinks, to give the 
pills in the evening, as night is the most favourable time for ob- 
serving the phenomena w T e are desirous of inducing. It is some- 
times necessary to increase the dose to twenty or thirty grains, 
before the tetanic effects supervene, but commonly from four to 
six grains are sufficient. Esquirol saw two cases, in one of which 
death took place after eighteen grains; in the other, after five: 
the stomach and bowels were found inflamed. Dr. Elliotson 
began with half a grain of a well prepared extract, and increased 
the dose every day, or every other day, by a quarter of a grain; 
but none of the patients bore a greater quantity than seven grains, 
and few more than four. If, from any cause, the administration 
of the remedy has been interrupted for some days, it is necessary 
to recommence with the small doses, and to increase them gradu- 
ally as before. When it is desirable to produce only the slow 
effects of the remedy, a grain or half a grain daily is sufficient. 
M. Petrequin 1 begins with one-eighth of a grain for a dose, and 
gradually increases it to two, three, and even five grains in the 
course of the day. 

Magendie directs a tincture to be made from the extract — the 
Tinctura Nucis Vomica, T. Strychnos, T. Nucum Vomica - 
rum, which has been introduced into some of the pharmacopoeias. 
It is made by taking three grains of dried alcoholic extract of 
nux vomica, and dissolving it in an ounce of alcohol at 36° (.837.) 
It is given by drops, and in mixtures, in those cases in which the 
alcoholic extract itself is indicated. M. Petrequin 2 also employs 
a tincture of nux vomica, which he prepares with four ounces of 
the powder and a quart of brandy. This is used altogether ex- 
ternally as an embrocation to, and around, palsied parts. The 
tinctura nucis vomicae of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia is made of 
two ounces of rasped nux vomica to eight ounces of rectified, 
spirit, (alcohol.) 

Tinctura nucis vomica composita. 

Compound tincture of nux vomica. 

R. Extract, nuc. vomic. alcohol, gr. xxiv. 
Camphoree gj. 
Tinct. pyrethri f ^j. M. 

Dose. — Twenty drops, four times a day, with arnica tea, in 
cases of paralysis. Fogt. 

1 Op. cit. 3 Op. citat. 



544 NUX VOMICA. 

R. Tinct. nucis vomicae, 

cantharid. 

Naph. phosphorat. 1 ^ij. M. 

Dose. — Thirty drops, three or four times a day, with arnica tea, 
in the paralysis of torpid subjects. Vogt. 

Mistura nucis vomicae. 

Mixture ofnux vomica. 

R. Extract, nuc. vomic. alcohol, gr. ij. — iv. — vj. 
Mucilag. acac. f ^ss. 
Aquae melissae f §vj. M. 

Dose. — Two spoonfuls, every two hours, in epilepsy. 

Hildenbrand. 
A similar form is recommended by Richter* in dysentery. Two 
table-spoonfuls every two hours. 

R. Tinct. nucis vomicae gtt. ij. 
Aquas lauroceras. gj. M. 

Dose. — Ten drops every morning and evening in the vomit- 
ing of pregnancy. Kroyher. 

Pilulae nucis vomicae. 

Pills ofnux vomica. 

R. Ext. nuc. vomic. alcohol. £j. 
Ext. glycyrrhiz. Bvij. 
Misce et riant pilulae lxxx. 

Dose. — Two to six, two or three times a day, in paralysis. 

Pilulae nucis vomicae ferruginosae. 

Ferruginous pills ofnux vomica. 

R. Extract, nucis vomic. alcohol, gr. vj. 
Ferri oxid. nigr. gj. M. 
et divide in pil. xxiv. 

Dose.— Three, daily, in incontinence of urine dependent upon 
atony. Mondiere. 

Pilulae nucis vomicae et quiniae. 

Pills ofnux vomica and quinia. 

R. Ext. nucis vomicae gr. xij. 
Quiniae sulphat. 

Ext. hyoscyam. aa. gr. xxiv. M. 
et fiant pil. xxiv. 

Two to be taken an hour before meals, in gleet. 

Ch. Johnson. 

1 Naphtha phosphorata, JEther sulphuricus phosphoratus, is made by dissolving 
twenty-eight grains of phosphorus in four ounces of rectified ether. 

2 Die Specielle Therapie, ii. 133. Berl. 1821. See, also, Joy, in Tweedie's Library 
of Medicine, v. 296. Lond. 1840; or 2d Amer. edit, Pbilad. 1842. 



OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 545 

Pilulee nucis vomicae et aloes. 
Pills of nux vomica and aloes. 

R. Nucis vomicae gr. ss. 
Aloes 

Ext. rhei aa. gr. f . M. 
et f. pilnla. 
Dose. — One at bed time, as a cathartic. To increase its chola- 
gogue power, a grain of calomel may be added. Boult. 

Pnlveres nucis vomicae. 

Powders of nux vomica. 

R. Ext. nucis vomicae alcohol. 
Bismuth, sub-nitrat. aa. gr. ss. 
Magnes. carbonat. gr. iij. 
Sacch. gr. xv. 
01. menth. pip. gtt. ij. 
Misce, et fiat pulvis. 
Dose. — One every three hours, in cramp of the stomach. 1 

VogL 
R. Nucis vomic. pulv. gr. iij. 
Acacise, 
Sacchar. aa. gr. xij. M. et fiat pulvis. 

Dose. — One of these powders to be repeated according to cir- 
cumstances during the twenty-four hours, in diarrhoea and dysen- 
tery. Huf eland, 

Linimentum nucis vomicae compositum. 

Compound liniment of nux vomica. 

R. Tinct. nucis vomicae 

arnicas seu 

melisssB aa. partes Ix. 

lyttse part. xv. M. 

To be rubbed on the loins and inside of the thighs in impotence 
and spermatorrhoea. Duclos. 

Embrocatio nucis vomicae. 

Embrocation of nux vomica. 

R. Tinct. nucis vomicse f gj. 
Liquor, ammon. f gij. M. 

To be rubbed on the paralyzed limbs, and on the surface, in 
cholera. See Strychnia, and its preparations. 



CXXIX. O'LEUM JECORIS ASEL'LI. 

Svnonymes. Oleum Morrhuse seu Jecinoris Aselii, Codliver Oil, Cod Oil. 
French. Huile de Morue, Huile de Foie de Morue. 
German. Stockfischleberthranj Bergerthran, Giehtthran, 
Leberthran, Kabl iau thr an. 

The animal fat, which appears under this name in commerce, is 
obtained from several of the fishes belonging to the genus Gadus, 



546 



OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 



order Malacopterygii thoraclcl, but especially from the codfish, 
{Gadus morrhua;) the Trosk, (Gadus callarias ;) the Coalfish, 
(Gadus Carbonarlus,) and the Burbot, (Gadus lota.) At Ant- 
werp, it is said by M. Gouzee 1 to be prepared from the liver of a 
species of Ray — the Raja Pastinaca — and of the Skate. Skate- 
liver oil is by some preferred to cod-liver oil as a therapeutic 
agent. The disagreeable odour and taste of cod-liver oil led to 
the substitution of the oil obtained from the liver of the skate — 
Rata clavata and R. Rails; German, Rochenleberthran. 
In Holland and Belgium this oil is preferred to that of the cod, 
both as being less disagreeable to the taste, and also more effica- 
cious in its therapeutic effects. 2 

Several varieties of the oil are met with in commerce, which, 
differ from each other by their brighter or darker hue, and by 
their greater or less transparency. The clearest sort is admitted, 
into the shops of continental Europe especially, under the name 
Oleum jecoris aselli album seu depuratum : as a remedial agent 
it is more used than the darker variety, although several physi- 
cians affirm, that they have found the latter more efficacious. 3 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to Riecke, 4 the oil is obtained by exposing to the 
sun the livers of the fishes above mentioned, cut in slices, and col- 
lecting the fixed oil that runs out. That which is first obtained 
resembles fine olive or poppy oil, and is called " yellow cod-liver 
oi) " — Oleum jecoris aselli flavum, (German, Hellblanker 
Leberthran.) If the livers are running gradually to putre- 
faction, the oil becomes of a chestnut-brown colour — Oleum jecoris 
aselli sub f us co jiavum — (German, Braunkblanker Thran:) 
and, again, after the oil has been obtained by the above methods, 
some can still be procured by boiling the livers, which constitutes 
the Oleum jecoris aselli fuscum; 5 but between the finest pale- 
yellow or almost colourless oil, and the dark-brown cod-oil used 
by curriers, there is an almost infinite variety of shades, so that 
no absolute difference can be founded on colour only. 6 At New- 
haven, near Edinburgh, the fishermen simply boil the livers in an 

1 Bullet. Med. Beige, Janvier, 183S. 

2 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Oct. 1842, p. 504, and Gobley, Archiv. General, 
de Med., Mai, 1842, p. 111. 

3 See Taufflied, in Gazette Medicale de Paris, 12 Aout, 1837. 

4 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. vv. S. 351, and 2te Auflage, S. 538. Stuttgart, 1840. 

5 For the Analysis of the yellow and brown varieties, by Marder, see Riecke, op. cit. 
2te Auflage, S. 541. Stuttgart, 1840; or Pereira, op. eft. p. 1805; and of the three 
varieties, see De Jongh, The Three Kinds of Cod-liver Oil, by E. Carey, Amer. edition, 
p. 79. Philad. 1849. 

8 Pereira, Pharmaceutical Journal, Feb. 1849. See, also, a full account of the dif- 
ferent kinds offish oils in Dierbach. Die neuesten Entdeckungen in der Materia Medica. 
3er Band. 2te Abth. S. 1292. Heidelb. und Leipz. 1847. 



OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 547 

iron pot, and then filter the oil through a towel containing a little 
sand. 1 

Mr. Donovan 3 recommends the following process. Take any 
quantity of livers of cod; throw them into a very clean iron pot; 
and place it on a slow fire; stir them continually until they break 
down into a kind of pulp: water and oil will have separated. 
When a thermometer plunged in the pulp shall have risen to 192°, 
the pot should be taken from the fire, its contents transferred to a 
canvass bag, and a vessel placed underneath. Oil and some water 
will run through: after twenty-four hours, separate the former by 
decantation, and filter through paper. 

The properties of cod-liver oil are said to be different in the dif- 
ferent varieties met with in commerce. The colour varies from a 
bright yellow to a reddish-brown; and the oil is sometimes clear, 
but, at others, more or less turbid. The bright has the consistence 
of poppy oil; the brown is thicker. The smell is weaker in the 
former; in the latter, it resembles that of old salt herrings. The 
taste of the brown is an empyreumatic bitter; and resembles train 
oil; is somewhat acrid, and remains for a time on the tongue; that 
of the clearer oil is much less disagreeable. Litmus paper is feebly 
reddened by the clear, considerably so by the brown variety. 
Both sorts are soluble in alcohol and ether. A good deal of the 
difference in the appearance, and other sensible properties of the 
different varieties would appear, from the observations of Mr. 
Donovan, 3 to be owing to the comparative freshness, or the con- 
trary, of the oil, or of the livers from which it has been prepared. 

To test its purity, Mr. Hockin* mixes, on a porcelain slab, four 
parts of the oil and one of strong sulphuric acid. If it be genuine, 
a rich violet hue is produced, which in a few minutes passes gra- 
dually to a dirty brown. This characteristic, he says, is not pos- 
sessed by any other oil, either animal or vegetable. From the 
researches, however, of Dr. Pereira, 5 it w T ould appear, that al- 
though sulphuric acid is a test for liver oils, probably owing to 
the presence in them of one of the constituents of bile, it does 
not distinguish one liver oil from another, neither does it distin- 
guish good cod-liver oil from bad; for it produces its characteristic 
reaction both with common brown cod-oil and with the finest and 
palest qualities ; but it serves to distinguish oil procured from the 
liver from oil obtained from other parts of the animal. In com- 
merce it is said to be extensively adulterated with other fish oils; 

1 J. H. Bennet, cited by Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. ii. 1866; or 
2d Amer, edit, by Carson. Philad. 1846. 

2 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, July, 1840, p. 363. See, also, for a full account 
of the article, Mr. Donovan, ibid. Sept. 1845. 

s Op. cit. Sept. 1845. 

* Pharmaceutical Journal, Sept. 16, 1848; cited in Kanking's Half- Yearly Abstract, 
July to December, 1848, Amer. edit. p. 213. 
1 Pharmaceutical Journal, 1848. 



548 OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 

scarcely a tenth — it is believed — of what is sold under that name 
is genuine, being either refined whale or sea elephant oil. 1 

According to Messrs. Gouzee and Gmelin, the brightest oil 
ought to be employed internally; but MM. Trousseau and Pidoux 2 
think that the limpid oil has no medical virtue. They prefer 
either the second, or that which is obtained by ebullition, and has 
a disagreeable acrid taste. Such, too, appears to be the opinion 
of Richter, 3 Delcour 4 and others. On the other hand, Dr. J. C. 
B. Williams 5 prefers the pale oil, as free from taste and smell as it 
can be procured. To obtain this he advises, that the livers of the 
fish should be obtained as fresh as possible, the pale plump livers 
being preferred. These should be beaten into a pulp, mixed with 
water at 120°, and filtered. After standing, the oil must be de- 
canted, cooled to 50°, and again filtered. The process is to be 
performed quickly and in close vessels. 

The oil, prepared by Mr. Donovan's process, is of a pale-yellow 
colour ; its smell is weak, and resembles that of a cod boiled for 
the table when in excellent condition. Its taste is bland, by no 
means disagreeable, and totally devoid of rancidity. It is very 
liquid. Its specific gravity, in Mr. Donovan's trials, was 0.934, 
although in all the published tables of specific gravities it is stated 
to be 0.923. 6 In cold weather, it deposits much stearine, which 
ought not to be separated. Mr. Donovan has obtained as much 
as a gallon of pure oil from twenty-eight pounds of liver, the 
produce of fifty cods ; and he concludes, that in preparing the oil 
for medical purposes, three great points are to be attended to, — 
1. The livers must be perfectly healthy ; 2. they must be as fresh 
as possible, the least putrescency being injurious; and, 3. The 
heat at which the separation of the oil is effected must not exceed 
192°. This pale oil is the only kind that Mr. Donovan 7 has sup- 
plied so abundantly tp the profession for the last three years ; and 
its efficacy, he says, has been in many cases most surprising. 

Much of the oil used in this country is prepared in Boston. 8 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Cod-liver oil has long been used as a popular remedy in north- 
ern Germany, especially in Westphalia — as well as in Holland 
and England ; it fell, however, into disuse in the British isles, but 
in Germany it has maintained its character to the present day. 
In England, it appears to have been first recommended by Perci- 

1 Report of the Committee on adulterated drugs, Dr. Huston chairman, in Transac- 
tions of the Amer. Med. Association, vol. iii. Philad. 1850. 

3 Traite de Therapeutique, &c, 2d partie, p. HI. 
8 Medicinisch. Zeitung, No. 26, July, 1835. 

4 Bulletin Medical Beige, Juin, 1841, p. 249. 
8 London Journal of Medicine, Jan. 1849. 

6 Donovan, op. cit. " * Op. cit. 

8 Dispensatory of the United States, 8th edition, p. 1209. Philad. 1S49. 



OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 549 

val, 1 and in Germany by Schenck. 2 In Percival's time, it was 
so largely employed in Manchester, in the hospital of that town, 
that nearly a hogshead of it was consumed annually. When 
administered internally, it excites a disagreeable taste in the mouth, 
and nausea. Yet patients soon become accustomed to it ; and 
children frequently take it without repugnance. When the nausea 
is once overcome, the oil does not oppress the stomach, except 
when the organ is embarrassed, or the digestive powers are greatly 
enfeebled. Nor does it seem to destroy the appetite by continued 
use. Yet many persons, especially adults — less so children — 
reject it immediately. It is necessary for the digestive powers to 
be energetic when it has to be given for any length of time. To 
those whose digestive organs are very irritable, Kopp recommends 
that Bourdeaux wine should be taken after it. 

Cod-liver oil has no manifest effect on any of the secretions, ex- 
cept occasionally on the urinary and cutaneous depurations; and 
on the healthy organism it appears to excite no marked change. 
In strumous affections, however, its favourable influence is said 
to be striking, as well as in rhachitic, rheumatic, and gouty dis- 
orders. In such cases, it is said, by the German writers, to excite 
powerfully the reproductive or nutritive functions, when adminis- 
tered for a proper length of time. 3 The favourable effects are, in 
general, not rapidly exhibited ; and to produce a cure, according 
to Kopp, the remedy must be persisted in for at least four weeks, 
and commonly for some months. Kopp suggested, that owing to 
the similarity of the effects of this oil to those of iodine, its effi- 
cacy might be owing to its containing the latter ; and some che- 
mical investigations made by him in the year 1836 confirmed the 
suggestion. 4 The quantity is extremely small, but — Kopp sup- 
poses — like iron in chalybeate waters, as the iodine is commingled 
naturally with the oil, it may exert a much greater effect than if 
it were added artificially in the like quantity. This is the opinion 
also of Dr. J. H. Bennet, 5 but Delcour 5 and Panck 7 think it very 
problematical. Experiments by L. Gmelin 8 seemed to show, that 
the genuine oil contains iodine, whilst the spurious does not. 
Iodine has likewise been detected in it by Hausmann, Bley, Brandes, 

1 Essays, Medical, Philosophical and Experimental. Warrington. 1790. Vol. ii. 
a Hufeland's Journal, 1822 and 1826. 

3 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 352, und 2te Auflage, S. 542. Stuttgart, 1840; 
also Klencke, cited in Brit, and For. Med. Keview, Oct. 1842, p. 443. 

4 Hufeland und Osann's Journal, 1836; Annalen der Pharmacie, xxi. und xxii.; and 
Bulletin General de Therapeutique, No. xx. 30 Oct., 1837, 

5 Treatise on the Oleum Jecoris Aselli or Cod Liver Oil, &c &c. Lond. 1841. 

6 Bulletin Medical Beige, Juin, 1841, p. 254. 

1 Zeitschrift fur die gesammte Medicin, July, 1842, p. 282. 
3 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mai, 1840. 



550 OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 

Springmiihl, 1 and W. Stein. 2 Herberger 3 found both iodine and 
bromine in it, and analyses made by De Jongh 4 showed, that the 
light-brown oil contained the largest quantity of iodine. 

Owing to skate-liver oil appearing to be more efficacious thera- 
peutically than cod-liver oil, MM. Girardin and Prisser were 
induced to analyze it carefully, when they found it to contain a 
per centage more of iodide of potassium. They, consequently, 
recommend it as a valuable substitute for the more nauseous 
article in use. 5 On the other hand, Mr. Donovan 6 is of opinion, 
that every known fact impugns the notion that the curative prin- 
ciple is iodine. In the first place, he says, many patients who 
have been cured by the oil were not in the least benefited by a 
previous course of iodine, — as shown by Dr. Taufflied. Secondly. 
Chemical analysis has discovered only minute traces of iodine in 
some specimens, whilst others were entirely destitute of it. One 
analysis, indeed, referred to by Dr. Bennett, gave 0.324 per cent., 
and another, 0.162: others gave still less. Thirdly. " The ten- 
dency of iodine is to render the person thin who uses it, while the 
effect of cod oil is to fatten." Lastly. None of the oil prepared 
by them, when agitated with alcohol, communicated any impres- 
sion of iodine, although the oil was eminently successful as a me- 
dicine, and its colour contra-indicated the presence of free iodine. 

Again, it has been affirmed, that equally beneficial effects have 
followed the use of oil that contained no iodine. The author has 
for many years stated to his clinical classes, that such had been the 
result of his observation, and that vegetable oils had appeared to 
him to exert a similar action ; and recently cases have been published 
confirming this - view of the subject. 7 Testimony has also been 
afforded in favour of the good effects of other animal oils. 8 M. 
Eretonneau 9 regards common train oil to be equally efficacious. 
In a recent report (1849,) of the Hospital for Consumption and 
Diseases of the Chest, which is highly favourable to the use of cod- 
liver oil, it is stated, that other animal oils, not derived from the 
liver, and vegetable oils, were tried; but the experiments thus far 
made there had not shown them to possess the same powers: 
they had not, however, been sufficiently often repeated to warrant 
decided conclusions. 

Dr. J. C. B. Williams 10 does not esteem it necessary to discuss 
the question whether the oil owes its efficacy to the iodine con- 

1 Riecke, op. cit. 2te Auflage, S. 541. Stuttgart, 1840. 

2 Journal fur Praktische Chemie, B. xxi., or Journal de Pharmacie, Fev. 1841, p. 94. 

3 Pereira, op. cit. p. 1 866. 

4 The three kinds of Cod-liver Oil, &c. by E. Carey, Amer. edit. p. 79. Philad. 1849. 
6 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ. Oct. 1842, p. 504. 6 Op. cit Sept 1845. 

1 Dr. P. M. Duncan and Mr. Nunn, London Medical Gazette, Feb. 1850. 

8 See Drs. Bagot and Stapleton, in Dublin Medical Press, March 6, 1850. 

9 Bulletin de Therapeutique, cited in Medical Examiner, Sept. 1847, p. 579. 

10 London Journal of Medicine, Jan. 1849. 



OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 551 

tained in it. " To suppose," he says, " that the minute proportion 
of this ingredient could be the curative agent would savour of the 
absurdities of homoeopathy; and besides most of the patients had 
taken iodine in one form or other previously to taking the oil." 1 

The author has elsewhere remarked, 2 that the effect which cod- 
liver oil induces upon the system of nutrition, when cachexia exists, 
is similar to that of eutrophics in general. It doubtless furnishes 
a modified chyle, and of consequence a modified blood. This in- 
duces a new action in the tissues which it laves, — acting in these 
respects, like sugar, both dietetically and therapeutically ; and 
probably its main action, as maintained by Dr. Bennett and by M. 
Eouchardat, 3 is that of a fatty aliment. Dr. Williams thinks 
" there is much reason to believe that it proves serviceable by 
supplying the fat molecules, which appear to be essential to healthy 
nutrition in forming the nuclei of the primary cells: thus supplying 
a fat, which is capable of being readily absorbed and converted into 
a better plasma, as well as more readily conveyed by the blood to 
the vicinity of the tubercular deposits, the absorption of which it 
favours by dissolving the irregularly concreted fat of which the 
masses are partly composed." 

The following results of the use of cod-liver oil in the medical 
ward of the Pennsylvania Hospital, during six months, reported 
by Dr. Levick, one of the resident physicians, have been published by 
Dr. Gerhard. 4 First. The light coloured oil can be taken without 
difficulty by patients who have steadily rejected the brown oil. 
Secondly. A few of the patients took it without any thing to dis- 
guise its taste. Its nauseating properties are corrected by its ad- 
ministration with milk; but its taste is most effectually disguised 
by the froth of porter. Thirdly. As a general rule it was taken 
before meals ; but in four cases where it was not tolerated before 
meals, it was readily taken after them. Fourthly. Patients have 
increased in flesh, weight and strength under its use : the cough 
and expectoration have diminished, and with some hectic and rigours 
have wholly disappeared. Six were so much benefited as to leave 
the hospital, and resume their former occupations. A patient, who 
entered the hospital with cough, copious purulent expectoration, 
extreme emaciation, inability to leave his bed, and with tEe physical 
signs of a cavity under the left clavicle, after six months' use of 
the oil left the hospital weighing 140 pounds, with little or no 
cough, no hectic nor rigors, and with an almost entire absence of 
expectoration ; and the physical signs had greatly diminished. 

1 See Pereira, Pharmaceutical Journal, 1848. 

2 General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, 4th edit. ii. 316. Philad. 1 S."0. 

3 Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 253. 

4 The Diagnosis, Pathology, and Treatment of Diseases of the Chest, 3d edit. p. 241. 
Philad, 1850. See, also, Notes of Cases of Phthisis Pulmonalis, treated in the Penn- 
sylvania Hospital, with Remarks on Cod-liver Oil and its uses in Tubercular Disease, 
by Dr. Levick, in American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Jan. 1851, p. 21. 



552 OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 

Fifthly. The improvement of the physical signs was not coincident 
with that of the general symptoms. Sixthly. That in those cases 
which terminated fatally, the appetite, nutrition and strength ap- 
peared for a time to be decidedly increased: life appeared to be 
temporarily protracted; but for a few weeks immediately preceding 
dissolution the remedy seemed to have entirely lost its value ; and 
lastly, To be of decided permanent benefit, its use must be steadily 
persevered in, even after the most striking symptoms of the disease 
have in a great measure disappeared. 

As respects the administration of cod-liver oil in disease, it has 
been employed — especially in Germany — as a remedy in 

Rheumatism, in which its reputation has been favourable. 
In the year 1782, it was highly recommended in chronic rheu- 
matism by Dr. J. Percival, 1 and in 1807 by Dr. Bardsley, 3 who 
states, that it was in high repute in Lancashire. In the year 1835, 
Brefeld wrote a monograph on it, in which, resting upon nume- 
rous indigenous and foreign experiments, he maintained it to be a 
remedy of great and specific efficacy in every form of chronic rheu- 
matism; and since then his testimony has been corroborated by 
that of Spiritus, 3 Moning, 4 Schiitle, 5 Wesener, 6 Osberghaus, 7 
Giinther, 8 Volkmann, 9 Kopp, Rust, 10 Moll, 11 Panck, W. O. Chalk, 12 
and Bradshaw. 13 By many, its use has likewise been advised in 
gouty affections; but Brefeld esteems it ineffectual in actual gout ; 
and Taufflied 14 affirms, that it is of no avail in gouty arthritis. 

Scrofula and Rickets. — In these diseases it would seem to 
be more efficacious than in rheumatism. Brefeld, indeed, asserts 
that he has found no remedy equal to it, in cases where the osseous 
tissue is permanently affected, — as in the different forms of rick- 
ets, arthrocace, spina ventosa, and caries scrophulosa: 15 and 
Kreebel 15 is of opinion that its efficacy is most marked in scro- 
fulous affections of the bones and in atrophia infantum. Next 
to these, it has been extolled in affections of the chyliferous ves- 
sels and internal glands, especially when they present themselves 
under the chronic form of atrophy. In affections of the external 
glands, its efficacy was less striking and rapid; Taufflied, indeed, 
states, that it is of no avail in the swellings of any lymphatic 
glands excepting those of the abdominal cavity. Its action is 

1 Lond. Med. Journ. iii. 393. 

3 Reports from Hospital Practice, p. 18. Lond. 1S07. 

3 Rust's Magazin, Band. xvi. 566. * Ibid. 

* Horn's Archiv. 1824 (July and August.) 

6 Hufeland's Journal, 1824," Heft 1. (May.) T Ibid. 1S25, Heft. iii. (September.) 

* Ibid. 1S24, Heft.ii, (August.) 9 Ibid. 

10 Rust's Magazin. xx. 563. " Richter's Specielle Therapie, x. 46?. Berl. 1S25. 

13 Lond. Med. Gaz. Dec. 29, 1843, p. 414. 

13 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Dec 31, 1S45, p. 753. 

" Gaz. Med. Nov. 9, 1839. 

IS Sourzac, Journ. de Med. et Chir. Prat. Mars, 1842, p. 110. 

■■ Schmidt's Jahrbucker, u. s. w. No. 9, S. 287. Jahrgang 1849. 



OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 553 

almost null in scrofulous affections of the skin, ophthalmia, dis- 
charges from the ear, &c, unless when applied externally, in 
which cases, as well as in external glandular swellings of a scro- 
fulous character, it was especially useful. The slighter forms of 
scrofulous eruptions disappeared, without any unpleasant sequelse, 
by simply smearing them with the oil ; the more obstinate forms, 
by the simultaneous use of appropriate internal agents, of which 
Brefeld prefers aBthiops antimonialis to all others. Scrofulous 
inflammation of the eyes disappeared frequently and rapidly by 
simply smearing the eyelids with the oil. 1 Where, in the case of 
scrofulous ophthalmia, there is inflammation of the eyelid with 
photophobia, Brefeld recommends, that the free edges of the eye- 
lid should be anointed with pure cod-liver oil. Cunier advises 
it in association with the extract of belladonna, one part of the 
latter to two of the former. Introduced between the eyelids by 
means of a camel's hair pencil, it acts, he says, beneficially on 
scrofulous ulcers of the cornea, and hastens in a remarkable man- 
ner the absorption of the opacities of that membrane. In the in- 
ter ciliary ulcerations, it is likewise very useful. In such cases, 
as well as in opacities of the cornea; following vascular pannus 
in cellular pannus, atonic ulcerations, &c, Cunier found an 
ointment, the formula for which is given hereafter, very useful. 2 
Mr. Wilde, of Dublin, 3 states, that in cases of pannus and long con- 
tinued chronic ophthalmia attended with granular lids, &c, where 
the constitutional powers had fallen below par, as shown by dimi- 
nution in volume, and increased quickness of pulse, pallor of coun- 
tenance, coldness of the extremities, a clammy condition of skin 
during the day, and heat, and restlessness at night; together with 
loss of appetite, and " a large flabby, putty coloured tongue, which 
is usually attendant on such broken down strumous patients," he 
had found it a most useful remedy, — in fact, in all cases in which 
tonics and nutrients were indicated. 

Kopp extols it in scrofula and rickets, both when internally 
and externally exhibited. Numerous trials with it by other phy- 
sicians — as by Schenck, Schutte, Yon dem Busch, Gumpert, Fehr, 
Rosch, Schmidt, Knod von Helmenstreit, Heineken, Munzenthaler, 
Beckhaus, Spitta, Giinther, Roy, Gouzee, 4 Taufflied, 5 Jungken, 6 
W. O. Chalk, 7 Daumerie, 8 and others, confirm its great efficacy in 

1 Piffard, Bullet. General de Therap. Mai, 1840. 

a Journal fur Kinderhrankheiten, cited from Annales d'OcuIistique, Mai, 1845, and 
in Braithwaite's Retrospect, xii. 234, Amer. edit. New York, 184t>. 

3 Donovan, Dublin Journal, &c, Sept. 1845. 

4 Bulletin Medical Beige, Janvier, 1838, p. 6. 

5 Gazette Medicale de Paris, 12 Aout, 1837; and 9 Nov., 1839. 

6 Lond. Med. Gaz. April 20, 1839, p. 126. ' Op. eit. 

8 Journ. de Brux., Fevr. et Mars, 1847, cited in Schmidt's Jahrbucher, u. s. w. No. 
5. S. 161. Jahrgang 1849. 



554 OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 

scrofulous and rachitic affections. 1 Schenck, 3 indeed, esteems it 
as certain a remedy in scrofula and rickets as cinchona is in inter- 
mittent fever ! In the Pennsylvania Hospital, in scrofulosis, when 
there was no reason to suspect the existence of pulmonary tubercles, 
the improvement in the patient's health was very decided. 3 

The efficacy of the oil in scrofula suggested its administration 
in cases of — 

Tubercles ; — and, accordingly, it was prescribed by Hankel, 
whose experiments led him to advise a further trial of it. Riecke 4 
refers to a case of the kind, confirming Hankel's observations, 
which occurred to Dr. Pagenstecher, of Elberfeld; and Richter, of 
Weisbaden, Professor Alexander of Utrecht, and Haser, of Jena, 5 
seem to have experienced equally satisfactory results. M. Tauf- 
flied, 6 however, considers its action to be doubtful or null in scro- 
fulous phthisis when at all advanced. Both Kopp and Brefeld 
recommend it highly in phthisis pulmonalis of strumous origin, 
occurring especially in youth, and Raye 7 speaks in the highest 
terms of its efficacy in chronic inflammation of the lungs and 
stomach. 

Of late years, great attention has been given to it as a remedy 
in tuberculous cachexia; and the testimony in favour of it has 
been overwhelming. At the present day, there is no single article 
of the Materia Medica so fashionable ; and hence it has been em- 
ployed too indiscriminately. Of those who have recently given the 
strongest evidence in favour of its great efficacy in phthisis, may be 
mentioned, Drs. Madden, 55 Blakiston, 9 Ranking, 10 and Trumbull. 11 

Dr. J. C. B. Williams 12 prescribed it in above 400 cases of tu- 
berculosis of the lung in its different stages, and of these he kept 
notes of 234. Of this number the oil disagreed and was discon- 
tinued in only 9. In 19 it appeared to do no good, whilst in the 
large proportion of 206 out of 234, its use was followed by marked 
and unequivocal improvement, — such improvement varying from a 
temporary retardation of the progress of the disease, up to a more 
or less complete restoration to apparent health. He found the 
most striking advantage from the oil in the third stage of phthisis, 
even when far advanced, where not only the lung w T as excavated, 

1 Riecke, op. cit. S. 330, und 2te Auflage, S. 542. Stuttgart, 1840. See, also, Tauf- 
flied, in Gaz. Medicale de Paris, Nov. 1839. 

■ Hufeland's Journal der Praktisch. Heilkunde, Mars, 1833. 

3 Levick, in Gerhard, op. cit. p. 242. 4 Op. cit. S. 356. 

5 Hufeland's Journal. B. lxxxvi. 1838. 6 Gazette Medicale, 9 Nov. 1839. 

I Annales de la Societe des Sciences, Nat. de Bruges in Encyclographie des Sciences 
Medicales, Mars, 1S40, p. 100; and Sept. 1840, p. 10. 

8 Lond. Med. Gazette, Sep. 17, 1847. 

9 Practical Observations on certain Diseases of the Chest, Lond. 1848. Amer. edit. 
Philad. 1848. 

10 Half-yearly Abstract, &c, from July to Dec. 1843. Amer. edit. p. 213. 

II Lond. Journ. of Med. Feb. 1850, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, July, 
1850, p. 182. . ,a London Journal of Medicine, Jan. 1849, 



OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 555 

but the body was rapidly wasting, with copious purulent expectora- 
tion, night sweats, colliquative diarrhoea, &c. Of the power of 
the oil in this stage of the disease he quotes several decided cases. 
The total number amounted to 62, in 34 of which the improve- 
ment was known to have continued up to a recent period. Eleven, 
after- temporary improvement, relapsed, and terminated fatally. 
From the report of the physicians of the Hospital for consumption 
and diseases of the chest, for 1849, it appears that 542 cases were 
treated with it. In about 63 per cent, the symptoms improved ; 
in ly per cent, the disease was arrested ; and in 19 per cent, it 
went on unchecked. 

Chronic cutaneous diseases. — In m these affections, cod-liver 
oil has been given with advantage by Richter; and it is suggested, 
that the greater success obtained by him than by BrefeJd may 
have been owing to his having administered the remedy in much, 
larger doses. Richter's trials were numerous, and were made 
through a period of three years ; they are, therefore, highly de- 
serving of attention. He says ; — that the impure, yellowish-brown, 
and odorous oil should be selected, as it is the most active ; — that 
at least six, and never more than ten spoonfuls should be adminis- 
tered daily to adults; — that it must be continued for a long time, 
as the first traces of a favourable impression are generally somewhat 
late in presenting themselves, — commonly four weeks, and, in very 
obstinate cases, later ; — so that usually from six to twelve weeks are 
required for a cure; and, lastly, that the diet must be regulated, 
and every thing difficult of digestion, flatulent, fatty, strongly 
salted, or acid, be carefully avoided. In this manner, he treats 
tetter, inveterate itch, and tendency to the formation of boils. 
Kopp's experiments agree wu'th those of Richter, as to the internal 
use of the oil in tetter; he esteems it to act by "improving the 
humours." He found it, also, of use in cases of dry tetter, when 
rubbed on the part, and in porrigo. A severe case of lupus in 
a young female was successfully treated by M. Gibert 1 with the 
oil. The face ,was eaten away by tuberculous ulceration, the 
fleshy parts of the nose being completely destroyed. Independ- 
ently of this, scrofulous abscesses existed in the neck, with caries 
of the malar bone, and white swelling of the wrist. Cod-liver oil 
was prescribed both internally and externally with success, after 
iodine had been used in the same manner without effect. The treat- 
ment was, however, continued for more than a year. But the 
strongest testimony in its favour in lupus is given by M. Emery. 3 
In a severe case, which had resisted other remedies, "he gave it in 
large doses — from a pint to a pint and a half in the day. In two 
months a cure was effected. He subsequently employed it in a 

1 Bulletin de l'Academie, Nov. 1844. 

3 Revue Med. Chirurgical, Aout, 1848; cited in Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, July 
to Dec. 1848, p. 77, 



556 OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 

great number of cases, commencing every one with one hundred 
grammes — nearly 25 drams — and quickly increasing it to fifteen 
or twenty ounces in the day. If vomiting supervened, its use was 
suspended for a few days, and then re-commenced as before. Sixty 
four cases were treated in this manner, the majority of which re- 
ceived essential benefit, and twenty-four were completely cured. 
M. Devergie, 1 however, is of opinion, that M. Emery has over- 
estimated the beneficial effects of the oil in lupus, and properly re- 
gards it as a great error to depend upon any one agent for the 
cure of diseases, especially of the skin, which may be single or 
complicated, and yet bear the same name. 

In some troublesome affections of the skin, especially of the 
hands, conjoining the characters of impetigo, with erysipelatous 
redness and swelling, and inducing the most severe suffering, Dr. 
Marshall Hall 2 speedily succeeded in restoring the textures to a 
healthy condition by the external use of cod-liver oil, after all 
other remedies had been tried fruitlessly. For rhagades and chaps, 
he says, it is a preventive, and a speedy cure ; and it is productive 
of great benefit in eczema, and other diseases inducing excoriation 
and fissures of the skin. 3 

Carron du Villards 4 extols cod-liver oil in opacities of the 
cornea, whether resulting from slight ulcerations, or from inter- 
lamellar effusion. It is only applicable after the inflammation has 
disappeared. A drop or two of the oil is then placed on the cor- 
nea with a camel's hair pencil. Sometimes, even the white oil is 
too stimulating : it is then necessary to dilute it with oil of sweet 
almonds: in other cases, the white oil is not sufficiently stimu- 
lating, and the brown must be used. 

In cases of tumours of the mammas in young females Kopp 
found the oil useful, when administered for some time, conjoined 
with the application of leeches to the affected part. 

In the Charite, at Berlin, the oil was given with advantage 
in coxarthrocace, in doses of four ounces every morning; — the 
mouth being rinsed afterwards with peppermint tea, followed by 
a cupful of this tea, or of coffee. 

Kopp also affirms, that he cured a case of chorea by it, which 
had supervened an attack of gout. 

Lastly. — Dr. Day 5 states, that he has used cod-liver oil exten- 
sively for several years, his attention having been first directed to 
it by Dr. Bennet, in 1840 ; and he can confidently bear out the 
statement of Mr. Donovan, that it " is a most useful addition to 
our Materia Medica ; that it produces effects of which no other 

i Bulletin de Therapeutique, xxxv. 466, cited in British and Foreign Med. Chirurg. 
Rev. April, 1849, p. 538. *Lond. Med. Gaz. Sept. 1832. 

3 W. O. Chalk, op. cit. * Bullet Gener. de Therap. 30 Oct., 1835. 

5 Report on Materia Medica, &c, in Ranking's Abstract of the Med. Sciences, pt 2. 
p. 340, Amer. edit New York, 1846. 



OLEUM JECOR1S ASELLI. 557 

known remedy is capable ; and that it is well worthy of the atten- 
tion of the medical profession." 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose of cod-liver oil for an adult is from half a spoonful 
to three spoonfuls, two or three times a day. To children, it is 
given in tea-spoonfuls. Dr. Williams begins, in adults, with a 
tea-spoonful, gradually increasing to a table-spoonful; and he advises 
it to be taken about an hour and a half after each meal. The au- 
thor has always been in the habit of directing it to be given midway 
between breakfast and dinner, and between dinner and supper ; the 
first dose being taken in the morning on rising ; so that three doses 
are taken in the day. He begins with a dessert-spoonful. Its un- 
pleasant taste can scarcely be corrected by admixture with other 
agents; for which reason, many prefer to give it in the pure state, 
taking afterwards some peppermint lozenges. It is also recommend- 
ed to be given united with coffee, or with lemon juice, or in the form 
of emulsion, or in thin flaxseed tea flavoured with lemon peel ; and M. 
Fredericq 1 states, that a simple and effectual means is to masticate a 
morsel of dried orange peel just before and just after swallowing 
the dose. Kopp prescribes it in the pure state, advising that 
the mouth should be rinsed with water, and that some dry bread 
should be eaten after it. 

Dr. Ure 2 has suggested the adoption of cod-livers as a diet for 
patients who are advised to take the oil. In order to prevent the 
loss of oil during the process of cooking, he recommends the livers 
to be immersed entire in boiling water, to which a sufficient quan- 
tity of salt has been added to raise the boiling point to about 220° 
Fahr. The sudden application of this high temperature coagulates 
the albumen of the liver, and prevents the escape of the oil. When 
the liver is cut, the oil exudes, and mashed potatoes may be used 
as a vehicle. Dr. Ure states that, having been advised to take 
cod-liver oil, he found the nauseous flavour very objectionable* 
until he contrived this plan, which answered extremely well. 
It would appear, from the observations of Dr. Stapleton, 3 that 
amongst the Norwegian fishermen the liver of the cod has been 
found peculiarly efficacious in rheumatism. 

Mistura olei jecoris asellk 

Mixture of cod- liver oih 

R. 01. jecor. aselli f ^ss. 
Liquor potassse gtt. xl. 
Aq. menth. pip. f ^ss. M. et fiat haustus. 

The draught to be washed down with a tea-spoonful of lemon 
juice to liberate the oil in the stomach. Percival. 

1 Revue Med. Chirurg. v. 114 : cited in Brit, and For. Medico-Chirurg. Rev., July>, 
1849, p. 299. a Pharmaceutical Journal, Nov. 1, 184a, p. 361. 

8 Dublin Medical Press, Mar. 6, 1850, 
36 



558 . OLEUM JECORIS ASELLI. 

R. 01. jecor. asell. f §j. 
Liq. potass, carb. f gij. 
01. calami gtt. iij. 
Syrup, cort. aurant. fgi. M. 

Dose. — One or two tea-spoonfuls, morning and evening, in eases 
of rickets. Fehr. 

R. 01. jecor. aselli, 

Syrup, cort. aurant. 

Aquae anisi, aa. f ^j. 

01. calam. aromat. g lt - iij. M. 

Dose. — A spoonful, morning, noon, and night, in gouty swell- 
ings, rickets, &c. Bosch. 
Emulsio olei jecoris aselli. 
Emulsion of cod-liver oil. 
R. 01. jecor. asell. alb. 

Vin. Hungaric. (vel Malag.) aa. f §iv. 
Acac. %]. 
Fiat emulsio, cui adde 

Syrup, cort. aurant. f %]. 
Elaeosacchar, menth. pip. f ^ij. 1 

Dose. — Two table-spoonfuls, two or three times a day; shaking 
the mixture. ' Brefeld. 

Sapo olei jecoris aselli. 
Soap of cod-liver oil. 

R. 01. jecoris aselli part. cxx. 
Sod. caust. part. xvj. 
Aquae part. iv. M. 

To be given in the form of pill ; or made into a kind of opodel- 
doch with an equal quantity of alcohol. Deschamps. 2 

Syrupus olei jecoris aselli. 
Syrup of cod-liver oil. 

R. 01. jecor. asell. f ^viij. 
Acac. pulv. gv. 
Aquae f ^xij. 
Syrup, commun. f sjiv. 
Sacchar. ^xxiv. 
Make an emulsion of the first four ingredients ; dissolve the sugar at a 
moderate heat ; clarify, and add 

Aq. flor. aurant. f ^ij. 

Duclou? 
Unguentum olei jecoris aselli. 
Ointment of cod-liver oil. 
R. Olei jecoris aselli f gi. 

Hydrarg. oxid. rubr. gr. iv. 
CjratBij. M. 

Cunier. 

1 The elxosaccharum or oleosaccharum menthae piperita is officinal in the Pharma- 
copoeias of Austria, Denmark, Hanover, Oldenburg, Prussia, &c. It is made by tritu- 
rating eight drops of the essential oil of peppermint with an ounce of sugar. 

' Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 135. Erlangen, 1848. 

'Journal de Phannacie, Sept. 1837. 



OLEUM SINAPIS. 



559 



Lini men turn olei jecoris aselli. 

Liniment of cod-liver oil. 
R. 01. jecor. aselli f gss. 

Plumbi acetat. gij. 
Vitell. ovor, (seu adipis,) giij. M. 
( For external use in cases of ulcers, fistula, &c. Brefeld. 



CXXX. OLEUM SINA'PIS. 

Synonymes, Oleum iEthereum seu Volatile Seminum Sinapis, Oil of Mus- 

tard Seed, 
French. Huile Volatile de Moutard. 
German. iEtherisckes Senfol. 

This preparation has been recommended to the notice of 
practitioners in Germany, by Dr, Meyer, of Minden, especially; 
at whose suggestion numerous experiments were made with it at 
the Charite in Berlin, the favourable results of which have been 
published by Dr. Wolff. 1 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

M. Faure, in France, and M. Hesse, in Germany, found that if 
bruised mustard seed be placed in a still with cold water, much 
more essential oil is obtained than if hot water or steam had been 
at once employed. M. Hesse, indeed, advises, that the seed should 
be macerated with cold water for several hours before the distil- 
lation is commenced. It would seem, too, that acids, alcohol, &c, 
exercise the same influence in preventing the separation of the oil. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

Volatile oil of mustard is of a yellowish-white colour. It ex- 
hales so strong a smell of mustard, that the attempt to test its 
odour instantaneously excites a violent pungent sensation in the 
nose, and tears in the eyes. Its acridity is so great, that its appli- 
cation to the sound skin immediately occasions a sense of burning, 
and intense redness and vesication in the parts with which it comes 
in contact. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

Mustard seed oil may be applied either externally or internally. 
For the first object, Dr. Meyer advises a solution in alcohol 
(twenty-four drops to the ounce,) or in oil of almonds (five or six 
drops to the dram.) In Berlin, the former of these is used. Even 
this solution exhales so strongly the characteristic odour of mus- 
tard, that simply smelling it induces a sense of pungency in the 
nose, as well as tears in the eyes. Owing to the great volatility 
of this oil, its property and efficacy is soon lost; and the strength 
of the spirituous solution becomes less and less when the fluid is 
1 Schmidt's Jahrbucher, 1837. 



560 OLEUM SINAPIS. 

preserved for a long time in vessels that are not accurately closed 
or are frequently opened for the administration of the remedy, and 
afterwards not carefully attended to. It is therefore advisable in 
practice, that only small quantities should be prescribed at a time, 
and that these should be kept in well-closed vials, and in a cool 
place. 

The modes of external administration may be one of two — accord- 
ing to the sensibility of the skin, and the effect it may be desirable 
to induce. It may consist either in rubbing the liquid on a part 
of the surface, or in applying strips of linen wetted with it. The 
first method is advisable where the skin is delicate — as in the case 
of women and children, and in those whose healthy sensibility 
has not been diminished — as by paralytic affections. The fluid, 
when rubbed on the surface, very quickly evaporates, and excites 
a vivid sensation of burning, with bright redness of the surface, 
which disappears in the course of a few hours at the farthest. 
The augmented sensibility, produced by friction w T ith the solution 
of the oil, continues generally for a longer period; and, conse- 
quently, if a fresh application be needed at a short interval — 
say in from four to six hours — it must be made on the neighbour- 
ing parts, avoiding those first implicated. It is sufficient to use 
the remedy in this manner two or three times a day. 

The application of the oil by means of strips of linen is adapted 
for skins, such as those of men, which are thicker, and less sensi- 
ble, as well as for morbid cases in which the healthy sensibility 
has been depressed. The size and shape of the strips must be 
determined by circumstances. The linen, dipped in the oil, is 
placed upon the prescribed portion of the skin, and suffered to 
dry, which generally happens in about eight minutes. Burning 
pain immediately succeeds, and is often so insupportable, that the 
patients object to wait until the linen is dry, and it has, therefore, 
to be removed earlier. Besides the more violent pain produced 
by this mode of applying the oil, the redness of the skin is much 
greater, and in many cases vesication succeeds. If the application 
be made twice a day, morning and evening, this is sufficient for 
the treatment of chronic diseases; but friction cannot be made on 
the same part of the surface on the same day, on account of the 
severe pain and vesication which would be induced. This me- 
thod of applying the oil is considered to be especially proper in 
the case of the trunk and the extremities ; whilst the first method 
is generally to be preferred, where it is desirable to use it upon 
the face, behind the ears, or on the neck. 

The Oleum sinapis is indicated wherever a counter-irritant or 
local excitant is demanded. Riecke 1 advises it in chronic cases 
unaccompanied by fever, as well as in light febrile affections, 

1 Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 341; und Qte Auflage, S. 519. Stuttgart, 1840. 



OLEUM TIGLII. 5(J| 

where a gentle excitant may be needed; and in such fevers as are 
conjoined with a torpid state of the system, and which require the 
use of excitants. He regards its powerfully excitant action as 
constituting it a most useful article in our lists of antagonizing or 
derivative as well as of excitant agents. In the firlt relation, 
Wolff employed !t with advantage both in sub-inflam,matory dis- 
eases, and m nervous affections not of an inflammatory character 
-as m subacute rheumatism of the joints, aponeuroses and mus- 

wonlH I" 1 t, rh * u f a } ism of those farts, where blisters 

rr*l serviceable ; Md for which it may be substituted with 
advantage, in consequence of its not being attended with the in- 
oZ V n? e, T occas ; on! %. P^uced by the latter on the urinary 
2 „ , He , "^P'oyed it, likewise, in rheumatic neuralgia, 
otalgia odontalgia, prosopalgia, and McA*w,-Mood-lettiii K being 
prescribed or not, according to circumstances; and, also, as a pal- 
gMynt WmC ml Z' la ' colic °f the hysterical kind, and 

W^ff a " !. X l tant , t0 ar0Use the vital activit 7 in debilitated parts, 

thfZnJ Tt- Sm -' 8nd , '" "«"***. which was probably 
the-resu t of exsudatmn into the neurilemma, &c. He gave it also 
internally several times with good effect, in disorders of the 
stomach, accompanied by too grlat a secretion of mucus, (fe s- 
ann tite mU T g d /' Ma S ens >) and producing complete loss of 
bv P the a'ifl Jf W ° T ? ere ? rmed iDt0 a mixt " re of si * °«»ce S) 
was given every two hours. 

In cases of atonic dropsy, it has been conceived that advantage 
m.ght ,n many cases, be derived from the internal use of this of 
asm the majority of those to whom it was given internallv the 
urinary secretion was largely augmented by ft.' Kuhn" /deed 

. psasztjg? benefit in "~ ° f ^ ^°-s 

malo^t. 0111 SinapiS LaS bee " reCeived int0 the Hambu 'g p har- 

CXXXI. OLEUM TIGLII. 

%ZT M i S '-i °I eU n- Cr ° ,0 J nis seu Seminis Crotonis, Croton Oil. 
French. Huile de Pignon d'Inde 

German. Krotonol, Crotonol, Granatillol. 

The seeds of Croton Tiglium or purging croton-a tree indi- 
rthe S Wr M S ° 1UCCa r f sIe ^ C eylon, Javf, &c, which beings 
in the Sexual System to Moncecia Monadelphia, and to the 



562 OLEUM TIGLn. 

Natural Family Euphorbiacese — are characterized by their acrid 
drastic properties — which, indeed, belong to the whole family. 
These seeds were carried by the Dutch to Europe, two centuries 
ago, and were admitted into the old Pharmacopoeias under the 
names Grana Tiglii, G. Tilii, G. Molucca, &c, being pre- 
scribed as a drastic cathartic, but owing to their too violent ope- 
ration, which frequently induced unpleasant results, they fell sub- 
sequently into entire disuse. The oil of croton was also introduced 
into Europe about the same period, and was occasionally used 
internally. It had, however, sunk into total neglect, when atten- 
tion was recalled to it by Dr. Conwell, a physician in the English 
East India Company's service at Madras, by whom its employ- 
ment was reintroduced into Europe; and, in a short time, it ac- 
quired so much repute as an active cathartic, that it was received 
into various pharmacopoeias. 1 

Croton oil is a thickish fluid, of a honey-yellow colour, has a 
disagreeable smell, and a very acrid burning taste, so that it ex- 
cites inflammation of the tongue and fauces. It is a fixed oil, 
having a very acrid matter associated with it, which appears to 
possess acid qualities — crotonic acid. In ether and turpentine it 
is wholly soluble; in alcohol, partially so. It is imported chiefly 
from Madras, but partly from Bombay, and is prepared like castor 
oil, being strained, however, instead of being boiled. It is like- 
wise expressed in England. 2 About fifty per cent, may be obtained 
in this way; and ten per cent, more may be removed by the 
solvent action of sulphuric ether, which is afterwards expelled by 
a gentle heat. 3 Being an expensive article and readily adulterated, 
it is often found impure and comparatively inert. The adultera- 
tion generally consists in mixing it with a large proportion either 
of olive oil, or of oil of almonds. 4 

According to Dr. Pereira, 5 two kinds are found in the London 
market, one imported from India and Ceylon ; the other, expressed 
in London, which differ somewhat from each other. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Croton oil holds a distinguished place amongst cathartics, inas- 
much as it can be given in small doses; and in cases of great torpor 
of the intestines, its action is very certain. Even a drop com- 
monly produces eight or ten fluid evacuations; but, at times, in 
unusual torpor of the canal, as many as four or five drops, and 

1 Recherches sur les Proprietes Medicinales et l'Emploi de l'Huile du Croton Tiglium, 
&c. Paris, 1824. 

3 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. ii. 1116. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. 
edit by Carson. Philad. 1846. 

3 Christison, Dispensatory. Edinb. 1842. 

4 Report of the Committee on Adulterated Drugs, Dr. Huston, Chairman, in Trans- 
actions of the American Medical Association, vol. hi. Philad. 1850. 

* Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit., vol. ii. p. 1279. Lond. 1850. 



OLEUM TIGLII. 563 

even more, have been given in the course of ten or twelve hours. 
Like most of the drastic cathartics, it occasions tormina, but these 
are less distressing than the burning sensation which it commonly 
excites in the pharynx, and which is least felt when the oil is 
given in the form of pill or lozenge. Not unfrequently, also, it 
causes nausea, often ending in vomiting, in delicate persons, or 
where the dose has been large, but without interfering materially 
with the cathartic effect. At times, it is formed into a soap with 
caustic soda — Sapo olei tiglii — which is given in doses of from 
one to three grains. This soap is said to be less excitant, and to 
occasion less pain than the pure oil, and it has the advantage, that 
the dose can be better apportioned. 

As with other cathartics, the incautious employment of croton 
oil may occasion inflammation of the intestinal canal, and, there- 
fore, it need scarcely be said, its use during inflammation of the 
canal, is contraindicated. It does not appear to affect any other 
secretory organs than those of the bowels, although some physi- 
cians affirm, that they have remarked an increase of the urine 
after its use. Occasionally, when rubbed, in the quantity of four 
or five drops around the umbilicus, it would seem to have acted 
as a cathartic, and even its odour has been known to produce the 
same effect. 

Like other active cathartics, it has been employed as an anthel- 
mintic, especially in cases of tape-worm, by Poccinotti, and others, 
and with success. 1 

It has been recommended in dropsy by Dr. Geo. Fife 2 as pos- 
sessing one very decided advantage over elaterium ; viz. : — that 
even when its extreme action is manifested, " it is not followed by 
the depression inseparable from the effective action of the latter ; 
but that where the greatest vis inertiee has prevailed, accompanied 
by absolute incapacity for exertion, a sensible amelioration in these 
respects has followed its continued employment." 

Croton oil has been used externally as a revellent or counter- 
irritant, and at times to induce a cathartic effect; but in this re- 
spect it is uncertain. 3 

Rubbed on the surface in small quantity, it induces inflamma- 
tion of the skin, which gradually disappears of itself. When the 
friction is longer continued, pustules are caused, which, when 
they are numerous, run together or are confluent, and around the 
spot where the confluent eruption is seated, papulae or pimples 
appear over a wider extent, which are transformed into pustules, 
and are surrounded by a red base or areola. When the pustules 
are discrete, they dry up more rapidly than when they run to- 

1 Richter's Specielle Therapie, B. x. S. 248. Berlin, 1828. 

2 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. Sept. 25, 1844, p. 397. 

3 See a case of ileus cured in this manner, by Dr. Susewind, in Casper's Wochen- 
schrift. fur die gesamrnte Heilkunde, June 24 ; 1837, S. 404, 



564 OLEUM TIGLII. 

gether; and in the latter case they commonly form scabs. Fric- 
tion readily excites pustulation on the head, face, neck, chest, and 
on those parts of the extremities where the skin is thin. Where 
it is thicker, the effect is of course induced with more difficulty. 
Commonly, the eruption is perceptible in twelve hours after the 
first friction, but at times not till a later period ; very, rarely is the 
second friction ineffectual. In the course of from three to six 
days, the eruption again disappears. The pain usually commences 
in about an hour after the rubbing, being at first nothing more 
than a slight itching and burning, which gradually, but decidedly, 
augments; yet the eruption is never so painful as that caused by 
the ointment of tartarized antimony, or by the plasler of the same 
agent, with which it is capable of fulfilling like indications. 
These frictions with croton oil are adapted for all cases in which 
local counter-irritation is required. It is important, however, to 
bear in mind, that it may in this manner act on the bowels, and 
hence, that it may not be adapted for intestinal disorders, in which 
it is not desirable to produce such an effect. Frictions with it 
have been recommended by many physicians — as by i\.ndral, 1 
Elliotson, Hutchinson, 2 Short, Landsberg, Romberg, and others, 
in the following affections : — in chronic inflammations, and such 
as have a tendency to exsudation; in chronic rheumatic, and 
gouty diseases, in aphonia* and chronic hoarseness, 4 ' in phthisical 
affections, especially in incipient phthisis; and in the neuroses — 
as spasmodic asthma, hooping-cough, paralysis, 5 &c. Gunther 6 
advises them as almost specific in rheumatic odontalgia and in 
otalgia. 

In neuralgia faciei, the cause of which is considered by Sir 
Charles Bell 7 to be seated primarily in the intestinal canal, and 
remotely in the fifth pair of nerves, croton oil has been recom- 
mended as a superior purgative, and this, as well as other forms 
of neuralgia? would seem to have been removed by it, — doubtless 
by the revulsion it excites upon the intestinal nerves. But it need 
scarcely be said, that it possesses no specific virtue, as has been 
imagined by some. The same remark applies to its employment 
as a purgative in acute rheumatism by Dr. Geo. L. Upshur, of 
Norfolk, Virginia, 9 who is disposed to believe " that the efficacy 
of Croton oil does not depend entirely upon its cathartic properties. 

1 Gazette Medicale, Jan. 1832, and Archives Generates, Aout, 1833. 
- London Lancet, May, 1833, and Sauer, in Medicin. Zeitung, Aug. 10, 1836. S. 
158, cited in Amer. Med. Intel. Nov. 1, 1837, p. 286. 
3 Romberg, in Wochenschrift. fur die gesammte Heilkunde,1835. 4 Sauer, op. cit. 

5 Boileau, (Paralysis of the Facial Nerve,) Bulletin Medical du Midi. Avril, 1839. 

6 Berliner Medicin. Central-Zeitung, Nov. 19, 1838. 

7 Practical Essays. Edinb. 1841, p. 101. See, also, Allnati 1 on Tic Douloureux. 
London, 1841. 

8 J. Cochrane, Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journ. of Med. Science, July, 1841 ; J. A. 
Easton, London Lancet, Jan. 29, 1841; and Newbigging, Edinb, Med. and Surg. 
Journ. Jan. 1841, cited in Amer. Journ. Med. Science, Jan. 1841, p. 209. 

9 Medical Examiner, Oct. 1850, p. 580. 



OLEUM TIGLII. 565 

It possesses — he thinks — a power over the disease beyond these, 
and apparently not dependent upon them; for other cathartics, 
which act as powerfully and as promptly, producing similar watery 
stools, do not bring a like amount of relief to the patient. " I do 
not say," he adds, " that it is a specific, for I am not a believer 
in the doctrine of specifics in medicine: that doctrine has put more 
stumbling-blocks in the way of medical progress than all the open 
quackery of the past half century. I merely desire to state, that 
after a fair trial, in a number of cases accurately observed, where 
there was scarcely a possibility of falling into error, I believe that 
the croton oil is the best single remedy in the treatment of acute 
rheumatism; and I am thoroughly convinced, that it is as justly 
entitled to the term specific in this disease, as is quinine in mias- 
matic fever." Yet the cases reported by Dr. Upshur, in which 
other favourite anti-arthritic remedies — as colchicum and sulphate 
of quinia — were also prescribed, are far from impressing the au- 
thor as strongly as they do him. In the only case of genuine 
tic in which Dr. Christison tried it, no benefit whatever was de- 
rived. In delirium tremens it has been advised by Dr. Prankerd 1 
as an efficacious remedy, in which disease it acts, he conceives, as 
a direct sedative to the nervous system. The testimony is, how- 
ever, inadequate to establish the position: and but little reliance 
ought therefore to be reposed in it. 

Croton oil has likewise been used as a direct excitant. Cam- 
panelli 2 gives a case of paralysis of the upper eyelid, which was 
promptly relieved by the application of four drops to the affected 
lid, and to the eyebrow. It has been employed also, as proposed 
by M. Lafargue, 3 by Mr. A. Ure, 4 in the way of inoculation for 
the removal of a ncevus or erectile tumour, at the inner angle of 
the right upper eyelid. Several minute punctures were made, 
with a cataract needle besmeared with oil, over the surface of the 
nsevus. These gave rise to redness and swelling, which lasted a 
few hours; and subsequently to small points of suppuration. The 
operation was repeated at the interval of a week. A rapid dimi- 
nution, with withering of the tumour, took place. A common 
lancet may be used for the purpose as in vaccinating. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Internally, the dose is from one-fourth or one-half a drop to 
two drops, given every three or two hours, or more frequently if 
necessary. The dose is rarely carried higher, except in desperate 
cases, and in mental affections, for which it is peculiarly appro- 
priate. It may be prescribed either in the form of emulsion or of 
pill. Hahnemann 5 and Hufeland recommended it as a substitute 

1 Provincial Med. and Surg, Journ. April 29, 1846. 

2 Annali Universali di Medicina, July, 1835. 

3 Cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Feb. 17, 1844, p. 393. 

4 London Med. Gaz., March 21, 1845, p. 786. 
* Apotheker Lexicon, B. ii. Apth. 1, S. 203. 



566 OLEUM TIGLII. 

for castor oil, which is expensive in Germany, — advising that a 
drop of croton oil should be added to an ounce of oil of poppies, 
and that the mixture should be called Oleum Ricini Officinale. 
This preparation is well adapted for emulsions. 

In apoplexy, or other comatose diseases, it may be given on a 
piece of sugar, which may be introduced into the throat, or be 
simply placed on the back of the tongue. When applied exter- 
nally to excite an eruption, from four to six drops, or even more, 
may be rubbed in twice a day. For women and children a single 
application may be sufficient ; but if the skin be thick and insensi- 
ble, it will be well to rub it previously with flannel, or to apply 
first a rubefacient, especially when it is desirable to produce the 
effect speedily. On the other hand, where the skin is excitable, 
the croton oil should be mixed with from one to four or five parts 
or more of olive oil, oil of turpentine, or soap liniment. 1 

Pilulse olei tiglii. 

Pills of croton oil, 

R. Olei tiglii gtt. iv. 

Micse panis q. s. ut fiant pilulae viij. 

Dose. — One, or two, or more. 

R. Olei tiglii gtt. v. 
Saponis, 

Acacias pulv. §.§,. ^j. 
Misce et fiant pilulse xx. 

Dose. —One to three. Sundelin. 

R. Olei tiglii gtt. ii. 

Micse panis 
vel 

Saponis 9j. 
M. et divide in pilulas viij. 
Dose. — One to four. 

Pilulse olei tiglii composite. 
Compound pills of croton oil. 
R. Olei tiglii gtt. x. 

Ext. colocynth. comp. gi. 

01. menthge piper, gtt. viij. M. 
et fiant pil, xviii. 

Two for a dose — to be repeated at short intervals, in cases of 
obstinate constipation. 

Haustus olei tiglii. 
Draught of croton oil. 

R. Tinct. ol. tiglii fgss. 
Syrup. 

Mucil. acacias, aa f ^ij. 
Aquae destill. f^ss. Fiat haustus. 

After swallowing a little milk, this draught must be taken very 
quickly, and be washed down with the same diluent. — JVimmo. 
1 See the Author's Gen. Therap. and Mat Med. 4th edit. ii. 262. Philad. 1850. 



OLEUM TIGLII. 



567 



Emulsio olei tiglii. 

Emulsion of croton oil. 
R. Olei tiglii gtt. iij. 

Olei amygdal. f ^ss. 

Acac. pulv. gij. 
Misce sensira terendo cum 

Syrup, flor. aurant. f ^ j. 

Aq. anthemid. f ^v. M. 

Dose. — A spoonful every two hours until it operates — shaking 
the vial. Phobus. 1 

R. Olei tiglii gtt. i.— ij. 

anthemid. gtt. ij. 

Terendo misce cum 
Mucilag. acaciae 
Syrup, amygdal. aa, f ^ss. M. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful every two hours— -shaking the vial. 

Lockstadt. 
Mistura olei tiglii. 
Mixture of croton oil. 

R. Olei tiglii gtt. ii. 
Mucilag. acac. f gij. 
Aquae f^j. M. 

Dose. — A fourth part, every two hours, until the desired effect 
is induced. 

Mistura olei tiglii saponacea. 
Saponaceous mixture of croton oil. 
R. Olei tiglii gtt. viij. 
Potassae gr. vj. 
Aquae destillat. f gij. M. 

This is a substitute for the Sapo Olei Tiglii, which is trouble- 
some in the preparation. 
Dose. — Three to six drops. 2 

R. 01. tiglii gtt. ij. 
Sacchar. gij. 
Acaciae pulv. £ss. 
Tinct. card, f gss. 
Aquae destillat. f gx. M. 

Dose. — Two dessert-spoonfuls, to children ; to be repeated every 
three or four hours, if necessary. 

Trochisci olei tiglii. 
Lozenges of croton oil. 

R. Olei tiglii gtt. ij. 

Sacchar. ^j. 

Mucilag. acaciae q. s. ut fiant 
trochisci, non torrendi No. viij. 

Dose. — One every two hours, until the desired effect is induced. 

Seiler. 3 

1 Handbuch der Arzneiverordnungslehre, Th. ii. Berlin, 1836. 

3 Ellis's Medical Formulary, 8th edit, by Dr. S. G. Morton, p. 58. Philad. 1846. 

3 Hufeland's Journal, B.lix. St.4, S.134; und Rust's Magazin, B.xviii. St. 2, 8. 358. 



568 OLEUM TIGLII. 

Sapo olei tiglii. 
Soap ofcroton oil. 

Sapo crotonis. 
R. Olei tiglii partes ij. 

Liquor, potassae partem j. 
Triturate in the cold, and when the mixture has acquired the proper 
consistence, run it into moulds of pasteboard, and, in the course of a few 
days, remove it by slices. 

Dose. — Two or three grains in water, or in the form of pill. 

Caventou. 
Linimentum olei tiglii, 
Liniment ofcroton oil. 
Linimentum crotonis. 
R. 01. tiglii p. i. 

— olivae p. v. M. 

To be rubbed on the skin night and morning, until pustulation 
is induced. 

R. Olei tiglii 

Liq. potassae aa. f ^ss. 
Mix intimately by agitation. 

R. Soluti hujusce ir^xxx. 
Aquas rosae f ^i. M. 

To be rubbed on the part night and morning, or even three 
times a day, until the peculiar eruption is induced. 

James Allen. 1 

The Linimentum Crotonis of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia 2 con- 
sists of one part of croton oil to seven of oil of turpentine. 

Embrocatio olei tiglii cum antimonii et potassae tartrate. 

Embrocation ofcroton oil with tartrate of antimony and potassa. 

R. 01. tiglii -rn^xx. 

Antim. et potass, tartrat. 5j. 
Liq. potassae f gi. 
Aquae fgvij. M. 

Used to keep up a mild rash upon the skin. Morris. 

Unguentum olei tiglii. 

Ointment of croton oil, 

R. Olei tiglii ^.x. — xxx. 
Adipis ^ss. M. 

A little of this to be rubbed on the part so as to excite the 
peculiar eruption. 

Emplastrum olei tiglii. 
Plaster of croton oil. 
Sparadrap de croton. 
M. Bouchardat melts, over a very gentle fire, four parts of 

1 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Oct. 28, 1843, p. 75. 
a The Pharmacopoeia of the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland, 1850. 
p. 77. Dublin, 185U, 



PAULLINIA, 569 

diachylon plaster ; and when it is in a semi-fluid state, he mixes 
with it one part of croton oil. This he spreads upon linen, so as 
to form an adhesive and irritating plaster. 

M. Caventou prefers the following form, as he considers the 
degree of heat employed in the process of M. Bouchardat may 
interfere with the powers of the oil. 
R. Adipis p. iiss. 
Cerse p. ss. 
01. tiglii p. i. 
The wax and lard must be melted, and when nearly cold the oil be 
incorporated. 1 

A stronger plaster is also advised by M. Bouchardat. 2 He 
melts over a gentle fire eight parts of diachylon plaster, and when 
it is semi-fluid mixes it with twenty parts of croton oil. The 
resulting plaster must be spread thickly on muslin. It produces 
considerable irritation of the skin, and may be employed in all 
cases in which revellents are required. It does not, he says, cause 
such severe pain as many other counter-irritants, and may be ap- 
plied over an extensive surface, if desirable. 

Pope 3 recommends a tinctura granorum tiglii, or a tincture 
of the seeds, to be made of two ounces of the seeds from which the 
rinds have been carefully removed, to one ounce of alcohol. This 
is allowed to digest for six days, and is then filtered. The 
smallest dose for an adult is twenty drops. This preparation, he 
says, has the advantage of excluding the more acrid drastic mat- 
ter contained in the epidermis and husk, whilst the kernel affords 
cathartic material enough to act powerfully and certainly. 



CXXXII. PAULLINIA. 

Synonymes. Guarana, Guarana Pasta, Pasta Seminum Paullinise. 
French. Pate ou Extrait de Guarana ou Paullinia. 
German. Guaran a-Sament eig. 

Paullinia is an extract from the plant of the same name, a native 
of Brazil. It is prepared by the Indians, and seems to possess 
considerable excitant powers. M. Gavrelle presented a specimen 
of it to the Socieie de Medecine of Paris, as well as a new alkali, 
which had been separated from it by two chemists of Paris. Both 
Paullinia and the alkali are very bitter, and somewhat resemble 
cafein. M. Gavrelle states, that Paullinia is obtained from 
Paullinia sorbilis ; Guarana officinalis, Family, Sapindacese. M. 

* Bulletin General de The'rapeutique, Mars, 1842, or Journ. de Pharm, Avril, 1842' 
p. 453. 
3 Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c, pour 1844, p. 210. Paris, 1844. 
3 Medico -Chirurgical Transactions, vol. xiii. p. 1. 



570 PAULLINIA. 

de Chastetus found it to be composed of a gum, starch, a resinous 
matter of a reddish-brown colour, a fat oil, tannic acid, and a 
crystallizable substance possessing the chemical properties of ca- 
fein. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 

In Brazil and the neighbouring countries, it is given in the form 
of tisane — the powder being mixed with cocoa — in diarrhoea and 
dysentery; and in the same affections it has been administered, in 
France, by Lallemand. As a tonic, M. Gavrelle has employed it 
successfully in chlorosis, tedious convalescence, paralysis, the col- 
liquative diarrhoea of phthisis, and hemicrania. 

According to Von Martius, an extract is prepared in Brazil 
from Paullinia sorbilis, which is known there under the name of 
Guarana, and is administered in similar pathological cases. 1 It is 
probably the same substance. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
M. Gavrelle has given formulae for Lozenges, Syrup, Pills, 
Powder, Tincture, and Ointment of Paullinia. 2 

Trochisci paulliniae. 

Lozenges of paullinia. 
R. Paulliniae ^vss. 

Sacchar. (vanilla, odorizat.) Baiss. 
Make into lozenges each containing ten grains. 

Syrupus paullinise. 

Syrup of paullinia. 
R. Paullin. ^iiss. 
Syrup. Oij. 

Half a fluidounce may be given in the 24 hours. 

Pilulse paullinia. 

Pills of paullinia. 
R. Paullin. q. s. 
To be made into pills, each containing a graiu and a half. 

Pulveres paulliniae. 

Powders of paullinia. 
R. Paullin. in pulv. gi. 

Sacchar. aromatizat. ^ss. M. 
For a dose. 

1 See art. Guarana, in Diet. Univers. de Mat. Med. par Merat et De Lens, torn. ii.,p. 
365. Bruxelles, J $38 ; Journ. de Pharmacie, cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, Jan. 
1841, p. 340; Dechastetus, Journ. de Pharm. Aout, 1840; J. J. Virey, ibid.; Von 
Schlechtendal, Encyclop'ad. Worterb. der Medicin. Wissenschaft. xxvi. 433. Berlin, 
1841; and A.Richard, Elements d'Histoire Naturelle Medicale, 4eme edit iii. 51 J. 
Paris, 1849. 

3 Journal de Chimie Med., cited in American Journal of Pharmacy, Oct. 1840, p. 208. 



PHLORIDZIN A. 571 

Tinctura paullinia. 

Tincture of paullinia. 
R, Paullin. ^i. 

Alcohol. (22°) Oi. M. 

Unguentum paullinia, 

Ointment of paullinia, 
R. Paullin. g[ij. 
Adipis gij. M. 



CXXXIII. PHLORIDZINA. 1 

Synonymes. Phloridzinum, Phloiorrhizinum, Phlorrhizinum, Phloior- 
rhyzinum, Phlorrhizin, Phloridzia, Phloridzine, Phlorizin, Ehloridzin. 
German. Phloridzin ; Phloiorrhizin. 

This bitter principle exists in the bark of both the trunk and 
the root of the apple, pear, cherry, and plum tree. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The following plan is recommended by M. de Koninck, its dis- 
coverer (1834 or 1835.) — The fresh bark of the root of the apple 
tree is to be boiled for two hours with sufficient water to cover 
it: the decoction is to be decanted, and a second one made by the 
addition of more water. On uniting the two decoctions, and per- 
mitting them to stand for twenty-four hours, a deposition of phlo- 
ridzin, in granular crystals, takes place. These are to be treated 
with distilled water and animal charcoal to purify them. An 
additional quantity is obtained by evaporating the mother waters 
to one-fifth. At this degree of concentration, all the phloridzin 
is deposited. This method affords about one part in three hun- 
dred. Another plan yields five per cent. It consists in digesting 
the fresh root in weak alcohol, at a temperature of 120°, for about 
eight or ten hours, distilling off the greater part of the alcohol, and 
crystallizing the residue. 2 

Phloridzin crystallizes in silky spicula of a dead-white colour 
when in masses, or in long slender prisms or tables when crystal- 
lized with care. One thousand parts of water, at a temperature 
from 32° to 71°, only dissolve about one part; but at from 71° to 
212°, water dissolves it in all proportions. It is also very soluble 
in pure alcohol at ordinary temperatures, although but slightly so 
in ether, even when boiling. It has no action on test papers. 
S. g. 1.429. 3 

1 From cpXoog, inner bark, and ^ita, root. 

3 Journal de Pharmacie, xxii. 78, cited in Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy, vol. ii. new 
series, p. 240. See, also, M, Boullier, in Gazette Medicate de Paris, 17 Juin, 1837, 
and Marchand, Journ. de Chim. Med., Avril, 1841. 

8 For some elaborate chemical researches on Phloridzine, see M. J. S. Stass, Annales 
de Chimie et de Physique, Dec. 1838. 



572 PIPER I NA. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
M. de Koninck found, that from ten to fourteen grains given 
for a dose, with a dram of sugar, produced the most marked effect 
in intermittent fever, where sulphate of quinia had failed. 1 In four 
cases, reported by Van Mons, 2 of Bruxelles, the disease was ar- 
rested by the first sixteen grains: other cases required sixteen 
grains a few hours before the first paroxysm; twelve grains before 
the second ; six before the third ; and four before the fourth. Five 
successful cases are likewise given by M. Mathysen, 3 eleve interne 
at the Hospital St. Pierre, Bruxelles; and M. Lebaudy 4 affirms, 
that its efficacy is so decided, that we cannot hesitate to class it 
with the most powerful febrifuges ; and that it has this advantage 
over quinia, that it never induces gastralgia; yet M. Leonhard 5 
is satisfied, from his various trials, that phloridzin does not possess 
any febrifuge virtue ! 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
It may be given in the form of pill or powder, like the sulphate 
of quinia. It was administered at the hospital at Bruxelles, in one 
case, in the way of lavement ; — twenty-four grains being given in 
three lavements. The paroxysm returned, but was less violent. 
In two days afterwards, the same quantity was administered in the 
same manner, and the fever did not recur. 



CXXXIV. PIPERI'NA. 

Synonymes. Piperinum, Piperium, Piperine, Piperin. 

French. Piperin. 

German. Piperin, Pf eff erstof f . 

This substance was discovered by M. Oerstadt, in the year 
1819, in black pepper, Piper nigrum. 6 It is found, also, in Piper 
longum, and it has been presumed to be the same, or an analogous 
principle, with the cubebin of Piper cubeba. It has been affirmed, 
that it exists only in black, and not in white pepper; but this is 
an error. Dr. Christison 7 invariably obtained it from the latter 
in larger quantity than from the former, and more easily, because 
it is combined with less resin. M. Oerstadt at first regarded it as 

' See, also, Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte, cited in Bouchardat, Annuaire de The- 
rapeutique pour 1843, p. "203. Paris, 1843. 
' Bulletin Medical Beige, Mai, 1836, 

3 Ibid. Oct. 1835. 

4 Journal des Connaiss. Med. Chirurg. cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect of Medicine 
and Surgery, No. 5. p. 12:), Lond. 1842, where it is termed erroneously P/iloridrine; 
and whence it is copied into the Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, and the Araer. 
Journ. of Pharmacy, for Jan. 1843, under the name Phloridine. 

5 Encyclographie des Sciences Medicales, Mai, 1838. 

6 Journ. de Physique, No. 2, lc20, and Gazette de Sante, 25 Mai, 1820. 
" Dispensatory, p. 69& Edinb. 1842. 



PIPERINA. 573 

a vegetable alkali, but M. Pelletier subsequently analyzed it, and 

proved it not to be sucb, but to bear a considerable analogy to 

resins. 1 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Let two pounds of black pepper, bruised, be digested, at a gentle 
heat, in three pounds of alcohol at 36° (.837.) This mixture must 
afterwards be raised to ebullition, then suffered to remain at rest, 
and grow cold ; when it must be decanted, and the operation be 
repeated with fresh alcohol. The two solutions must then be mixed 
together, and two pounds of distilled water and three ounces of 
muriatic acid be added. The liquor becomes turbid, and a preci- 
pitate, of a deep gray colour, is thrown down, which is composed 
in a great measure of fatty matter. The deposit being separated, 
crystals may be collected on the filter and sides of the vessel. 
These are piperin. On adding water, until the liquor is no longer 
rendered turbid, a fresh quantity is obtained. 

The above process, which is that of Meli, is the same as one de- 
scribed by M. Pelletier. He has likewise procured it by the fol- 
lowing method: — After having exhausted pepper by alcohol, and 
evaporated the alcoholic tinctures, a fatty or resinous matter is ob- 
tained : this must be subjected to the action of boiling water, which 
must be added again and again, until it passes off colourless. By 
dissolving this fatty matter — thus purified by washing — in alcohol, 
by the aid of heat, and leaving the solution to itself for some days, 
a multitude of crystals are obtained, which may be purified by so- 
lution in alcohol and ether, and by repeated crystallization. The 
alcoholic mother waters, left to themselves, will furnish fresh crys- 
tals. This crystalline matter is piperin. 

Piperin presents itself in the form of four-sided prisms, two of 
which — parallel to each other — are evidently broader than the 
others. In the pure state, it is of a white colour, and translucent: 
it is frequently, however, coloured yellow by portions of resin 
being combined with it. It has been affirmed, that when piperin 
is quite pure, it is bland; 2 but Dr. Christison 3 states, that the very 
whitest crystals he was able to obtain were as acrid as those which 
are brownish, and they emitted an intensely irritating vapour when 
thrown on a heated iron plate. It is inodorous, and of a feeble 
taste of pepper ; fuses readily by heat ; is not volatile, and is scarcely 
soluble in cold water, but somewhat more so in hot. In respect 
to its solubility in alcohol, testimony is discordant. According to 
Magendie, it dissolves very readily therein; according to C. G. 
Gmelin,it is soluble only in small quantity in cold, but in tolerable 
proportion in hot alcohol, as well as in ether and in the volatile 
oils. The solutions taste acrid and peppery, and do not react on 

1 Examen Chimique du Poivre, par J. Pelletier, 8vo. Paris. 

a Dispensatory of the United States of America, 4th edit. p. 512. Philad. 1839, 

3 Op. cit. p. G97. 

37 



574 PIPERINA. 

vegetable colours; — which shows that it is not an alkaloid, as the 
discoverer conceived. With acids it forms no intimate chemical 
combinations; acetic acid, indeed, dissolves it in considerable 
quantity; it is, however, in great part, precipitated by water, and 
by evaporation the whole of the acid escapes. It is related to the 
resins. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Piperin has been exhibited chiefly by the Italian physicians for 
the cure of intermittent fever. Its employment was doubtless 
suggested by the use of pepper-corns as a popular remedy in that 
disease. According to Riecke, 1 the antiperiodic virtue of pepper 
is exhibited upon the healthy economy, — a few pepper-corns, taken 
before the expected appearance of the menses, arresting them for 
several days. Of this, he himself has had no experience ; but he 
affirms, that the females in a district of southern Germany have 
great confidence in their virtues. 

Meli, 2 w T ho treated many cases of intermittent with piperin, con- 
siders it the best of all febrifuges, quinia not excepted. He forms 
twenty grains into ten pills, and gives these at intervals during 
the apyrexia. He ascribes the efficacy of the oleum acre piperis 
in the same complaint to the piperin it contains. 

The febrifuge virtue of piperin has been confirmed by many 
other Italian physicians, — by Brandolini, Bertini, Gordini, Torelli, 
and others. According to Brandolini, from forty to fifty grains 
are generally required to effect a cure. Bertini gave it in three 
doses during the apyrexia, to the extent of a scruple, made into 
pills with a bitter extract : after two or three doses, the fever was 
generally arrested. Gordini affirms, that relapses occurred less 
frequently after the use of piperin than after that of the sulphate 
of quinia. On the other hand, in the hospital at Turin, Christ in 
was disappointed in it, and such seems to have been the result of 
the trials made by Chiappa. 3 In the year 1823, he administered 
it in ten or twelve cases, but was unable to detect any great anti- 
periodic property; not more than a fourth part of the sick expe- 
rienced benefit, whilst on the others cinchona acted like a charm. 
In general, a burning sensation was experienced in the stomach 
after taking it, as well as in the throat, with the same kind of 
feeling occasionally in the rectum, and in the whole abdomen ; and 
in two young individuals, the eyes were made red, and the eyelids, 
nose, and lips were swollen. 

Piperin has been employed by others besides the Italian physi- 
cians. Dr. Blom, of Utrecht, has given it in intermittents, but 
not with as much success as quinia. According to him, the remedy, 

1 Die neuern Arzneimittel. S. 361 ; und 2te Auflage, S. 522. Stuttgart, 1840. 

2 Nuove Esperienze, &c. Milan, 1823, 8vo. ; and Annali Universal! di Medicina, xxvii. 
161, and xxvii i. 22. 

3 Riecke, op. cit. S. 361; und 2te Auflage, S. 553. Stuttgart, 1840. 






PLATINI PRiEPARATA. 575 

soon after it is taken, particularly in very impressible persons, oc- 
casions a sense of internal heat, especially in the epigastric region, 
and not unfrequently it causes perspiration, especially on the upper 
lip. BJom is, however, doubtful whether these effects be ascriba- 
ble to the piperin, or to a portion of the resin of the pepper re- 
maining united with it. He is of opinion, that both in general de- 
bility and in debility of the digestive apparatus, piperin merits a 
preference over sulphate of quinia, both because it can be better 
borne by the stomach, and because it acts more tonically upon it. 
It has been given in intermittent fever, with great success, by 
Dr. Hartte, 1 Port of Spain, West Indies. He prescribed it as soon 
as the sweating stage was established, until 18 grains had been 
taken, and, on the following day, when the intermission was com- 
plete, he directed the same quantity every three hours. It suc- 
ceeded, in every case, in checking the paroxysm, and as soon as 
this was accomplished he gave, for some days, pills composed of 
Piluke Hydrargyri, Piperin, and Sulphate of Quinia, the formula 
for which is given below. 

In inflammatory intermittents, as well as in those with gastric 
complications, piperin is to be avoided. 

Magendie suggests that it should be given in blennorrhcea, in 
place of cubebs. 

METHOD OF ADMINISTERING. 

PilnlsB piperinsB. 

Pills of piperin, 

R. Piperin. gr. xij. 

Extract, gentian, q. s. ut fiant pilulae xij. 

Dose.— One every hour, during the apyrexia of fever. 

Pilulse piper inae composite. 

Compound pills of piperin, 

R. Pil. hydrarg. gr. i. 
Piperin. gr. ij. 
Quinise sulphat. gr. ij. 
Syrup, q. s. ut fiat pilula. 

One to be taken morning, noon, and night. Hartte. 



CXXXV. PLATINI PRIEPARATA. 

Synonymes. Preparations of Platinum or Platina. 
French. Les Preparations de Platine. 
German. Platinpraparate. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The preparations of platinum have not been much used in 
medicine. Experimental researches were undertaken by M. F. 

s Edinb. Medical and Surgical Journal. Jan. 1841, p. 98. 



576 PLATINI PREPARATA. 

Heifer, 1 in regard to their employment as physiological and thera- 
peutical agents ; and the following were the main results. Experi- 
ments were made on rabbits, dogs, and on himself, with the view 
of discovering the physiological action of the perchloride of pla- 
tinum or chloroplatinic acid, of the chloroplatinate of sodium 
or the double chloride of platinum and sodium ; of the chloro- 
platinate of potassium, and the chloroplatinate of ammoni- 
um. He found — First. That the chlorides of platinum are poi- 
sonous, — the perchloride in the dose of 15 grains; the chloroplati- 
nate of sodium in that of ^ss. Secondly. The chlorides of plati- 
num are less poisonous than the chloride of gold and corrosive 
sublimate. Thirdly. The perchloride of platinum, in concentrated 
solution, produces violent itching or irritation of the skin, followed 
by a slight eruption on the part to which the solution has been ap- 
plied. Taken internally, it first of all irritates the mucous mem- 
brane of the stomach, occasions headache, reacts on the nervous 
centre, and through it exerts a special alterative action on the 
fluids of the economy. Fourthly. The chloroplatinate of sodium 
produces no local irritation on the skin. Taken internally, it does 
not react on the nervous centres in as manifest a manner as the 
simple perchloride. It more especially increases the urinary secre- 
tion. Fifthly. The perchloride of platinum is a very efficacious 
remedy in the treatment of syphilitic diseases, and especially in 
those that have been of long duration, and are inveterate. 
Sixthly. The chloroplatinate of sodium is more proper for the 
treatment of recent syphilitic diseases. It is also very efficacious 
in the treatment of rheumatic affect ions. Seventhly. Platinum 
ought to be ranked in the class of alterative remedies, by the side 
of gold, iodine, and arsenic. It differs from mercury in previously 
inducing excitement, whilst its administration is not followed by 
any of .the disagreeable consequences induced by mercury. 
Eighthly, and lastly. Platinum is preferable, as an alterative, to 
mercury and gold. 

The preparations of platinum have been used by others in syphi- 
litic affections with success, but the observations of Fricke were 
unfavourable to them : by Cullerier, they were given in gonor- 
rhoea and leucorrhcea. 

Mr. Tuson 3 remarks, that from what he was led to believe of 
the effects of the chloride of platinum on scirrhous tumours, as 
stated to him by a medical gentleman whom he met in consulta- 
tion, he fully expected some most striking results from it, but that 
he had been disappointed on every occasion where it had been pre- 
scribed. Still it was his intention to watch carefully its effects on 
some future opportunity. From what he had seen, he had little faith 
in its use, either as a local application or as an internal remedy. 

1 Gazette Medicate de Paris, No. 48, 1840; orJonrn.de Pharmacie, Avril, 1841, p. 213. 
a The Structure and Functions of the Female Breast, p, 428. Lond. 1846. 



PLATINI BICHLORIDUM. 577 

The preparations of platinum have been prescribed by Dutten- 
hofer and Prevost in scirrhus of the stomach ; and by the latter 
in epilepsy. 1 They are, however, but little employed at the 
present day. 



CXXXVI. PLATINI BICHLORIDUM. 

Synonymes. Platini Perchloridum, Platina Muriatica, Platinum Bichlo- 
ratum, Chloridum Platinse ; Bichloride or Perchloride or Chloride of 
Platinum. 

French. Bichlorure ou Perchlorure de Platine. 

German. Chlorplatin, Platinchlo r id , Salzsaures Platin- 
o x y d . 

This preparation is made by dissolving platinum in aqua regia, 
and evaporating the solution to dryness. A very gentle heat 
ought to be used ; otherwise the bichloride may be decomposed ; 
and the protochloride, or even reduced platinum, be the result. 

Bichloride of platinum in concentrated solution or in the solid 
state is of a deep red colour. It is very deliquescent, very solu- 
ble in water, and soluble also in alcohol. 

Mistura platini perchloridi. 
Mixture of perchloride of platinum. 

{Potion platinique.) 
R. Platin. perchlorid. sice. gr. iss. 
Mucilag. acac. 
Aquae aa. f ^iij. 

To be taken by table-spoonfuls in the course of the 24 hours. 

Pilulae platini perchloridi. 

Pills of perchloride of platinum. 

(Pilules Platiniques.) 
R. Platin. perchlorid. gr. viij. 
Guaiac resin, gi. 
Glycyrrhiz. pulv. q. s. ut fiant pil. xx. 

Dose. — One, two, three, or four, morning and evening. 

Ungnentum platini perchloridi. 
Ointment of perchloride of platinum. 

(Pommade platinique.} 
R. Platin. perchlorid. gr. xv. 
Extract, belladon. ^ss. 
Adipis §i. 

To be applied to indolent ulcers. 

1 Dierbach, Die neuesten Entdeckungen in der Materia Medica, 2er Band. S. 1173. 
Heidelberg und Leipzig, 1843 ; and Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. 
a 226. Erlangen, 1848. 



578 PLUMBI IODIDUM. 



CXXXV1I. SODII CHLOROPLAT'INAS. 

Synonymes. Platina Muriatica Natronata, Chloroplatinate of Sodium, 

Double Chloride of Platinum and Sodium. 
French. Chloroplatinate de Sodium, Chlorure Double de Platine et de 

Sodium. 
German. C hlorplatinn atrium, Natriumplatinchlorid. 

The chloroplatinate of sodium is prepared by dissolving bichlo- 
ride of platinum and very pure chloride of sodium in proper 
proportions in water, evaporating and crystallizing. It is soluble 
in water and in alcohol, and crystallizes in beautiful transparent 
prisms of an intensely yellow colour. 

Mistura sodii c hloroplatin atis . 
Mixture of chloroplatinate of sodium. 
{Potion de chloroplatinate de sodium.) 
R. Platin. perchlorid. gr. v. 
Sodii chlorid. pur. gr. viij. 
Mucilag. acac. 
Aquae aa. f ^iij. 

To be taken by spoonfuls in the 24 hours. 

Injectio sodii chloroplatinatis. 

Injection of chloroplatinate of sodium. 

{Injection de chloroplatinate de sodium.) 

R. Sodii chloroplatinat. crystalliz. gss. 
Decoct, papaveris Oss. 

The experiments of M. Hofer with the salts of platinum have 
not been numerous; but they confirm the assertions of Magendie, 
that they possess properties analogous to those of the salts of gold. 



CXXXVIII. PLUMBI IO'DIDUM. 

Synonymes. Plumbi Ioduretum seu Iodatum seu Hydriodas seu Hydro- 
iodas seu Iodhydras, Plumbum Iodatum seu Hydroiodicum, Iodide or 
Ioduret of Lead. 

French. Iodure de Plomb, Iodure plorabique. 

German. Bleiiodid, Iodblei, Bleiiodiir, Einfach Iodblei, 
Hydroiodsaures oder Iod wasserstoff saur es Blei. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

This preparation may be made by adding a solution of one hun- 
dred parts of iodide of potassium to a solution of seventy-five 
parts of acetate of lead. 

The London Pharmacopoeia of 1836, gives the following form: 
— Take of acetate of lead, nine ounces; iodide of potassium, 
seven ounces; distilled water, a gallon (imperial measure:) dis- 
solve the acetate of lead in six pints of the water, and filter: 



PLUMBI IODIDUM. 579 

to these add the iodide of potassium, previously dissolved in two 
pints of the water: wash the precipitate and dry it. 

In the Edinburgh Pharmacopeia, it is directed to be prepared 
by the double decomposition of nitrate of lead and iodide of po- 
tassium. Dr. Christison 1 considers, that the nitrate is preferable 
to the acetate of lead, as being more uniform in composition, 
and free from any excess of oxide of lead, which interferes with 
the purity of the product. 

Iodide of lead is of a bright yellow colour. According to Sou- 
beiran, 2 it is soluble in 1235 parts of cold water; and is somewhat 
more soluble in boiling water, which, on cooling, deposits the iodide 
in minute, shining, yellow, crystalline scales. Riecke 3 says it is 
soluble in 1200 parts of cold water, and in 200 of hot. When 
heated it melts, and is dissipated in vapours, which are at first 
yellow, and afterwards violet. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Iodide of lead is not an irritant, when applied even to a denuded 
surface. 4 M. Paton 5 administered twelve grains of it to a cat of 
moderate size. In four hours the animal did not appear to expe- 
rience any inconvenience ; twelve more grains were then given ; in 
twelve hours, the animal became uneasy, and constantly refused 
every kind of food. It appeared to suffer in the kidneys. Sub- 
sequently, it was attacked with violent colic, which caused it to 
jump to great heights. Three days after taking the iodide, it 
died, suffering dreadfully. The dissection was made twelve hours 
afterwards, when no traces of irritation were perceptible. M. 
Paton examined the exterior of the stomach chemically, but was 
unable to detect any of the iodide, nor could any portion of it be 
discovered in the faeces. He then boiled the intestines and their 
contained matters in distilled water; the liquid was filtered and 
decolourized by charcoal, but no effect was induced by the tests 
for lead. The matter remaining on the filter was digested in di- 
lute nitric acid: the solution was filtered, and a precipitate obtained 
on pouring in a solution of chromate of potassa. The liquid was 
evaporated; the residue calcined along with what was left by the 
evaporation of the water, and the whole brought in contact with 
dilute nitric acid. Nitrous gas was disengaged, and the solution 
responded to re-agents like the solutions of the salts of lead. M. 
Paton infers, that iodide of lead introduced into the stomach is 
partly absorbed, and that it is this portion which causes death, — 
the remainder passing into the intestines, and admitting of detec- 

1 Dispensatory, p. 711. Edinb. 1842. 

3 Traite de Pharmacie, cited in Dispensatory of the United States of America, 6th 
edit. p. 1076. Philad. 1845. 

3 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. 2te Auflage, S. 563. Stuttgart, 1840. 

4 Eager, Dublin Journal for 1834. 

s British Annals of Medicine, Mar. 3, 1837. 



580 PLUMBI IODIDUM. 

tion by the method described. When given internally, in the dose 
of a quarter or half a grain, Velpeau thought, that it occasioned, 
in one instance, irritation in the alimentary canal ; but Dr. O'Shaugh- 
nessy thinks that this result must have been owing to idiosyncrasy, 
as ten-grain doses can be borne with perfect impunity. The ex- 
periments of Dr. Cogswell 1 show, that it is by no means an active 
agent, and that its physiological operations do not correspond with 
its therapeutical effects ; as, in continued doses, it produced tne 
constitutional action of lead, and not at all that of iodine. 

Owing to its not exciting cutaneous irritation — like iodine and 
iodide of potassium — iodide of lead has been applied externally. 
Velpeau 2 treated three cases of enlarged glands with very grati- 
fying success, although the patients had used frictions with other 
preparations of iodine ineffectually. Similar good effects were ob- 
served by Guersent, Roots, Cottereau, Baudelocque, Delisle, and 
others. 3 Dr. Pereira, 4 however, used it in two cases of enlarged 
cervical glands without benefit. Dr. Christison 5 has seen it re- 
peatedly useful to appearance in obstinate ulcers, especially when 
" consecutive to mercurio-syphilitic eruptions in strumous habits." 
The dose is three, four, or more grains. Bally has given 30 
grains at a dose. 

Piln lac plumbi iodidi. 
Pills of iodide of lead. 
R. Plumbi iodid. gr. iv. 

Confect. rosae §j. M. et divide in pilulas xij. 

Dose. — One, night and morning, in scrofulous affections of the 
glands, joints, &c. The dose may be gradually increased to three 
or four pills, or more. Cottereau and Joy. 6 

Unguent um plumbi iodidi. 

Ointment of iodide of lead. 
R. Plumbi iodid. ^j. 
Adipis ^viij. M. 

Applied to scrofulous and other indolent swellings in the form 
of friction. 7 Lond. Pharm. 



CXXXIX. PLUMBI TANNAS. 

Synonymes. Plumbum Tannicum seu Scytodepsicum, Tannate of Lead. 

French. Tannate de Plomb. 

German. Gerbestoffblei,Bleitannat. 

1 Essay on Iodine, p. 142. Edinb. 1837. 

a Lugol, Essays on Iodine, &e. by O'Shaughnessy, p. 206. 

3 Riecke, Nachtr'age zu ersten Auflage der neuern Arzneimittel, S. 78. Stuttgart, 1840, 
and Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel u. s. w. S. 229, Erlang. 1848. 

* The Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit. i. 744. Lond. 1849. 

8 Dispensatory, p. 712. Edinb. 1843. 

6 Tweedie's Library of Medicine, v. 320. Lond. 1840, or 2d American edit. vol. 
iii. Philad. 1842. . 

1 Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therapeutique &c. 3eme edit i. 142. Paris, 184^. 



POTASSiE CHLORAS. 581 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Tannate of lead is formed by precipitating an infusion of oak 
bark by acetate of lead, according to the following formula : " Take 
of oak bark, in coarse powder, an ounce; boil in eight ounces of 
water, until, when strained, four ounces remain: add acetate of lead 
as long as any precipitate falls; filter the liquor through bibulous 
paper, and dry the precipitate remaining on the paper to the con- 
sistence of a thin ointment." 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Autenrieth 1 has strongly recommended tannate of lead in cases 
of paratrimma ad decubitum or sores produced by lying, and its 
advantages have been confirmed by others; and Dr. Tott has ad- 
vised it in cases of decubitus gangrcenosus or sloughing sores pro- 
duced by lying. 2 In one case, in which it appeared to be ineffi- 
cacious, he took two drams of the dried precipitate, mixed it with 
an ounce of unguentum rosatum, and used this unguentum plum- 
bico-tannicum with success. M. Ossieur has spoken highly of it 
in the same affection. 

As a means of preventing chapped nipples it has been highly 
extolled by M. Leon. 3 EU advises every pregnant woman, who 
has reason to fear this painful affection, to apply the following 
ointment, during the month preceding delivery, over the nipple 
once a day, washing it previously with warm water. Should the 
ointment be too irritant, the oil of roses may be left out, as it is 
only employed to " aromatize " it. 

Unguentum plumbi tannatis. 

Ointment of Tannate of lead. 

R. Plumbi tannat. gj. 
Cerat. gj. 
01. ros. gtt. ij. M. 

Leon. 



CXL. POTAS'SiE CHLORAS. 

Synonymes. Kali Chloricum seu Oxychloricum seu Chlorinicum seu 
Oxymuriaticura seu Muriaticum Hyper-oxygenatum, Chloras Kalicus 
Depuratus seu Potassicus, Alcali Vegetabile Salito-dephlogisticatum, 
ChloruretumPotassseOxidatum, HaloidumOxygenatum ; MuriasPotassse 
Hyper-oxygenatum seu Oxygenatum, Oxygeno-chloruretum Potassii, 
Potassse Euchloras, Chlorate of Potassa, Chlorate of Protoxide of Potas- 
sium, Oxymuriate or Hyperoxymuriate of Potassa. 

French. Chlorate de Potasse. 

German. Chlorsaures Kali 1 , Oxydirt oder Hyperoxygenirt 
Salzsaures Kali. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

In the chemical manufactories, chlorate of potassa is usually 

1 British Annals of Medicine, June 2, 1837; and Journ.de Chim. Med., Mars, 1837. 

2 Grafe und Walther's Journal der Chirurgie, B. xxiv. S. 676. Berlin, 1836; and 
Gazette Medicale, Jan. 1837. 

3 Gazette Medicale, cited in Abeille Medicale, I Octobre, 1848, p. 217. 



582 potassa chloras. 

prepared by passing- chlorine gas into a solution of carbonate of 
yotassa. In this way, chlorate of potassa is obtained mixed with 
more or less chloride of potassium. The salt prepared in the labo- 
ratories, before it is adapted for medical use, should be purified by 
recrystallization. 1 It is to be observed, that when the adequate 
quantity of chlorine gas is not employed in the preparation, the 
resulting compound is analogous to chlorinated soda and chlori- 
nated lime, and in action it agrees rather with those preparations 
than with true chlorate of potassa. This may tend to explain 
the discrepancy in the experience of different physicians. 

Chlorate of potassa crystallizes in white leaves having the 
splendour of mother-of-pearl, or in four or six-sided tables having 
a specific gravity of 1.989. It is permanent in the air, and has a 
cool, saline, disagreeable taste, similar to that of saltpetre. Six 
parts are soluble, at the ordinary temperature, in 100 parts of water. 
When exposed to heat, oxygen escapes, and chloride of potassium 
remains. When beaten forcibly in a mortar, it crackles, and emits 
light and sparks. Rubbed lightly with inflammable substances, 
or when struck, it inflames readily, and hence its well known em- 
ployment in the formation of matches. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

These have not been completely tested, — in the opinion of some 
at least. 2 L. W. Sachs, who has frequently administered it, is of 
opinion, that in this salt the direct effect of the alkali is rendered 
milder by the chloric acid, whilst the alkali modifies that of the 
acid : in this manner, the caustic property of the alkali is destroyed; 
and the liquifying or resolvent (fluidisirende) property is mo- 
derated, but not removed. On the other hand, by the union of 
the chloric acid with the alkali, the powerful excitant action on 
the nerves, which the former exerts, is at the same time manifestly 
moderated, although certainly not destroyed: the mode in which 
it is exerted, he thinks, is probably changed. By such a union, a 
medicine has been supposed to be formed, which acts chiefly on 
the nervous system, and which is capable of mitigating and pro- 
bably of removing any morbid erethism therein, with hyperesthe- 
sia thereby induced. 

Such is the opinion of certain therapeutists. Others imagine, 
that it is capable of purifying the mass of blood in consequence of 
the chlorine it contains ; but a salt of chloric acid is not possessed 
of the same properties as chlorine ; and, accordingly, when the au- 
thor has found occasion to administer it, he has never witnessed 
any of the effects ascribed to it; nor has he seen any evidence of 
the modus operandi on the nervous system mentioned above, or of 

1 For various forms of preparation see Pereira, Elements of Materia Medica and The- 
rapeutics, 3d edit. i. 490. Lond. 1849. 
4 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 300, und 2te Auflage, S. 451. Stuttgart, 1 840. 



potass^ CHLORAS. 583 

its imparting oxygen to the blood as supposed by some. 1 The 
saline powder given below, which was considered by Dr. Stevens 
to be so useful in many febrile affections, is affirmed by Mr. Braith- 
waite 2 to have been very beneficial in typhous cases, marked by 
dry, parched, brown or black tongue ; dark sordes on the teeth 
and gums, &c, &c. In almost every case, he found the dark 
appearances in the mouth altered in an incredibly short time. 

From its excitant properties, and under the notion that it may 
act upon the blood, and through the blood on the function of nu- 
trition as an excellent alterative, chlorate of potassa has been re- 
commended in chronic cutaneous diseases in general, as well as 
in hepatic and syphilitic affections. It has also been occasion- 
ally administered in chronic asthenia. 

Kohler 3 employed it in several cases of tubercular phthisis, and 
notwithstanding the general results of his experiments were un- 
favourable, he thinks it ought to be admitted into the number of 
those remedies that are useful in phthisis, although its stimulating 
action on the circulating and pulmonary systems cannot be denied. 
Its use is contraindicated where the fever runs high, and where 
there is any sign of inflammation of the lungs, or tendency to 
haemoptysis. Dr. Christison 4 states, that he has tried the effects 
of seven-grain doses three times a day in phthisis, but could not 
observe any physiological or therapeutical action whatever. 

Sachs, in accordance with the views before mentioned in regard 
to its antineuropathic properties, has advised it in cases of proso- 
palgia. He affirms, that, in a great many instances, it afforded 
essential relief. Chisholm appears to have been one of the earli- 
est to prescribe it in neuralgia faciei ; and, after him, Herber, 
and subsequently, B. Schaffer, Jos. Frank, Meyer, and others, 
employed it both as a curative and palliative agent in that disease. 
It has likewise been advised in obstinate rheumatism of the ner- 
vous kind by Knod von Helmenstreit; and Eyr has extolled it in 
ulceration of the mouth after violent salivation. 

In cancrum oris and phagedena of the cheek, both of which 
Dr. Henry Hunt 5 regards as identical, varying only in the degree 
of severity, and proceeding from a cachectic condition of the system, 
he has found chlorate of potassa, freely given, followed by the best 
results, — the beneficial influence of ihe salt being generally appa- 
rent within 48 hours after its first administration : and it seldom 
failed to arrest the progress of the disease, and to effect a cure, if 
administered before the patient was much exhausted. He gave it 

x See Stevens on the Blood, p. 296. London, 1832; and Pereira, Elements of Mat. 
Med. and Therap. 2d edit. i. 514. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit by Carson, Philad. 
1846. 

2 Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery, July to December, 1840, p. 275. 

3 Rust's Magazin, B. xlvi. 4 Dispensatory, p. 739. Edinb. 1842. 

5 Lond. Med. Gaz. April 7, 1843, p. 76, and Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, xxvi. 
142. 



584 POTASSvE CHLORAS. 

in the close of from ^j. to 7)ij., according to the age of the child, 
in twelve hours. It appears to have been employed successfully 
in the same affection in Romberg's Poliklinik, in Berlin. For 
children, some years old, eighteen grains were dissolved in three 
ounces of water, with half an ounce of syrup; and of this mixture 
a table-spoonful was given three times a day. A few days were 
sufficient for the cure. 1 

Dr. Watson 2 affirms, that he has been in the habit of directing 
a solution of chlorate of potassa in water (Potass, chlor. 3j. Jiq. 
Oj) as a drink for patients in scarlet fever, and in the typhoid 
forms of continued fever ; a practice which was suggested to 
him by Dr. Hunt, who informed Dr. Watson that he had long 
employed it with advantage. Under the use of a pint or a pint 
and a half of the solution daily, he noticed, in many instances, a 
speedy improvement of the tongue, which, from being furred, or 
brown or dry, became cleaner and moist. Dr. Scruggs, of Ger- 
mantovvn, Te. 3 extols it both as an internal remedy and a collu- 
tory in the erysipelatous inflammation of the mouth and fauces, 
which occurs in the ' black tongue ' of the Western States ; and 
Mr. J. Allison 4 speaks highly of it as an internal remedy in cases 
of mercurial salivation. He cautions the practitioner, however, 
to watch its effects; for if its exhibition, he says, be not disconti- 
nued at the proper time, a state of the system may be induced 
characterized by the phenomena of true inflammation. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Sachs prescribed it in the dose of from three to six grains, 
three or four times a day, but some give it in much larger quan- 
tity. It may be administered either in the form of powder or of 
solution. 

It would appear, as Dr. Pereira 5 has properly remarked, that 
most of the uses of this salt have been founded on certain views 
of chemical pathology, some of which are now considered un- 
tenable. It passes through the kidneys unchanged, and conse- 
quently the notion that it furnishes oxygen to the system must 
be discarded. From the results of the author's numerous trials 
with it, he is disposed to accord with Dr. Christison, 6 that no 
evidence has yet been published of such a nature as to entitle it to 
admission into the pharmacopoeias: yet it is officinal in the London 
Pharmacopoeia. 

1 Mittheilungen des badischen arzlichen Vereins. Karlsruhe, Nr. 5, Marz 13, 1850; 
cited in £J ordamerikanischer Monatsbericht fur Natur und Heilkunde, Dec 1. 1850, 
S. 216. 

3 Lectures on the Principles and Practice of Physic, 2d Amer. edit. p. 1 024. Philad. 
1845. '■' 

3 Medical Examiner, for April, 1849. 

4 London Med. Gazette, cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, for Jan. 1847, 
p. 169. 

8 Op. cit 3d edit i. 493, Lond, 1849. 6 Ibid. p. 738. Edinb. 1842. 



POTASSII BROMIDUM. 585 

Pnlvis potassae chloratis compositus* 
Compound powder of chlorate ofpotassa. 

(Stevens^s saline 'powder.') 
R. Potassae chlorat. gr. viij. 
Sodii chloric], gr. xx. 
Sodae bicarbonat. gr. xxx. M. 

One of these to be given every two or three hours in low febrile: 
cases. Stevens. 

Liquor potassae chloratis. 
Solution of chlorate ofpotassa. 

Solutio muriatis potassce oxygenati, Liquor ad ulcera atonica. 
R. Potassae chlorat. J5J. 

Aquae destillat. f gxij. M. 

To be applied to indolent ulcers, by means of lint, or of a camePs 
hair pencil, dipped in it, to excite the tissues. — Swedidur. 1 

Potus potassse chloratis. 
Drink of chlorate ofpotassa. 

Potus oxygeriatus. — French : Tisane oxy genie. 
R. Liquor, potass, chlorat. Oij. 
Aquae Oiv. M. 

Given internally in cases of general asthenia. 

Dose. — One or two pints a day. Swedidur. 

Mistura potassa) chloratis, 
Mixture of chlorate ofpotassa. 
R. Potassae chlorat. giss. 
Aquae destili. f %\v. 
Solve. 

Dose. — A spoonful, every two hours. Von Helmenstreit. 

Eyr dissolves twenty-five grains of the chlorate in four fluid- 
ounces of distilled water, and administers a spoonful three times 
a day. 

R. Potass, chlorat. gj. 
Syrup, althaeas f |jj. 
Aquae destili. f ^iv. M, 

Dose. — A table-spoonful four times a day. Kbhler, 



CXLI. POTASSII BROMIDUM. 

Sfnonymes. Kaliura Bromatum, Bromuretum Potassicum, Brometurn 
Kalii, Brometurn seu Bromuretum Potassii, Bromide of Potassium. In 
solution, Potassae Hydrobromas, Kali Hydrobromicum, Bromhydras 
Potassae, Hydrobromate of Potassa. 

French. Bromure de Potassium. 

German. Bromkalium, Kaliumbromid, Kaliurnbromur, 
Bromwasserstoffsaures oder Hydrobromsaures Kali. 

1 Pharm. Med. Pract. Bruxelles, 1817, 2d edit. 



586 POTASSII BROMIDUM. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to Liebig, this preparation can be readily made by 
dissolving bromine in alcohol, and adding potassa until the spirit 
begins to change colour, then evaporating and heating to redness. 
In the London Pharmacopoeia, it is directed to be made by adding 
first an ounce of iron filings, and afterwards two ounces of 
bromine, to a pint and a half of distilled water. The mixture is 
set aside for half an hour, and frequently stirred with a spatula ; 
a gentle heat is then applied, and when a greenish colour is pro- 
duced, two ounces and a dram of carbonate of potassa, dissolved 
in a pint and a half of water, are poured in. What remains is 
filtered and washed with two pints of boiling distilled water, and 
again filtered. The mixed solutions are then evaporated, that 
crystals may form. 

Liebig says it crystallizes in four-sided shining tables; but ac- 
cording to Ballard, 1 commonly in cubes, and at times in long 
rectangular parallelopipedons. It has a pungent taste like that 
of common salt, but more acrid ; and is devoid of odour. By heat, 
it crepitates, and melts into a red-hot flux, without experiencing 
change. It is more soluble in hot than in cold water; producing, 
during its solution, evident cold, and becoming converted into 
hydrobromate of potassa. It is also soluble in alcohol, although 
in small quantity. The solution of bromide of potassium dissolves 
no more bromine than pure water. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Bromide of potassium excites the same phenomena as bromine, 
but with less certainty and intensity. 2 From a dram and a half 
to two drams is needed to kill a dog. The animal appears to 
suffer; is restless, and gradually falls into a state of prostration. 
In smaller doses, it appears to act powerfully on the human 
stomach. The bromide, like bromine, seems first to have been 
applied to therapeutical purposes by Pourche. 3 Two cases of 
scrofulous tumours are reported by him to have been removed by 
friction with an ointment composed thereof, and a cataplasm 
sprinkled with an aqueous solution. In a third patient, chronic 
otorrhea and scrofulous tumefaction of the testicle yielded to the 
same agency, combined with the internal use of bromine. A very 
large goitre was reduced two-thirds by it. Pourche prescribed it 
internally in the form of pill, in the dose of four to eight grains in 
the day. 

Magendie 4 employed the preparations of bromine in scrofula, in 
amenorrhcea, and in hypertrophy of the ventricles of the heart. 

1 Annales de Chirnie. torn, xxxii. 

a Bouchardat, Annuaire de Thc'rapeutique pour 1847, p. 237. Paris, 1847, 
3 Journ de Chimie Medicale, iv. 594; see, also, Bulletin General de Th6rapeutique, 
No. 14, 30 Juillet 1837. 
* Formulaire, ed. cit. 



POTASSII BROMIDUM. 587 

Prieger recommended an ointment of "Kali bromicum" in inve- 
terate porri go favosa as well as in obstinate and malignant tetter, 
and with good success; and Dr. Williams 1 in cases of enlarged 
spleen. The last gentleman suggests, that it possesses " unusual, 
if not specific (?) powers in the cure of diseases of the spleen." 
It was owing to these results that the bromide was introduced into 
the London Pharmacopoeia of 1836. 2 Dr. Williams also gave it 
with success in a case of ascites. 

The low price of the bromide compared with that of the iodide 
of potassium induced M. Ricord to substitute it in the treatment 
of secondary syphilitic affections. He gave it in the same dose. 
The therapeutical effects were found to be identical, but induced 
more slowly. The results of the experience of others has, how- 
ever, been less satisfactory. Dr. Egan, from extensive observa- 
tion, has satisfied himself, first, that the iodide of potassium exerts, 
in the majority of instances of secondary and tertiary syphilis, an 
instantaneous, decided, and always beneficial action, contrasted 
with the bromide ; the effects of which are slow, unsatisfactory, 
and frequently unsuccessful. And, secondly, that the iodide seems 
to act favourably not only upon the disease for which it is pre- 
scribed, but also upon the constitution in general, increasing the 
appetite and improving the powers of digestion, thereby enabling 
the patient to gain flesh when under its influence ; whilst the 
bromide not unfrequently produces nausea, impairs the appetite, 
and deranges the digestive organs; and, lastly, that every form of 
secondary 'and tertiary syphilis, with the exception of iritis, is 
amenable to the action of the iodide, whilst that of the bromide is 
extremely circumscribed. 

Similar views to those of Dr. Egan are maintained by Drs. 
Stapleton and Geoghegan. 3 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Liquor pfrtassii bromidi. 
Solution of bromide of potassium. 
R. Potassii bromidi gr. vi. — viij. — x. 

Aquae lactucse f ,^iij. 

Syrup althaeeefgi. M. 

To be given in the course of twenty-four hours, in table-spoon- 
fuls. Magendie. 
Unguentum potassii bromidi. 
Ointment of bromide of potassium. 
R. Potass, bromid. gv. xxxiv. 
Adipis gj. M. 

1 Elements of Medicine, i. 338. 

2 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 2d edit. i. p. 499. Philada. 1842; or 
2d Amer. edit, by Carson. Philad. 1846; and Brande's Diet, of Mat. Med. p. 126. 
Lond. 1839. 

3 Dublin Medical Press, May 19, 1847; cited in Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, 
July, 1847, p. 206. 



588 POTASSII CYANURETUM. 

From half a drain to a dram to be rubbed on scrofulous swell- 
ings. Magendie. 
M. Pourche employs 3j. of the bromide to the ounce of lard. 
Unguentum potassii broniidi coinpositum. 

Compound ointment of bromide of potassium. » 
R. Broraini gr. vi. ad xij. 
Potassii bromid. gr. xxiv. 
Axung. 5J. M. 

Magendie. 



CXLII. POTAS'SII CYANURETUM. 

Synonymes. Potassii Cyanidura, Kali Hydrocyanicura seu Cyanogena- 
tum seu Cyanatum seu Borussicura, Kalium Cyanogenatum, Cyanu- 
retum seu Cyanidum. Potassicum seu Kalii, Cyanidum seu Cyatietum 
Kalii, Hydrocyanas seu Cyanhydras Potassae seu Kalicus, Cyanide or 
Cyanuret of Potassium. 

French. Cyanure de Potassium. 

German. Cyankalium, Bl aus tof f kalium, Kaliumc yanur , 
Kaliumcyanid Hydrocyansaures Kali, Cyanwasser- 
stoffsaures Kali, Blausaures Kali. 

This preparation was proposed by MM. Robiquet and Viller- 
me, 1 as a substitute for hydrocyanic acid. It is, in their opinion, 
far more certain in its effects than that. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Cyanuret of potassium is formed whenever potassa is calcined 
with an animal mattery as in the preparation of Prussian blue. 
It is commonly prepared after the process of Robiquet, by ex- 
posing to long continued heat the ferrocyanuret of potassium. 
The cyanuret of iron is completely decomposed, and that of po- 
tassium remains. The residuum, after this strong calcination, con- 
stitutes a solid, blackish mass, which consists wholly of cyanuret 
of potassium, soiled by the iron and the charcoal belonging to the 
cyanuret of iron. The mass is dissolved in water, when the iron 
and charcoal are deposited; the cyanuret of potassium dissolves, 
and is transformed into hydrocyanate of potassa. When the pro- 
cess has been well conducted, the solution is perfectly colourless, 
and retains no portion of iron. M. Chevallier 2 prepares the salt 
by calcining the ferrocyanuret of potassium, and then separating 
the cyanuret from the quadricarburet of iron by pure alcohol : on 
distilling this, the cyanuret is obtained very pure. Dr. Hamilton 
and Mr. Mackenzie, of Baltimore, 3 recommend the following pro- 
cess as most convenient and simple: — Expose — say — four ounces 
of the dried ferrocyanuret of potassium in a common Hessian cru- 
cible to a red heat, until nitrogen ceases to pass over; (this gene- 

1 Bulletin de la Soci^'ts Medicale d'Emulation, Juillet, 1823. See, also, James Ham- 
ilton and Thos. (I. Mackenzie, in Maryland Med. and Surg. Journ.. April, 1840. p. 201. 
3 Journ. de Chimie Medicale, and Journ. of Philad. College of Pharmacy, 1832. 
* Op. cit. p. 203. 



POTASSII CYANURETUM. 589 

rally takes from one and a half to two hours;) then, breaking the 
crucible, powder the black mass quickly, and add — say — sixteen 
fluidounces of alcohol, stirring the mixture repeatedly, until it ac- 
quires the temperature of about 150° Fahr.; then filter, and eva- 
porate by a sand or water bath, regulated so as to be below the 
boiling point of alcohol ; for if heated above this temperature, oil 
of wine is formed, which is gradually decomposed during the pro- 
cess, and carbon is deposited, which blackens the mixture. The 
evaporation should be carried on so as to have as great an extent 
of surface exposed as possible. The ferrocyanuret will be found 
to have yielded six or seven drams of the cyanuret, which is dry, 
inodorous, and perfectly white. 

The following process is directed in the last edition of the 
Pharmacopoeia of the United States, (1842:) — Take of ferrocy- 
anuret of potassium, in powder, gviij.; Distilled water, f 3vj. 
Expose the ferrocyanuret to a moderate heat until it becomes 
nearly white, and is wholly deprived of its water of crystallization. 
Put the residue in an earthen retort, with the beak loosely stopped, 
and expose it to a red heat for two hours, or till gas ceases to be 
disengaged. Withdraw the retort from the fire, close the orifice 
with lute, and then let the whole remain until quite cold. Break 
the retort; remove the black mass, and reduce it to coarse powder, 
introduce it into a bottle of the capacity of twelve fluidounces, and 
then add the distilled w 7 ater. Agitate the mixture occasionally 
for half an hour, throw it on a filter, evaporate the filtered solu- 
tion rapidly to dryness, and keep the dry mass in a closely stopped 
bottle. 

Pure cyanuret of potassium is white and transparent: it may 
be fused in the fire without being decomposed, and keeps for an 
indefinite period, provided it be preserved dry. It is very soluble 
in water, but sparingly so in alcohol. All acids decompose it, 
even the carbonic: hence the solution, when exposed to the air, 
emits the smell of hydrocyanic acid; and carbonate of potassa is 
formed, in the place of the hydrocyanate of potassa. It has a 
sharp, somewhat alkaline, and bitter almond taste, and an alkaline 
reaction. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

MM, Robiquet and Villerme performed some experiments on 
animals in the presence of Magendie. 1 A tenth of a grain de- 
stroyed a male linnet in a minute; Jess than a grain killed a gui- 
nea-pig in two or three minutes: a small drop of the hydrocyanate 
of potassa, containing only the hundredth part of a grain of the 
cyanuret in solution, caused a linnet to drop down dead in half a 
minute. Half a dram, containing five grains of the cyanuret, 
killed a dog of large size in a quarter of an hour; and three grains 

* Formukire pour la Preparation, &c, de plusieurs Nouveaux Medicamens, &c. 

38 



590 POTASSII CYANURETDM. 

proved fatal to a man in three quarters of an hour. 1 Dr. Letheby 2 
states, as the result of his experiments on animals, that with the 
exception of hydrocyanic acid, of the strength of four per cent., 
cyanuret of potassium is the most virulent and active of all the 
compounds into which cyanogen enters. 

Magendie proposes, that the cyanuret of potassium should be 
dissolved in eight times its weight of distilled water, when it be- 
comes transformed into hydrocyanate of potassa. To this solution 
he gives the name medicinal hydrocyanate of potassa, and ad- 
vises that it should be given under the same circumstances, and in 
the same doses, as the medicinal hydrocyanic acid, (see pages 24 
and 35.) He farther suggests, that to render it wholly indepen- 
dent of the action of the small portion of alkali contained in the 
cyanuret, a few drops of some vegetable acid may be added, or it 
may be prescribed with an acid syrup. 

The dose of the cyanuret is a quarter of a grain at first, gra- 
dually increased to a grain and more. M. Bally gave it to fifty- 
two individuals labouring under different diseases: it produced no 
effect on thirty-five; and, on the others, the result was neither 
constant nor salutary, so that he is not inclined to place more 
reliance upon the cyanuret than upon hydrocyanic acid. 

By M. Lombard, 3 of Geneva, it has been applied externally, 
with success, in some cases of facial neuralgia. He uses it by 
friction, in the form of watery solution, or of ointment, according 
to circumstances. The watery solution is in the strength of from 
one to four grains to the ounce of water; and the ointment is com- 
posed of from two to four grains of the cyanuret to an ounce of 
lard. The aqueous solution, however, is considered by Dr. Lom- 
bard to be the most prompt in its effects. He regards the cyanu- 
ret to be contraindicated where the nervous affection is compli- 
cated with inflammatory action. He has found it a useful remedy, 
also, in chronic rheumatism. In sciatic neuralgia, it was not 
successful. In white swelling, attended with acute pains, poul- 
tices, moistened with the solution, gave great relief. Dr. Lombard, 
indeed, affirms, that the soothing properties of the cyanuret are 
superior to those of any remedy known. Lotions of hydrocyanic 
acid are not to be compared with it, — the acid being decomposed 
with facility, and not devoid of danger. 

In a case of acute rheumatism attacking the articulations of a 
chlorotic young female, M. Malherbe, 4 after leeching, applied 
compresses over the joints affected, moistened with a solution of 
the cyanuret — ten grains to the ounce of distilled water. In 
forty-eight hours the pain ceased. It is probable, however, that 

1 See Christison on Poisons, first Amer. edit p. 503. Philad. 1845. 
9 London Medical Gazette, Jan. 9, and Feb. 4 and 17, 1H45. 

* Gazette des Hopitaux, and Lond. Med. Gaz., Sept. 1831. 

* Journal des Connaissances Medico Chirurgicales. 



POTASSII CYANURETUM. 591 

much of the good effect was owing to the compression. MM. 
Trousseau and Rullier 1 also recommend the cyanuret, in the pro- 
portion of four grains to an ounce of water, as a local application 
in various forms of neuralgia. In the quantity of nine grains to 
eight ounces of water, it is employed by M. Cazenave, 2 as a lotion 
in pruritus ani et vulva. 

M. AndraP employed it with complete success in a case of in- 
tense cephalalgia, which, for ten months, had resisted the most 
powerful remedies, as bleeding, a seton in the neck, blisters and 
sinapisms. It was given in solution, in the proportion of from six 
to eight grains to the ounce of distilled water; and compresses, 
wet with the solution, were applied, for eight days, to the fore- 
head and temples. 

When nitrate of ^silver has been long used in affections of the 
eye, it turns the conjunctiva of a dark olive colour, and greatly 
disfigures the patient. Mr. Guthrie 4 states, that a solution of the 
cyanuret, {Potass, cyanur. gr. vj.; rfquce f §j.,) applied by drops, 
every other day, is an admirable remedy. It is also equally effec- 
tive in removing the stain made hy iodine on the skin. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Mistnra potassii cy a nureti. 
Mixture of cyanuret of potassium. 

Mixture of hydrocyanate of potassa. 
Pectoral mixture of Magendie. 
R. Potass, hydrocyan. med. f £i. 
Aquae destillat. Oj. 
Sacchar. ^iss. M. 

Dose. — About five drams (a table-spoonful,) night and morning. 

(Pectoral potion.) 
R. Potass, hydrocyan. med. gtt. xv. 
Infus. heder. terrestr. f §ij. 
Syrup, althaeas fgj. M. 

Dose. — Five grammes (a tea-spoonful,) every three hours. 

Magendie. 
R. Potass, cyanur. gr. -|. 
Syrup, althaeae f gj. 
Aquae lactucae f ^ij. M. 

Dose. — Five drams (a table-spoonful,) every two hours. 

Magendie. 
R. Tinct. castor. 
Moschi, 

Potassae nitrat. aa. gr. iv. 
Potassii cyanuret. gr. ij. 
Aquae flor. tiliae sen 

cinnamom. f ^viij. 

1 Lond. Med. and Surg. Journ. Dec. 15, 1832; cited in Amer. Journal of the Medi- 
cal Sciences, May, 1833, p. 238. 
3 Ranking's Half- Yearly Abstract, July to Dec. 1846, p. 198. 
3 Gazette Medicale, Jan. 1832. 
* Cited in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1844, p. 517. 



592 POTASSIl HYDRARGYRO-IODIDUM. 

To be taken in the course of the twenty-four hours, in chorea. 

Fouquier. 
Sympus potassii cyannreti. 
Syrup of cyanuret of potassium. 

R. Potass, hydrocyanat. medic, f gj. 
Syrupi Oi. 

This syrup must be added to pectoral draughts, and may be 
substituted for other syrups, in appropriate cases. 

Pilnlse potassii cyannreti. 
Pills of cyanuret of potassium. 
R. Potassii cyanur. 
Amyli aa. gr. iv. 
Syrup, q. s. ut fiat massa in pilulas viij. dividenda. 

Dose. — A pill, night and morning, in convulsions, dyspnoea, &c. 

Hospital of La Pitie. 1 
lotio potassii cyannreti. 
Lotion of cyanuret of potassium. 
R. Potass, cyanuret. gr. xij. 
Mist, amygdal. f ^vj. M. 

To be used in lichen, and other chronic eruptions attended with 
much itching. Louis. 

R. Potass, cyanur. gr. vj. 
Solve in 

Aquae destillat. f gj. M. ' 

Compresses to be wetted with this, and applied in cases of 
neuralgia faciei, hemicrania, &c. 

Recamier, Trousseau, Blouquier. 2 

Ungnentnm potassii cyannreti. 
Ointment of cyanuret of potassium. 

R. Potass, cyanur. gr. ij. — iv. 
Adipis |i. M. 

The size of a hazelnut to be rubbed in, in cases of neuralgia. 

Lombard. 



CXLIII. POTASSII HYDRARGYRO-IODIDUM. 

Synonymes. Potassii Iodo-Hydrargyras, Hydrargyro-iodidum Potassii ; 
Hydrargyrum Biiodatum cum Kalio-Iodato, Kali Iodatum Hydrargyra- 
tum, Kalium Hydriodatum Hydrargyratum, lodo-Hydrargyrate of Po- 
tassium, Iodhydrargyrate of loduret of Potassium, Hydrargyro-iodide 
of Potassium, Hydrargyro-biniodide of Potassium, Dihydrargyro-bin- 
iodide of Potassium. 

French. Iodhydrargyrate de Potassium. 

German. Quecksilberiodidkalium. 

1 Ryan's Formulary, 3d edit. p. 392. Lond. 1839. 

a Lincke, Vollstandiges Recept-Taschenbuch, ii. 91. Leipz. 1841. 



POTASSII HYDRARGYRO-IODIDUM. 593 

Dr. A. Channing, 1 who has highly extolled this preparation in 
various diseases, affirms, that this, with other new salts, was dis- 
covered by Bonsdorff, of the University of Finland, in 1826 ; and 
it is a fact well known to the chemist, that iodine, chlorine, &c, 
enter into combinations so as to form both acids and bases. By 
experiment, Dr. Channing ascertained, that a solution of eight 
grains of pure iodide of potassium, in ten or fifteen minims of 
water, would combine with a fraction less than eleven grains of 
red iodide of mercury, and maintain the combination in solution, 
when diluted with water or alcohol to any extent. If more than 
eleven grains of red iodide be added, although a small excess may 
be dissolved in the concentrated solution, on diluting with water, 
it is promptly precipitated. It would appear, therefore, as Dr. 
Channing has remarked, that in preparing this salt for administra- 
tion, the labour of crystallizing it, in order to obtain a solution of 
a definite strength, is wholly unnecessary; inasmuch as a solution, 
combining a fraction more than eight grains of the iodide of po- 
tassium with eleven grains of the iodide of mercury, may be used 
as containing twenty grains of the hydrargyro-iodide of potassium. 

If it be desirable to obtain the preparation in a crystallized form, 
it is important that the definite proportions of the two iodides should 
be observed, and particularly, that there be no excess of iodide of 
mercury ; for the saturated solution of eight grains of iodide of po- 
tassium will dissolve, and enter into combination with, more than 
thirteen grains of iodide of mercury, forming similar crystals soluble 
in alcohol, but in water precipitating more than two grains of 
iodide of mercury. 

This double salt may also be formed by dissolving one equiva- 
lent of bichloride or of per 'nitrate of mercury in a solution of four 
equivalents of iodide of potassium, evaporating to dryness, and 
dissolving the double iodide from the chlorohydrate or nitrate of 
potassa by means of alcohol. When made from the pernitrate of 
mercury, it is liable, however, to contain nitre, which may be de- 
tected by its insolubility in strong alcohol. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
These are similar to those of the iodides of mercury, but, ac- 
cording to Dr. Channing, in a less degree. The hydrargyro-iodide 
is not, however, much employed, experience seeming to have shown, 
that it possesses no essential, if, indeed, any advantages over those 
preparations. It has been highly extolled by Dr. Charles C. 
Hildreth, 3 of Zanesville, Ohio, in several diseases in which a com- 
bination of iodine and mercury might be expected to be beneficial. 
In ordinary dyspepsia, his faith in its remedial powers is so strong 

1 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Feb. 1834, p. 388. 

a Ambrose Smith, American Journal of Pharmacy, Jan. 1841, p. 271. 

* American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Aug. 1840, p. 314, 



594 POTASSII HYDRARGYRO-IODIDUM. 

that he had prescribed but little else for the previous four or five 
years. He speaks highly of it, also, in enlargement of the spleen, 
amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhcea, dropsy, and glandular 
enlargements of a scrofulous character. In these last cases, he 
combines the internal use with the external, according to the form 
of ointment given below. 

Puche 1 has recommended it as not being so subject to produce 
salivation or pains in the tones, as the other combinations of mer- 
cury and iodine. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Mistura pot a s s ii kydrargy ro-iodidi- 

Mixture of hydrar gyro-iodide of potassium. 

R. Hydrafg. iodid. rubr. gr. iv. 
Potassii iodid. 9j. 
Aquae destillat. f gj. M. 

Dose. — Five drops, three times a day, Charming. 

R. Hydrargyri iodid. rubr. 
Po'tassii iodid. aa. gr. iv. 
Aquae f ^i. Solve. 

The dose of this is from two to six drops, equivalent to from 
about the thirteenth to the twelfth of a grain of the double salt. 2 

R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. gr. viij. 
Potassii iodid. gr. viij. 
Aquas destillat. f 3 viij. M. 

Dose. — f jij. to f |ij. in twenty-four hours. Puche. 

Tinctura potassii hydrargyro-iodidi. 

Tincture of hydrar gyro-iodide of potassium. 

R. Potass, hydrargyro-iodid. gr. j. 
Alcohol, dilut.fgj. M. 

Dose. — Ten drops, three times a day. Charming. 

Pilule potassii hydrargyro-iodidi. 
Pills of hydrar gyro-iodide of potassium. 

R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. gr. viij. 
Potassii iodid. gr. viij. 
Sacchar. lact. gr. lxiv. 
Mucil. acac. q. s. ut fiant pilulae Axxij. 

Dose. — One to eight, daily. Puche. 

1 Journal des Connaissances Medicates, Oct., Nov. 1838, Janvier, 1839; and An- 
nates de Chimie, Oct. 1838. 
9 Ambrose Smith, American Journal of Pharmacy, Jan. 1841, p. 270. 



POTASSII IODIDUM. 595 

Unguentum potassii hydrargyro-iodidi. 

Ointment of hydrar gyro-iodide of potassium. 

R. Hydrarg. iodid. rubr. gr. vij. 
Potass, iodid. Qij. 
Adipis 3J. 

To be applied to tumours, two or three times a day. Should 
it prove too irritating, the proportion of lard must be increasd. 

Hildreth. 
CXLIV. POTASSII 10'DIDUM. 

Sfnonymes. Kalium Iodatum, Iodidum Kalii, Kali Hydroiodinicum, K. 
Hydroiodicum, Hydroiodas Kalicus seu Lixivias, Ioduretum Potassicum, 
Iodhydras Kalicus seu Potassae, Potassii Ioduretum, Iodide or loduret 
of Potassium. In solution — Potassae Hydriodas, Potassii Proto-hydrio- 
das seu Protoxidi Hydriodas, Hydroiodas Kalicus seu Lixiviae, Iodhy- 
dras Kalicus seu Potassae, Hydriodate of Potassa. 

French. Hydriodate de Potasse, Iodure de Potassium. 

German. Iodkalium, lodwasserstoffsaures Kali, Kalium- 
iodiire, Iodinwasserstoff Kali, Hydriodsaures oder 
Hy d riodinsaures Kali, Kalihy dr oi odat . 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The process of Dr. Turner is, to take any quantity of solution 
oi caustic potassa, and to add to it gradually, at a gentle heat, 
iodine sufficient to neutralize the alkali; then evaporating to 
dryness, calcining strongly, dissolving in water, and crystallizing. 
Dr. William Gregory 1 suggested an improvement 'on this process, 
which has been regarded as one of the simplest. 2 'He adds iodine 
to a hot solution of potassa until the fluid assumes a yellowish- 
brown colour; then evaporates, and heats the residuum to low red- 
ness in a platinum crucible. The mass, which at first consists of 
iodide of potassium and iodate of potassa, thus loses all its oxygen, 
and becomes converted into iodide of potassium. 

The formula of Caillot and Baup is to take ten parts of iodine 
and fifty of distilled water ; put them into a matrass, and add, 
in small successive portions, of pure iron filings, five parts, — 
shaking the vessel each time. The liquor is then heated until it loses 
its colour, is filtered, and the substance on the filter is washed with 
boiling water, until the liquid is tasteless;. the liquor and the vari- 
ous liquids used in the washings are united, and the whole is 
heated in a sand bath. When the temperature approaches that 
of ebullition, enough of a solution of carbonate of potassa is 
added to precipitate all the oxide of iron as carbonate; it is then 
filtered, and the substance on the filter w T ashed until it is com- 
pletely exhausted. All the liquors are then united, tested by 
reddened litmus paper, and if there be any excess of base, a little 
hydr iodic acid is added. It is then evaporated in a sand bath, 

1 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ., xxxvi. 369. for Oct. 1831. 
3 Cogswell on Iodine, p. 85. 



596 POTASSI IODIDUM. 

until a slight pellicle forms; the fire is now discontinued, and the 
salt is suffered to crystallize. Lastly, the crystals are washed 
with a little water, and dried. 1 

Iodide of potassium is in white or transparent crystals. These 
are readily fused, and are volatilized at a red heat. They do not 
decompose, even when heated with access of air. They are readily 
soluble in water, and in alcohol, and the addition of the iodide 
facilitates greatly the solution of the iodine in water. The odour 
is slightly that of iodine, from the salt containing a little of that 
element, uncombined. Taste acrid and saline. 

It would seem that a slight contamination of iodide of potassium 
with carbonate of potassa is exceedingly common, as it can with 
difficulty be avoided in the manufacture of the salt; but Dr. Chris- 
tison 2 affirms, that he has examined specimens, where the carbo- 
nate, with its accompanying water, amounted to 90 parts in the 
100. " Can we wonder, then," he asks, " that practitioners should 
complain of the iodide of potassium, that they have given it for 
months, nay, even for years, without observing any effect either 
on the constitution, or on the disease for which it was adminis- 
tered ?" It is sometimes adulterated, too, with nitrate of potassa, 
and the chlorides of potassium and sodium. 3 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

As respects the action of iodide of potassium, and its administra- 
tion in disease, it is scarcely necessary to do more than refer to 
what has been said under the head of iodine. On the whole, its 
effects appear to accord with those of iodine; at least no difference 
is perceptible on the organism. It has been supposed, that it is 
better than pure iodine, where the object is to act especially on 
the urinary organs. 4 For external use, iodide of potassium is 
usually preferred to iodine. It is constantly given internally, and 
often in combination with the latter ; the solubility of which, as 
was before remarked, is aided by it. Many of the subjoined for- 
mulae contain both one and the other. As remarked under iodine, 
it is now administered in very large doses in a multitude of diseases 
of different nature, and often, doubtless, where it can render little 
or no service. 

Dr. Buchanan asserts, that he has given it in doses of ^ss., and 
the only precaution he observed was to make the patient drink 

1 Jourdan's Pharmacopee Universale, i. 6fi2. Paris, 1828; also the London Phar- 
macopoeia, and Brande's Dictionary of Materia Medica, p. 317. Lond. 1839. This is 
essentially the process of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States (1842.) 

a Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1838; and Dispensatory, p. 253. Edinb. 
1842; also, Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. '2d edit. i. 491. Lond. 1842 ; 
or 2d Amer. edit, by Uarson. Philad. 1846. 

3 Report of the Committee on adulterated drugs, Dr. Huston, chairman, in Transac- 
tions of the Amer. Med. Assoc, iii., 291. Philad. 1850. 

* Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 306. See, also, Cogswell on Iodine, 
p. 96, 



POTASSII IODIDUM. 597 

freely of diluents. It was chiefly to determine some physiological 
questions that he administered it in such large doses. Two drams 
of it were taken by a young man affected with gonorrhoea, and as 
soon as the medicine made its appearance in the urine, blood was 
drawn from the arm. On examining the blood, both the serum 
and crassamentum were found deeply impregnated with iodine. 1 
On the other hand, Dr. Lawrie, of Glasgow, 2 considers it very un- 
certain, and at times dangerous, although he esteems it by far the 
best of the recent remedies, and prescribes it more frequently than 
any other medicine; and Mr. Mayo 5 affirms, that no medicine, 
where it does good, produces amendment, in constitutional syphi- 
lis, so speedily as it. Lugol and others appear to have used it 
mainly as a solvent to iodine, and Lugol considers it inferior to the 
latter as a therapeutical agent ; but no chemical or other prepos- 
session can set aside the testimony just cited ; or that of such ob- 
servers as Ricord, 4 C. J. B. Williams, 5 Joy, and a host of others. 
In the author's hands, it has appeared to afford as much benefit as 
any of the preparations of iodine, and M. Dorvault 6 regards it as 
embodying all the excellencies of iodine without its defects. For 
the testimony in regard to its beneficial and injurious effects, see 
Iodine, page 454. 

Cases of salivation from its use have been published by Sir 
Francis W. Smith. 7 

According to the experiments of Magendie, 8 iodide of potassium 
is one of the substances that promote the coagulation of the blood. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Liquor potassii iodidi. 

Solution of iodide of potassium. 
Potio resolvens ex lodio, Solution de Coindet, CoindeVs Solution. 
R. Potassii iodidi gr. xxxvj. 

Aquse destillat. f gj. Solve. 

Dose. — The same as that of the tincture of iodine. 

Coindet fy Magendie. 
R. Potassii iodidi gj. 

Aquse destillat. f §j. Solve. 

Dose. — Fifteen drops three times a day, gradually increased to 
forty-five, in cases of ovarian dropsy, — frictions with iodine oint- 
ment being used at the same time. Elliotson. 

1 London Medical Gazette, July 2, 1836. B Ibid. July 3, 1840, p. 591. 

3 A Treatise on Syphilis, by Herbert Mayo, F. R. S. Lond. 1840. 

4 Practical Treatise on Venereal Diseases, translated by Drummond, Amer. edit. Philad. 
1843. Parker, Modern Treatment of Syphilitic Diseases, Amer. Med. Lib. edit. p. 77, 
Philad. 1840; and Bulletin General de Therap. Juillet, 1840. 

5 Lectures on the Physiology and Diseases of the Chest, Bell's Medical Library edit, 
p. 246. Philad. 1839. 

6 Iodognosie ou Monographic Chimique, Medicale et Pharmaceutique, deslodiques en 
general, et en particulier de I'lode et de l'lodide de Potassium. Paris, 1850; cited in 
Brit, and Foreign Med. Review, Jan. 1851 , p. 92. 

* Dublin Journal of Medical Science, July, 1840, and Jan. 1841. 

8 Lec,ons sur le Sang; and translation in Lancet, for Jan. 26, 1839, p. 636. 



598 POTASSII IODIDUM. 

Liquor potassii iodidi compo situs. 
Compound solution of iodide of potassium. 
(Lugol's solution.) 
R. Iodin. gj. 

Potassii iodid. 9'j« 

Aq. destillat. f ^vij. Solve. 

Dr. Bache 1 remarks, that " in the original it is seven ounces, but 
from the context of the author, this is evidently a misprint for se- 
ven drams." It is proper, however, to observe, that many of the 
successful cases were treated by the weaker solution, six drams of 
which contain only ^ of a grain, whilst six of the other contain 
2.ths of a grain. 

Dose. — Six drops early in the morning, and in the middle of 
the day, in a glass of sugared water, in tetter, scirrhus, &c. 

Lugol. 

Lugol has a solution of three strengths for internal use: 

I. II. III. 

R. Iodin. gr. £. gr. i. gr. 1}. 

Potass, iodid. gr. iss. gr. ii. gr. iiss. 

Aq. destillat. f^viij. f ^viij. f -fviij. 

Dose. — Two-thirds^daily, at first; afterwards, the whole. 

Lugol recommends this threefold solution in the same cases as 
his threefold solution of iodine; the first being continued from 
fourteen days to three weeks; the second, from the fourth or fifth 
week of the treatment to its termination; the third, the strongest, 
he did not often use. As Riecke has observed, it would be better 
to have in the hospitals but one solution, which might be pre- 
scribed in varied doses. 

R. Iodin. gr. v. 

Potass, iodid. gr. x. 

Aquae destillat. f gxx. M. 

Dose. — f 3ij. to f ^vj. London Pharmacopoeia. 

Liquor iodini compositus. 

Compound solution of iodine. 
(LugoVs solution.) 
R. Iodin. gvj. 

Potass, iodid. ^iss. 
Aquae destillat. Oj. 
Dissolve the iodine and iodide of potassium in the water. 

Dose. — Ten to twenty drops, three times a day. 

Pharm. United States. 
R. Potassii iodid. 

Iodin. aa. gr. 78. (5 gram) 
Alcohol, at 90° C. gxiij. (50 gr.) 
Aquae destillat. §iij. (100 gr.) 

* Dispensatory of the United States, 4th edit. p. 374. Philad. 1839. 



POTASSII IODIDUM. 599 

Rub the iodine and iodide of potassium in a mortar with a little of the 
water. Add the alcohol and the remainder of the water. 

This has been proposed as a substitute for the mixture of tinc- 
ture of iodine and water, used by M. Velpeau, with so much suc- 
cess, in the surgical treatment of dropsies. 1 Guibourt. 

Tinctura iodini composita. 

Compound tincture of iodine. 
R. Iodin. gj. 

Potass, iodid. ^ij. 
Alcohol. Oij. M. 

Dose. — Ten minims. Lond. Pharmacopoeia. 

The Pharmacopoeia of the United States adopts the same quan- 
tities; but the pint Imperial measure contains about one-fourth 
more than the pharmacopoeial pint of the United States. 

(Iodine paint.) 
R. Iodin. gr. lxiv. 

Potass, iodid. gr. xxx. 
Alcohol, f gj. M. 

Applied in rheumatic affections of the joints, by painting the 
parts freely with a camel's hair pencil. King's College Hospital. 

Mistura potassii iodidi composita. 

Compound mixture of iodide of potassium. 
R. Iodin. gr. ss. 

Potass, iodid. gss. 
Syrup, papav. f ^ss. 
Aq. destillat. Oss. 

Dose. — Two table-spoonfuls, three times a day, in cases of com- 
plication of syphilis with scrofula. Tyrrel. 

R. Iodin. gr. iss. 

Potassii iodid. gr. iij. 
Solve in 

Aquae menth. pip. f ^iv. 

Dose. — A spoonful two or three* times a day; — to children, a 
tea-spoonful. In cases of cancrum oris; also, in dropsy, gleet, and 
leucorrhcea. On renewing the prescription, the dose of the iodine 
may be increased one-half, and of the iodide one grain, each time. 

Coster fy Freidrich. 
R. Potass, iodid. ^iv. 
Syrup, althaeas f ^j. 

menth. pip. f £ij. 

Aquse lactucse f ^viij. 

Dose. — A spoonful, morning and evening, in a little water, in- 
creasing the dose to two spoonfuls. In cases of hypertrophy of 
the ventricles of the heart. Magendie. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1847, p. 244. Paris, 1847. 



600 POTASSII IODIDUM. 

R. Potass, iodid. £iv. 

Tinct. digit, f 3J>. ad f gij. 
Syr. althaeae f Jiss. 
Aq. lactuc. f ^viij. 
— fi0r.naph.f3ij. M. 

Dose. — Morning and evening, a spoonful, in a little water. In 
hypertrophy of the ventricles of the heart with quickening of the 
heart's action. Magendie. 

R. Quassiae, 

Gentian, aa. £j. 
Aquae bullient. f ^xvj. 
Macera per horarn et cola. 
Liquor colat. add. 

Potass, iodid. gr. xxxvj. 
Potassse carbonat. ^ij. M. 

Dose. — A table-spoonful, three times a day, in a glass of water. 

Cumming. 
Pilulse potassii iodidi. 
, Pills of iodide of potassium. 

R. Potass, iodid. gr. xv. 
Aq. destillat. q. s. 
Spong. ust. 

Ext. dulcamar. aa. ^ij. 
Glycyrr. pulv. q. s. 
Fiant pilulae clxxx. 

Dose. — Six, two or three times a day, in scrofula, goitre, &c. 

VogL 
Unguentnm iodini compositum. 

Compound ointment of iodine. — Ioduretted ointment. 
R. Iodin. gss. 

Potass, iodid. gj. 
Alcohol, f 3J. 
Adipis ^ij. 
Rub the iodine and iodide with the alcohol, and mix with the lard. 

Pharm. Lond. $f United States. 

Unguentum *po t as sii iodidi, 

Ointment of iodide of potassium. 
R. Potass, iodid. ^ss. 
Adipis ^iss. M. 

Half a dram at first, and subsequently a whole dram, to be 
rubbed in, in goitre, scrofulous glandular affections, &c. 

This ointment is generally too weak, unless combined with the 
internal use of iodine in some form. Magendie. 

R. Potass, iodid. 9j. 
Adipis gss. M. 

The parts to be smeared with it two or three times a day, in 
moist tetter — serpigo. Between the applications to be dressed 
with dry lint. Tiinnermann. 

In dry tetter, the ointment applied is formed of oj. to ^iss. of 
the iodide to §j. of lard. 



POTASSII IODIDUM. 601 

(Unguentum kali hydroiodici. Pharmacop. Borussic.) 
R. Potass, iodid. gj. 

Magnes. carb. gr. vj. 
Aq. destillat. guttas nonnullas. 
M. terendo cum 

Ung. rosat. gj. 
Or, 

R. Potass, iodid. 

Sodse carbon, depur. sice. aa. £ss. 
Ung. rosat. giv. ad gvj. M. 

A piece, of the size of a small bean, to be rubbed in, morning 
and evening, in chronic enlargement of the testis. 

Wallher. 

Messrs. T. and H. Smith, 1 of Edinburgh, having found it im- 
practicable to make a neat ointment of iodide of potassium by the 
ordinary method, have recommended the following: Dissolve the re- 
quisite quantity of the iodide in its own weight of distilled or some 
perfumed water, and then mix thoroughly in a mortar with the 
proper quantity of lard. The two will incorporate perfectly with 
a very little heating, and form a smooth ointment. 
R. Potass, iodid.'^ss. 
Ext. opii £)ss. 
Cerat. gj. M. 

As a dressing to malignant cancerous ulcers. 

Unguentum potassii iodidi compositum. 
Compound ointment of iodide of potassium. 
R. Iodin. gr. xij. 

Potass, iodid. ^iv. 
Adipis §ij. M. 

In scrofulous ophthalmia, ulcers, fyc. Lugol. 

R. Iodin. gr. xv. 
Potass, iodid. ^j. 
Tinct. opii f ^ij. 
Adipis ^ij. M. 

In painful scrofulous ulcers, ivhite sivellings, fyc. Lugol. 

Ungnentnm potassii iodidi et hydrargyri. 
Ointment of iodide of potassium and mercury. 

R. Potassii iodid. gr. xij. — xv. 
Ung. hydrarg. ciner. ^ss. M. 

In herpes exedens. Blasius. 

Ungnentnm potassii iodidi anodynum. 
Jlnodyne ointment of iodide of potassium. 

(Pommade iodee calmante.) 
R. Potass, iodid. gr. xv. 
Morphia? muriat. gss. 
Adipis gx. M. 

1 London and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Oct. 1841, 



602 POTASSII IODIDUM. 

Applied to painful tumours of the mammas, night and morn- 
ing. Chomel. 

Em pi a strum potassii iodidi compositum- 
Compound plaster of iodide of potassium. 
R. Iodin. 

Potass, iodid. aa. 9ss. ad 9j. 
Emplastr. hydrarg. seu 
saponis. §ij. M. 

Applied in syphilitic and gouty swellings of the bones. 

Ebers. 

Linimentum potassii iodidi. 
Liniment of iodide of potassium. 

(Baume. hydriodate.) 
R. Potassii iodid. S£j. 

Alcohol. (20°) fgiv. M. 

R. Sapon. ex oleo animal, confect. ^iss. 
Alcohol. (20°) f!§iv. M. 

Mix these two solutions together: aromatize with a small quan- 
tity of oil of lavender, and before the mixture congeals pour it 
into wide-mouthed vials. 1 This liniment has been much used at 
Lausanne under the name Ge lee pour le goitre. 

Lotio potassii iodidi composita. 
Compound lotion of iodide of potassium. 
R. Iodin. gr. i. ad ij. 

Potassii iodid. gr. ij. ad gr. iv. 
Solve in 

Aquse destillat. f ^viij. 

This solution was commonly used by Lugol externally, inject- 
ed under the eyelids in strumous ophthalmia, fstulas, &c. 

Lugol. 

R. Iodin. gss. 

Potassii iodidi ^j. 
Solve in 

Aq. destillat. f £vj. 

This "rubefacient solution of iodine" may be used two or 
three times a week, w 7 hen the last prescription loses its effect, or 
when it is desirable to stimulate more actively. It is also added 
to baths — three or four ounces to an ordinary bath — as well as to 
poultices, being mixed with an ordinary cataplasm. Lugol. 
R. Iodin. 3j. 

Potass, iodid. 3 ij. 
Solve in 

Aquae destillat. f ^ij. 

This " caustic iodine solution" may be used when the last 

1 F. Boudet, Journal de Pharmacie. Avril, 1842, p. 335; and Duhamel, in Amer. 
Journal of i'harmacy, July, 1842, p. 102. 



QUINIA. 603 

loses its efficacy. It occasions a crust on the parts. Lugo! em- 
ploys it chiefly when the skin on the edges of the ulcers is greatly 
hypertrophied, red, and fungous, as well as in phagedenic or 
spreading tetters. It may be applied two or three times a week, 
or daily, should the case require it. Lugol. 

Collyrinm potassii iodidi compositum. 
Compound collyrinm of iodide of potassium. 
R. Iodin. gr. ss. ad gr. i. 
Potassii iodid. £)ss. 
Solve in 

Aq. rosse f jfiij. M. 

To be applied, four times a day, in cases of scrofulous ophthal- 
mia, with ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea. 

Magendie 



QUINIA ET EJUS SALES. 

Synonyme. Quinia and its Salts. 

CXLV. QUINIA. 

Synonymes. Quinina, Quina, Quininum, Quinium, Chininum, Chininium ; 

Chinium, Kinium, Sal Essentiale Corticis Peruviani. 
French. Quinine, Kinine. 
German. Chinin, Quinin, Chinas toff. 

Quinia is a most important gift from modern analytical che- 
mistry to medicine. About thirty years have elapsed since the 
discovery of this substance, and, by general consent, it is re- 
garded as one of the most valuable remedies in the catalogue of 
the materia medica. The honour of the discovery — which had 
been facilitated by the investigations of other chemists, as to the 
composition of the cinchona barks — belongs to Pelletier and Ca- 
ventou, (1820, 1 ) and so rapidly and extensively was its efficacy 
promulgated, that in the year 1826, in two laboratories in Paris 
for the preparation of quinia, fifty-nine thousand ounces of the 
sulphate — the form best known, and most frequently prescribed — 
were prepared. For this discovery, the Royal Academy of Sci- 
ences of Paris awarded MM. Pelletier and Caventou the Mon- 
thyon prize often thousand francs. 

It would appear, from the observations of Henry and Plisson, 
that cinchonia and quinia exist in cinchona bark in combination 
with kinic acid and also with cinchonic red, which is an insoluble 
red colouring matter. 2 

1 Annales de Chimieet de Physique, xv. 280 and 337. 

a Jour de Pharmacie, xiii. <J(i!) and 3(5!). and Pereira. Elem. Mat. Med. andTherap. 
iL 131)7. Lond. 1642; or 2d Amer.edit. by Carson. Philad. 1846. 



604 QUINIA. 

Quinia is obtained from yellow bark by a similar process to the 
one described for the separation of cinchonia. 1 In the pure state, 
it is of a white colour, and commonly appears in the form of pow- 
der; it crystallizes, however, in silky, shining tufted needles. In 
both cases, it contains from three to four per cent, of water. By 
a gentle heat this escapes, and quinia melts into a transparent fluid, 
which, on cooling, is translucent, and similar to resin. When 
melted in vacuo it has a crystalline appearance. In a strong heat 
it is decomposed. It has a very bitter taste, and is soluble in 200 
parts of boiling water; a portion being precipitated on cooling. 
It requires a much larger proportion of cold water to dissolve it. In 
alcohol it is far more soluble than in water. It is, likewise, solu- 
ble in ether, and somewhat so in oils. It exhibits an alkaline re- 
action, — restoring the colour of reddened litmus paper, and neu- 
tralizing acids. 

Impure quinia (quinine brute) is prepared by treating cincho- 
na with muriatic acid, lime and alcohol, as in the preparation 
of sulphate of quinia ; but instead of acidulating the alcoholic li- 
quor, it is distilled without this addition. The product is a plastic 
mass, of firm consistence, which is formed of a mixture of quinia, 
cinchonia, and fatty and colouring matters. It is not sensibly 
bitter. 500 grammes, or about 11 ounces, of good Calisaya 
bark, yield nearly 16 grammes or about four drams of quinine 
brute? 

The observations of Piorry and Lavollee 3 and of Quevenne, 4 
show, that quinia, as well as its sulphate, passes into the urine of 
patients who use it in any considerable quantity. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Of the effects of quinia we shall speak at length under the 
head of sulphate of quinia, with which it seems to accord 
entirely in medicinal agency. Several physicians, who have ex- 
perimented in regard to the efficacy of pure quinia and its salts, 
have found the first in no respect inferior to the last. Such was 
the experience of Niewenhuis and Elliotson, the latter of whom 
exhibited quinia in large doses — as much as five grains every four 
hours. A French physician, M. Blegnie, 5 even gives the pre- 
ference to pure quinia, because it possesses, he thinks, equal effi- 
cacy, is cheaper, easier taken, and better borne than the sulphate. 
He advises, that after each dose an acidulous drink should be 
taken, to render its solution in the stomach more rapid. Wutzer 6 
and Harles 7 have also recommended the more frequent use of pure 

1 See p. 216. 

* Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therapeutique, &c. i. 208. Paris. 1847. 
s Gazette Vindicate, 1836, p. 73. 4 L'Experience, .luillot, 1838. 

s Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 118, See. also, Bally, in Magendie's Journal 
de Physiologie. ii 236. 8 Isis, p. 44 1, 1829. 

Heidelberg Klinisch. Annalen, B. v. H. 4, 573. 



QUINIJE ACETAS. 605 

quinia : and M. Bouchardat 1 states, that he has often administered 
impure quinia, and has been satisfied with the excellent effects it 
produces in a small dose. It is likewise highly extolled by M. 
Trousseau, 2 who thinks it more active than the sulphate; and, 
owing to its being insoluble in the saliva, and almost devoid of 
taste, he prefers it in the diseases of children. He esteems it, indeed, 
the most useful of the preparations of cinchona. 

After the administration of quinia and its salts, quinia may be 
detected in the blood and in the excrements. 3 It may be given 
either in the form of powder or pill, or in alcoholic solution. The 
dose of impure quinia is from 10 to 30 grains. 
Tinctura quinise. 
Tincture of quinia. 
R. Quinia? 9j. 
Solve in 

Alcohol, f gss. 
Dose. — Twenty to forty drops every two hours. Wutzer, 
R. Quinise impur. gvijf (30 gram.) 
Alcohol. 

Aq. destillat. aa. ^xj| (350 gram.) 
Misce et cola. 

Two spoonfuls of this solution are considered to represent fif- 
teen grains of sulphate of quinia. In this dose it has been admi- 
nistered in many cases of hypertrophy of the spleen; and it is af- 
firmed, the spleen diminished under its use with greater rapidity 
than under that of the sulphate of quinia. 4 Piorry. 

For some observations on amorphous quinia, see the appendix 

tO the SALTS OF QUINIA. 



CXLVI. QUI'NLE ACETAS. 

Synonymes. Quininse Acetas, Chiniura Aceticum, Chininum Aceticum 7 
Acetas Chinii seu Chinini seu Chinicus seu Quinicus, Acetas Quinise 
seu Quinse seu Quinini seu Quinii seu Kinini, Quina Acetica, Acetate 
of Quinia or of Quinine. 

French. Acetate de Quinine. 

German. Essigsaures Chinin. 

This preparation is not much employed. It is made by satu- 
rating quinia with pure acetic acid diluted with water, and eva- 
porating the neutral solution, by gentle heat, to crystallization. It 
appears in the form of very delicate, needle-shaped, snow-white, 
satiny, and shining crystals ; tastes very bitter ; and is with diffi- 
culty soluble in cold water, but readily so in hot. 

1 Nouveau Foramlaire Magistral, 3d edition, p. 264. Paris, 1845. 

2 Cited in British and Foreign Medical Review, Oct. 1842, p. 560. 

3 Landerer, Chem. Gazette, i. 147. 

4 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1847, p. 179. Paris, 1847, 

39 



606 QUINIA ARSENIAS. 

Wutzer and Sundelin 1 assert, that it acts like the other salts oi 
quinia, but merits no preference. 



CXLVII. QUI'NLE ARSENIAS. 

Synonymes. QuininaB seu Quinas Arsenias, Chininum Arsenicosurn 

seu Avsenicicum, Arseniate of Quinia or of Quinia or of Quinine. 
French. .Arseniate de Quinine. 
German. Arseniks a ures Chinin. 

METHOD OF PREPARING, 

To obtain the salt, dissolve half an ounce of sulphate of quinia 
in barley water, and precipitate by liquid ammonia, which will 
produce upwards of two drams and a half of very pure quinia 
when washed and dried. Dissolve 46 grains oi arsenic acid in about 
three ounces of distilled water. The quinia is insoluble in water, 
but under the influence of arsenic acid and ebullition it becomes 
soluble. A combination takes place, and, on cooling, crystals of 
arseniate of quinia are formed. The crystals are then dissolved 
in distilled water, and recrystallized by evaporation, in order to 
obtain the salt pure, and free from any excess of acid. 

Well prepared arseniate of quinia is a white, light salt, crys- 
tallized in silky, brilliant needles. It is soluble in water; but in 
greater proportion in boiling water than in cold ; it is soluble in 
weak alcohol; dissolving less readily in alcohol. It is insoluble 
in ether. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Arseniate of quinia has been employed by M. Bourieres in ob- 
stinate intermittents, in the dose of from three quarters of a 
grain to a grain and a half in the 24 hours. M. Bodin 3 has insti- 
tuted some trials to determine the relative value of this salt and 
arsenious acid. He did not exceed from one to two-fifths of a grain 
of the arseniate for a dose, taken at once or in two doses; and 
could detect no superiority of action in this salt of quinia, whilst it 
had the inconvenience of being excessively bitter. He infers, there- 
fore, that so far arsenious acid ought to have the preference. 

It may be given in solution in distilled water, to which a little 
simple syrup may be added. 

' Isis, p. 441, 1829; also, Heidelb. Klinisch. Annal. B, v. H. 4, 575. 

4 Journal de Chimie Medicate, xi. 2^3. 

3 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Tberapeutique pour 1846, p. 208. Paris, 1846. 



QtHNIJE CITRAS, tiflt 



CXLVIII. QUI'NLE AR'SENIS. 

Synontmes. Quiniee Di-arsenis, Arsenite of Quinia. 
French. Bi-arsenite de Quinine. 

This salt has been lately proposed by Dr. Kingdon. 1 
METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Dissolve sixty-four grains of arsenious acid, and thirty-two 
grains of subcarbonate of potassa, in four ounces of distilled water? 
by boiling it for about half an hour, and making the quantity four 
ounces, by the addition of water; so that each dram may contain 
two grains of arsenic. To five drams of this solution add two 
scruples of disulphate of quinia, previously dissolved in boiling 
distilled water. A white curdy precipitate is immediately formed, 
which is the di-arsenite. This is poured on a filter and dried. It 
is uncrystallizable, and insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Arsenite of quinia has been highly extolled by Dr. Kingdon as 
a eutrophic in chronic cutaneous affections especially; and he has 
no doubt that it would be equally efficacious in ague and the 
various forms of neuralgia. It possesses the medicinal qualities 
of a mineral and a vegetable tonic; and when the system has be- 
come habituated to either one or the other, the former action is 
kept up by its administration, whilst, at the same time, a new one 
is introduced into the system. 

The dose is one-third of a grain twice a day, and gradually 
three and four times a day, in the form of pill or powder, mixed 
with a little sugar or gum. 



CXLIX. QUFNIiE CITRAS. 

Synonymes. Quininae seu Quinini seu Quinise seu Quinss seu Quinii seu 
Chinini seu Kinini Citras, Citras Chinii seu Chinicus seu Quinicus, 
Chinium seu Chininum Citricum ; Quina Citrica, Citrate of Quinia 
or of Quinine. 

French. Citrate de Quinine. 

German. Zitronsaures Chinin, Citronsaures Chinin, Citro- 
nensaures Chinin. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
This preparation is formed, like the acetate, from an aqueous so- 
lution of citric acid, and pure quinia; or by the decomposition 
of a hot solution of sulphate of quinia, by means of an acid ci- 
trate of soda. 2 It forms needle-shaped prisms, of a white colour, 
which are by no means readily soluble in water. 

1 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, August 25, 1847. 
3 Guleani, in Annali Universali di Medicina. Luglio, 1832, and Heidelb, Klinisch- 
Annal. B. x. H. i. S. 34. Heidelb. 1834. 



603 QUINliE FERROCYANAS. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The acetate and the citrate of quinia have been highly esteemed ; 
and are considered to be adapted for those excitable persons 
with whom the sulphate does not seem to agree. The citrate has 
been prescribed by many Italian physicians, and found to be very 
efficacious. 1 The author is not aware that it is ever prescribed 
in this country. Magendie considers it, when it contains an ex- 
cess of acid, advisable for those cases where the union of a tonic 
with an antiseptic property is indicated. He considers, that the 
following syrup may be substituted, in certain cases, for the sy- 
rupus antiscorbuticus, which is directed by the Codex Medica- 
mentarius of Paris to be prepared in the following manner: — 
Take of the fresh leaves of cochlearia, water trefoil, cress, horse- 
radish, and bitter oranges, cut, of each one pound; cinnamon, 
an ounce and a half, white wine, four pints. Macerate for two 
days in a tin cucurbit, covered with a well luted capital. Distil, 
in a sand-bath, a pint of fluid ; to which add two pounds of white 
sugar and make into a syrup. Pass through a cloth, without 
straining, what remains in the cucurbit; let the liquor rest ; decant: 
and boil to the consistence of syrup, with two pounds of white 
sugar. When cold, clarify, and mix with the other. 

Syrupus quinise eitratis. 

Syrup of citrate of quinia. 
R. Syrup. Oi. 

Quiniae citrat. acid. gr. xxxvj. M. 

Dose. — Two spoonfuls in the twenty-four hours. 

A citrate of quinia and iron is referred to elsewhere, (p. 345.) 



CL. QUININE FERROCYANAS. 

Synonymes. Quininae Ferrocyanas, Chinium Ferrocyanogenatum seu 
Ferrohydrocyanicum, Ferrocyanas Chinii,&c. ; Ferrocyanate or Hydro- 
cyanoferrate of Quinia or of Quinine. 

French. Ferrocyanate de Quinine. 

German. Eisenblausaures Chinin. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
This is obtained by the decomposition of sulphate of quinia, 
by means of a solution of ferrocyanuret of potassium; after which 
the impure salt is treated with warm alcohol, and the clear solu- 
tion is evaporated. 3 It forms needle-shaped, confused crystals, of 

1 Beraudi, in Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Nov. 1840. 

12 SSee Bertozzi's method, in Journal de Pharmacie, xix. 45, and Philada. Journal of 
Pharmacy, vol. ii. new series, p. 82. Philad. 1837. See, also, Donovan, in Dublin 
Journ. of Med. Sciences, July, 1840, p. 440, 



QUINLE FERROCYANAS. 809 

a greenish-yellow colour, and very bitter taste, recalling that of 
hydrocyanic acid. It dissolves readily in alcohol, not so in water; 
and is decomposed by hot water. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
In this combination, the antifebrile properties of the quinia are 
said to be even superior to those of the other preparations; yet the 
remedy has not got into much use. It has been employed mainly 
by a few of the French practitioners. Cerioli 1 and Zaccharelli, 
Italian physicians, speak in high terms of its efficacy in periodical 
diseases, even where the sulphate has failed. Cerioli gave it in 
the dose of from two to eight grains in the day. Gouzee 2 details 
the history of three cases completely cured by the administration 
of a single grain, half an hour before the paroxysm ; and Dr. 
H. V. Wooten, 3 of Alabama, affirms, that he has prescribed it in 
about fifty cases, and has found it, when pure, " act uniformly 
without those unpleasant effects which generally arise from the 
use of the sulphate;" and in cases in which there is febrile excite- 
ment or inflammation he uses it altogether ; and, he adds, with 
full confidence, in all cases where he wishes to exert " a sedative 
and alterative or regulating power upon the nervous system." 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The following formulae have been recommended : 

Hanstns quiniae f errocy a natis. 

Draught of f errocy anate of quinia. 

R. Quinise ferrocyanat. gr. iv. 
Alcohol, f gj. 
Solve et adde 

Aquae camphor, f gvij. M. 
et fiat haustus. 

To be taken as occasion may require, first shaking the vial. 

Donovan*. 
Pilulse quinise ferrocyanat is. 
Pills of f errocy anate of quinia. 

R. Quinise ferrocyanat. gr. xxiv. 
Mucilag. acaciae q. s. 
ut flat massa in pilulas xij. dividenda. 

Two for a dose. Donovan. 

1 Annali Universali de Medicina, Luglio, 1832, cited in Archives Generates de Me- 
decine, Dec. 1832. 

3 Observateur Medical Beige, Jan. 1834. 

s Southern Medical and Surgical Journal for April, 184G, 

* Ojj. citat. 



SLO QJJimJE HYDRIODAS. 



CLI. QUINIA HYDRI'ODAS. 

Svnoxvmes. Chininum Hydroiodicum, Hydriodate or lodhydrate of 
Quinia; called also Ioduretum sea Iodidum Quiniae, Ioduret or Iodide 
of Quinia. 

French. Hydriodate ou Iodhydrate de Quinine, lodure de Quinine. 

German. lodwasserstoffsaures Chinin. 

Hydriodate of quinia may be formed by precipitating sulphate 
of quinia by means of iodide of potassium. The precipitate is 
of a yellow colour, soluble in alcohol, and crystallizes from this 
solution in quadrangular prisms. 1 

Dr. Kingdon 2 employs an " iodide " and a " biniodide of 
quinia." The former is made by dissolving equal weights of 
sulphate of quinia and iodide of potassium in boiling distilled 
water, and allowing the mixture to cool, when beautiful fasciculi 
of needle-shaped crystals are deposited, which are insoluble in cold 
water, but soluble in alcohol. The latter is made by mixing 
twice the weight of iodide of potassium with sulphate of quinia 
in boiling distilled water, evaporating to one-third in a sand-bath,, 
and allowing the residue to cool, — when a resinous substance is 
deposited, of a light straw colour, which, by exposure to the air ? 
becomes darker, and of a greenish hue, not crystallizable, sparingly 
soluble in cold water, readily soluble in alcohol, and then not pre- 
cipitated when mixed with water. He has given this preparation 
in several cases of scrofulous enlargement of the glands with 
very great benefit. In the case of a child between three and four 
years of age, when the glands of the neck were in a state of sup- 
puration, half a grain was given twice a day, and at the end of 
six months the swellings were wholly removed, and the general 
health much improved. 

More recently, Prof. A. T. Thomson has prepared an " iodide 
of quinia," and an "iodide of cinchonia;" the former made by 
triturating together, in a mortar, 164.55 grains of pure quinia, and 
126.3 of iodine; the latter being added to the former until the 
whole is intimately mixed, and then boiling the mixture in a 
moderate quantity of distilled water at first, adding more by de- 
grees, until as much is added as will give one grain of the iodide 
for each fluidram of the solution. During the boiling, a deep 
brown resinoid substance is formed, apparently insoluble in water, 
which subsides to the bottom when the solution cools. This 
substance is brittle, tasteless, inodorous, and affords no indi- 
cation of the presence of either iodine or quinia. It is partially 
soluble in boiling alcohol. Dr. Thomson has not been able to 
ascertain its nature. It shows, however, by the appropriate tests, 
that it contains both iodine and quinia. 

1 Journal de Chimie Medicate, Mars* 1836. * Med. Times, July 29, 1842; 



QUINliE LACTAS. 611 

Iodide of cinchonia is prepared in the same manner, taking 
156.55 grains of 1he alkaloid. The quantity of the resinoid 
matter is less than in the case of iodide of quinia ; but it closely 
resembles it in its physical characters, insolubility in water, and 
solubility in alcohol. The solution is nearly inodorous, and has 
the bitter taste of cinchona. It answers to the same tests as the 
iodide of quinia. 

Dr. Thomson had not crystallized either of the salts, nor does 
he seem to have administered them. He thinks the tonic influ- 
ence of the quinia or cinchona may prevent iodism. 1 

An Iodide of Iodhydrate of Quinia, (French, lodure d'lod- 
hydrate de Quinine,) is prepared by pouring into an acid solution 
of quinia, a solution of iodide of iron, containing a slight excess 
of iodine. The precipitate which forms is treated with boiling 
alcohol. The liquor is filtered, and, on cooling, the iodide of iod- 
hydrate of quinia is deposited, which is in beautiful scales of a 
deep greenish colour. It is insoluble in water, and soluble in 
alcohol ; possesses the properties both of quinia and iodine, and 
has been employed with much success in rebellious intermittent s. 

All these preparations are well adapted for diseases in which 
iodine and a tonic are indicated, and hence may be given with 
success in many cases of scrofulous and other cachexies. 

Under the name Hydriodate of Iron and Quinia, Mr. Bat- 
fley 2 has introduced a new article into the lists of the materia 
rnedica, in which the iron exists in the form of a protosalt. The 
iodine also, being in the state of hydriodic acid, acts — it is con- 
ceived — more mildly than the tincture and its other compounds. 
The preparation is a syrup, sugar being required to prevent the 
conversion of the protosalt of iron into peroxide. The propor- 
tions are such, that each fluidram contains a grain and a half 
of quinia, a grain of iron, and a grain of iodine as hydriodic acid« 
The dose is from twenty to thirty drops. 



CLII. QUINIiE LACTAS. 

Synonymes. Quinse Lactas, Chininum Lacticom, Lactate of Quinia. 

French. Lactate de Quinine. 

German. Milehsaures Chinin. 

By saturating lactic acid with quinia, and subjecting the solu- 
tion to spontaneous evaporation in a flat vessel, groups of silky 
needles of the lactate are obtained, which are more flattened than 
those of the sulphate. 

1 Pharmaceutical Journal, March, 1845, cited in Ranking's Abstract, Amer. edit. i. 
349. New York, 1845, 

3 London Med. Gazette, May 12, 1848, 



612 QUINIJE LACTAS. 

Lactate of quinia does not crystallize as readily as the sulphate 
and valerianate, and it is more soluble than either of those salts. 

Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte, Beraudi and Bouchardat have 
found the lactate possessed of great energy, and M. Conte has 
proposed to replace the sulphate by it. 1 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Pilnlce qniniae lactatis. 

Pills of lactate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae lactat. ^ss. 

Extract, junip. q. s. ut riant pil. xx. 

Dose. — Two to six in the day in intermittents. — Bouchardat. 

Mistura quiniae lactatis. 

Mixture of lactate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae lactat. gr. vii. 
Aq. menth. f £v. 
Syrup, caryophyll. f ^i. 
Aquas f ^iiiss. M. 

Dose. — One-third. The whole to be taken during the interval 
in 'pernicious intermittents. Bouchardat. 

Syrupus qniniae lactatis. 

Syrup of lactate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae lactat. gr. xv. 
Solve in 

Aquae f^j. 
adde 

Sacchar. §ij. Solve. 

Dose. — A coffee-spoonful in the intermittents of children. 

Bouchardat. 



CL1II. QUI'NLE MU'RIAS. 

Synonymes. Quininae Murias, Chininum Muriaticum seu Salitum seu 
Hydrochloricum, Hydrochloras seu Murias Chinii seu Chinicus seu 
Quinicus, Chlorhydras Quinicus, Muriate of Quinia or of Quinine. 

French. Muriate ou Hydrochlorate de Quinine. 

German. Salzsaures Chinin, Hydrochlorsaures Chinin. 

Perhaps, next to the sulphate of quinia, this salt has most fre- 
quently been employed in practice. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
It is obtained by dissolving pure quinia in dilute muriatic acid, 
or by the decomposition of sulphate of quinia dissolved in warm 
water, by means of a solution of chloride of barium, which is 
added so long as a white precipitate is thrown down; the hot 
mixture is then filtered ; the precipitate washed, and the clear 

1 Bouchardat, Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 2C4, Paris, 1845. 



QUINIJE PHOSPHAS. 613 

fluid evaporated, by a gentle heat, to crystallization, so long as 
crystals shoot on cooling; these are collected, washed in cold 
water, and purified by repeated crystallization. It forms fine, 
needle-shaped, white, silky crystals, of a mother-of-pearl lustre ; 
and does not dissolve readily in water, but more so than the 
sulphate. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

In this respect, the muriate agrees with the sulphate of quinia, 
and by those of weak digestive powers is borne better. Spiel- 
man 1 asserts that it is a more speedy and effectual remedy for 
intermittent fever than the sulphate, and is more soluble. It is, 
however, more expensive. The dose is generally considered to 
be the same as that of the sulphate. It is better given in solution 
than in powder. Spielman rates the dose at from half a grain to 
a grain. 



CLIV. QUININE NITRAS. 

Synonymes. Quininae Nitras, Chinium seu Chininum Nitricum, Nitras 

Chinii, &c. Nitrate of Quinia or of Quinine. 
French. Nitrate de Quinine. 
German. Salpetersaures Chinin. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
This salt is obtained, like the muriate, by the addition of nitric 
acid to quinia; or by the decomposition of nitrate of baryta by 
sulphate of quinia. It is, at first, a fluid, oil-like mass, which 
gradually becomes solid. In union with water it forms crystals, 
It dissolves with difficulty in water, but readily in alcohol. 



CLV. QUI'NLE PHOSPHAS. 

Synonymes. Quininae Phosphas, Chinium seu Chininum Phosphoricum } 
Phosphas Chinii seu Chinini, Phosphate of Quinia, of Quina or of 
Quinine. 

French. Phosphate de Quinine. 

German. Phosphorsaures Chinin. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
In mode of preparation, it accords with the preceding forms; 
dilute phosphoric acid being added to quinia, or phosphate of 
baryta to sulphate of quinia. 2 It appears in the form of needle- 
shaped prisms, of a mother-of-pearl lustre, which, like the muriate 
cf quinia, are readily soluble in water and alcohol. Harles, 3 how- 

1 Allgemein. Medicinisch. Zeitung, cited in Journal des Connaiss. Medic. Fev. 1836: 
see, also, Dierbach, in Heidelb. Klinisch. Annal. B. x. H. i. S. 33. Heidelb. 1834. 

3 Winkler, in Buchner's Repert. and Philad. Journ. of Pharmacy, new series, vol. ii. 
p. 12. Philada. 1837. 

3 Heidelb. Klinisch. Annal. B. x. H. i. S. 36. Heidelb. 1S34; and Journal de Chimie 
Medicale, 1837. 



614 QUINIJE SULPHAS, 

ever, affirms, that in the neutral condition it dissolves, with diffi- 
culty, in water. 

The phosphate is regarded by some to stand next to the sul- 
phate in medicinal efficacy. 



CLVI. QUI'NLE SULPHAS. 

Synonymes. Quininse Sulphas. Quinae Disnlphas seu Sulphas, Chinium 
seu Chininum Sulphuricum, Sulphas Chinii seu Quinicus, Sulphate of 
Quinia, of Quina or of Quinine. 

French. Sulfate de Quinine. 

German. S c h w ef elsaures Chinin, Chininsulphat. 

This preparation of quinia is by far the most frequently admi- 
nistered. It is in fine, silky, flexible needles, and at times in 
rectangular columns. Its taste is extremely bitter, and resem- 
bles that of yellow bark. Exposed to a moderate heat, it loses 
its crystalline form, in consequence of the escape of its water of 
crystallization. It is only slightly soluble in cold water, requiring 
740 parts at the ordinary temperature, and 30 parts of boiling 
water for its solution. In alcohol, it is very soluble, but only 
slightly so in ether. With sulphuric acid, it forms a super-sulphate, 
which is much more soluble in water than the neutral salt, and 
hence a few drops of dilute sulphuric acid are usually added to 
mixtures of sulphate of quinia. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 
This salt is generally prepared on a large scale in the chemical 
laboratories. A formula was admitted, however, into the Phar- 
macopceia of the United States (1830,) which was taken from the 
process of M. Henry, Junr., 1 for which he received a prize from 
the Academie Roy ale des Sciences, of Paris. It is as follows: — 
Take of yellow bark, in powder, a pound; lime, in powder, four 
ounces; sulphuric acid, alcohol, animal charcoal, distilled water, 
each a sufficient quantity. Boil the bark for half an hour with 
eight pints of distilled water, acidulated with a fluidounce of the 
sulphuric acid. Strain the decoction through linen: then boil the 
residue with the same quantity of acidulated water, and filter as 
before. Mix the filtered liquors, and gradually add the lime, 
stirring constantly. Wash the precipitate with distilled water, 
and, having dried it, digest in alcohol with a moderate heat. Pour 
off the tincture, and repeat the digestion several times, till the 
alcohol is no longer rendered bitter. Mix the tincture, and distil 
over the alcohol, till a brown viscid liquid remains in the retort. 
Upon this substance, removed from the retort, pour as much sul- 
phuric acid, largely diluted with water, as may be sufficient for its 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, vii. 296. Juillet, 1821. 



QUINLiE SULPHAS. 615 

perfect saturation. Then add the animal charcoal, and having 
evaporated the liquor sufficiently, filter while hot, and set it aside 
to crystallize. In the last edition (1842,) the form has been modi- 
dified as follows : — Take of 'yellow bark, in coarse powder, ffiiv.; mu- 
riatic acid, f |iij.; lime, in powder, §v.; water, five gallons; sul- 
phuric acid, alcohol, animal charcoal, of each a sufficient quantity. 
Boil the bark in one-third of the water mixed with one-third of 
the muriatic acid, and strain through linen. Boil the residue twice 
successively with the same quantity of water and acid as before, 
and strain. Mix the decoction, and while the liquor is hot, gra- 
dually add the lime, previously mixed with two pints of water, 
stirring constantly, until the quinia is completely precipitated. 
Wash the precipitate with distilled water, and, having pressed 
and dried it, digest in boiling alcohol. Pour off the liquor, and 
repeat the digestion several times, until the alcohol is no longer 
rendered bitter. Mix the liquors, and distil off the alcohol, until 
a brown viscid mass remains. Upon this substance, removed from 
the vessel, pour about half a gallon of distilled water, and having 
heated the mixture to the boiling point, add as much sulphuric acid 
as may be necessary to dissolve the impure alkali. Then add an 
ounce and a half of animal charcoal, boil for two minutes, filter the 
liquor while hot, and set it aside to crystallize. Should the liquor, 
before filtration, be entirely neutral, acidulate it very slightly with 
sulphuric acid : should it, on the contrary, change the colour of 
litmus paper to a bright red, add more animal charcoal. Separate 
the crystals from the liquor, dissolve them in boiling water slightly 
acidulated with sulphuric acid ; add a little animal charcoal, filter 
and set aside to crystallize : wrap the crystals in bibulous paper, 
and dry them with a gentle heat. The mother waters may be 
made to yield an additional quantity of sulphate of quinia by pre- 
cipitating the quinia with solution of ammonia, and treating the 
precipitated alkali with water, sulphuric acid, and animal charcoal 
as before. 1 

It results from the calculation of Pelletier and CaVentou, that 
from a quintal of cinchona, two pounds, one dram and thirty grains 
of sulphate of quinia may be obtained, which makes two drams, 
sixty-six grains and a sixth per pound, or thirteen grains and two- 
sixths per ounce ; and as the sulphate is composed of nine parts and 
nine-tenths of sulphuric acid to ninety and a tenth of quinia, it 
follows that if the dose of cinchona in substance be two drams, we 
should administer to the patient three grains and nine thirty- 
secondths of a grain of sulphate of quinia; not taking into account 
a small quantity of sulphate of cinchonia, which may be mixed with 
it. Four grains of the salt are, consequently, more than an equi- 
valent for the dose of the cinchona often prescribed in substance. 
Those practitioners, therefore, who prescribe thirty-six or seventy- 

1 Pharm. of the United States, p. 174. Philad, 1842. 



616 QUINCE SULPHAS. 

two grains of the sulphate, give the representative of about twenty- 
seven drams of cinchona in the former case, and of fifty-four in the 
latter. 1 

Sulphate of quinia is liable to be adulterated, — for example, by 
mannite, which is similar in external appearance, but — as elsewhere 
shown — is destitute of all its properties. This adulteration can be 
readily detected by means of pure alcohol, which dissolves the 
quinia alone, but leaves the mannite untouched, which is freely 
soluble in water, and is known by its characteristic sweet taste. 
It is also adulterated with gypsum, the presence of which may 
likewise be detected by alcohol, which does not dissolve it. 2 

Some idea of the immense consumption may be formed, when it 
is stated, that from 40,000 to 50,000 ounces of sulphate of quinia 
were probably made during the year 1845, in Philadelphia. 

The sulphate of quinia of commerce is said to be not unfrequently 
adulterated with salicin. If the proportion of the salicin be one- 
half, or even one-fourth, M. Pelletier 3 states, that the fraud may 
be detected by the addition of concentrated sulphuric acid, which 
produces with salicin a characteristic red colour. But if no more 
than one-tenth of salicin be mixed with the sulphate, the red colour 
is not developed by the addition of sulphuric acid. In order to 
detect the presence of salicin in this or a still less proportion, the 
salicin must be separated. For this purpose, take three or four 
grains of the suspected sulphate of quinia, and pour on it about six 
times its weight of concentrated sulphuric acid, which dissolves the 
salt, and if salicin be present forms a solution of a brown colour, 
like sulphuric acid soiled by some vegetable matter. To this some 
distilled water must be carefully and gradually added, until a white 
precipitate appears. This will probably be salicin, which will not 
dissolve in a moderately dilute acid solution of sulphate of quinia. 
Filter the liquid, and collect the precipitate on a w T atch-glass, and 
it will now produce, upon the addition of concentrated sulphuric 
acid, the bright red colour characteristic of salicin. If too much 
water be added, the precipitate will dissolve, and only a loose 
gelatinous precipitate will form, very difficult to separate. 

One evidence of the value of this discovery of the sulphate of 
quinia, has been mentioned by the author elsewhere. 4 He was 
informed a few years ago, that although the best cinchona bark 
could not be purchased, at the time, in Philadelphia, for less than 
one dollar and thirty-seven cents per pound, and in powder for less 
than one dollar and fifty cents, — cinchona powder, so called, might 
be obtained for ten cents a pound! This consisted of the false 
and other barks, with the cinchona or true barks; and generally, 

1 Jourdan, Pharmacopee Universelle, ii. 375. Paris, 1828. 

2 Vallet & Dubail, Journal de Pharmacie, Janvier, 1840. 

3 Joum. de Chimie Medicale, cited in London Lancet, Jan. 11, 1845. 

4 Practice of Medicine, 3d edit. ii. 424. Philad. 1848, 



QUINIA SULPHAS, 617 

perhaps, not a particle of the latter could be detected in it. Yet 
the appearance of the true and the spurious powder was so nearly 
alike, that no difference could be discovered, even by an experienced 
eye. From July 1848 to April, 1849, inclusive, Dr. Bailey, 1 in- 
spector of drugs at the port of New York, rejected 34,000 pounds 
of spurious and worthless cinchona barks, which contained none, 
or but a trace, of the alkaloids of the true barks; and he affirms, 
that the cost of these barks, delivered in that market, was, at the 
time, about six cents a pound, whilst the genuine cost eighty cents ! 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The effects of the preparations of quinia on the healthy organism 
have not been much investigated. According to Caventou, they 
produce a general excitement, similar to that caused by coffee, and 
Wittmann affirms, that the sulphate induces an excitement similar 
to that of a paroxysm of fever. Hirschel, 2 too, asserts, that in a 
child, four years of age, to whom the sulphate was given in a case 
of intermittent, a general chilliness of some minutes' duration 
supervened immediately on taking the remedy, succeeded, in the 
course of half an hour, by general heat, and this again by a gentle 
perspiration, in all respects resembling a mild attack of fever. 
The excitant action of the salts of quinia formed by the vegetable 
acids is said to be less striking. 

Sulphate of quinia, in large doses, appears, in some cases, to 
possess narcotic properties. It has even proved fatal, when given 
in excessive doses, and Dr. Baldwin, 3 of Alabama, from all he can 
gather, is disposed to think, that from fifty to eighty grains of a 
pure article, given in solution at one dose, will produce death nine 
times out of ten, in healtby adults, and that occasionally smaller 
doses will have the same result. "How far," he adds, " its ope- 
ration may be modified by morbid action is a matter for conside- 
ration at the bed-side." M. Recamier 4 ordered a man in the Hotel 
Dieu, affected with acute rheumatism, 48 grains of the sulphate in 
12 powders— one to be taken every hour. The next day, 72 
grains were ordered, — six to be taken every hour; but after the 
eighth dose, the patient was suddenly seized with violent agitation, 
followed by furious delirium, and died in a few hours. On ex- 
amination, evidences of severe inflammation [?] of the cerebral 
membranes were discovered. An analogous case, in which very 
dangerous symptoms supervened on the administration of four 
scruples of the sulphate in twelve hours, occurred about the same 
time in the wards of M. Husson. 5 It has often, however, been 

1 Report on the practical operation of the Law relating to the Importation of adulterated 
and spurious Drugs, Medicines, &c. New York, 1849. 

2 Hufeland's Journal, B. lxi. St. 6, S. 140. 

* American Journal of the Medical Sciences, April, 1847, p. 307. 

4 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c. pour 1843, p. 170. Paris, 1843. 

5 Gazette des Hopitaux, 8 Decembre, 1842, 



618 QUININE SULPHAS. 

administered in considerable quantity without the supervention ot 
any disagreeable results. Bally 1 gave it to the extent cf 110 
grains in the day without any inconvenience. Dr. Thomas Fearn, 2 
who administered it largely, regards it to be more narcotic than 
sedative, — usually, he thinks, stimulating in small doses, but in 
large doses the stimulant effects not being obvious, but rather the 
reverse ; and such appears to be the view of Dr. A. Flint. 3 It is 
affirmed, that when administered for some days in large doses, the 
pulse became greatly retarded, fell below fifty in the minute, and 
great debility was experienced. 4 This decisive sedative action 
has been observed by the author 5 over and over again, when the 
sulphate of quinia has been given in free doses ; but Dr. George 
Mendenhall, 6 of Cincinnati, affirms, from experiments made upon 
himself, that in all cases the pulse was increased in fulness and 
hardness, even when it decreased in frequency. " When ten grains, 
and also twenty grains were taken, the ringing in the ears was 
very great, with some considerable deafness for several hours ; also 
a general feeling of the body, such as would be excited by riding 
in a railroad car." M. Favier took, in twelve days, 280 grains 
of the sulphate, commencing with six grains, and doubling the 
dose every three days. The first three doses produced no other 
effect than an evident diminution in the number of the pulsations, 
and a degree of activity in the nutritive functions ; the three fol- 
lowing, which were of 12 grains, still acted on the pulse, the force 
and frequency of which were diminished. From time to time, 
ringing in the ears supervened, with frequent hunger. The sub- 
sequent doses acted still more in reducing the activity of the circu- 
lation, and caused disorder of the mind, somnolency, tinnitus au- 
rium, and so much debility, that M. Favier was almost unable to 
stand ; and after he had discontinued the experiment, he did not 
recover his muscular strength for six or eight days. 7 

When Mr. Scott, 8 a medical gentleman and a martyr to dys- 

1 Revue Medicale, v. 244, Juillet, 1821. 

a Transylvania Journal of Medicine, October, November and December, 1836, p. 798; 
cited in American Medical Intelligencer, June 15, 1837, p. 109. 

3 American Journal of Medical Sciences, Oct. 1841, p. 277. 

4 Bouchardat. op. cit. p. 170. See, also, on its sedative properties, J. W. Malonc. 
Amer. Jour, of the Medical Sciences, Oct 1843, p. 376; Boling, ibid. July, 1844, p. 89; 
Legroux, Journ. de Med. in Enc) clog. Med. Avril, 1845: cited in Ranking's Half-yearly 
Abstract i. 218. New York, 1845; J. Bell, in Stokes and Bell's Lectures on the The- 
ory and Practice of Physic, 3d edition, ii. 638. Philad. 1845; A. N. Bell, Medical Ex- 
aminer, May, 1846, p. 2e3; M'Cormick, New Orleans Medical Journal, September. 
1845; J. Harrison, ibid. Nov. 1845. See, also, on this subject, Dickson, Southern Jour, 
of Medicine and Pharmacy, January, 1846; T. D. Mitchell, New Orleans Medical 
and Surgical Journal, July, 1846, p. 25; Briquet, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 
1849, p. 205; and G. L. Upshur, Medical Examiner, March, 1847, p. 143. 

5 Medical Examiner, April, 1845, p. 538, and his General Therapeutics and Materia 
Medica, 4th edit ii. 85. Philad. 1850. 

6 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, July, 1846, p. 79. 
1 Bouchardat Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p. 172. 

* London Medical and Physical Journal, March, 1833. 



quinia SULPHAS. 619 

pepsia, took quinia in very large doses, under the idea that his 
malady was intermittent neuralgia, he found several singular phe- 
nomena induced thereby. He was directed to commence with 
two grains three times a day, until he arrived at twenty grains for 
a dose, — that is, a dram a day. Until the doses were increased to 
fourteen or sixteen grains, he did not experience any peculiar ef- 
fects, but now began to feel heat of skin, dryness of mouth and 
fauces, and obstinate constipation. He likewise lost the power of 
naming substantives; was obliged for a long while to consider 
what familiar things were called, and was unable to cast up a line 
of six or eight figures correctly. His perceptions of quantity 
were likewise impaired, so that in prescriptions he wrote ounces 
for drams, drams for grains, &c, &c. He still, however, perse- 
vered with the quinia, until he took 9j. four times a day; but he 
was unable to continue these large doses long, the untoward 
symptoms augmenting, so that he was often unable to stand, and 
fell several times in the street. 

Very similar results to those observed by Mr. Scott, and espe- 
cially as regards the inability of utterance — which, in their cases, 
was complete — are recorded by M. Menage, 1 and Mr. G. O. 
Heming. 2 Cases of deafness caused by large doses have been 
detailed by Dr. Joseph Williams, of London, 3 Mr. C. R. Bree, 4 of 
Stow-market, England; M. Fr. Lugeol, of Havanna, 5 and Prof. 
Giacomoni, 6 and cases of blindness, induced by large doses, are re- 
corded by Dr. John M'Lean, 7 and Dr. Wm. Alex. Thorn. 8 

MM. Trousseau and Pidoux 9 refer to the case of a soldier who 
took 48 grains of the sulphate for the cure of spasmodic asthma, 
which returned daily at a certain hour. Four hours afterwards, 
he experienced buzzing in the ears, diminished sensibility, gid- 
diness, and violent vomiting. Seven hours after taking it, he was 
blind and deaf, delirious, incapable of walking by reason of the 
giddiness, and vomited bile copiously. He was, in fact, in a state 
of intoxication. The symptoms gradually subsided. Usually, the 
action of the sulphate does not extend beyond twenty-four hours, 
and its maximum effects are experienced two or three hours after 
taking it. 10 

In impressible individuals, the sulphate and the muriate— even 
in moderate doses — not unfrequently induce a sense of anxiety, 
restlessness, vertigo, confusion, depravation of vision, tinnitus au- 

1 Gazette Medicale de Paris, 25 Avril, 1840. 

2 London Lancet, and Medical Examiner, July 18, 1840, p. 468. 

3 London Lancet, July 25, 1840, p. 639. 

4 Ibid. August 22, p. 786. 

* Bullet. Gen. de Therap. Mars, 1842. 

s Annali di Medicin. Feb. 1841, and Journal de Pharmacie, Sept. 1842, p. 200. 

1 Illinois and Indiana Medical and Surgical Journal, Dec. 1846. 

8 Medical Examiner, April, 1847, p. 217. 

9 Traite de Therapeutique, ii. 217. 

10 Trollier ; in Bouchardat, Annuaire de Th6rapeutique pour 1847, p. 176. Paris, 



620 QUINL& SULPHAS. 

Hum, and, in many cases, transient deafness — cinchonism, quinism, 
quininism, — all which symptoms appear to be of a neuropathic cha- 
racter; and, it has been affirmed, occur more frequently in females, 
especially those who are pregnant or suckling — and in persons of 
slender and delicate conformation. 1 In certain cases, quinia and 
its salts seem to have caused ptyalism — the saliva being inodorous, 
and the teeth firm; and, when calomel has been given along with 
it, it has been conceived that ptyalism has ensued sooner than it 
otherwise might have done. 

M. Melier 2 in conjunction with M. Magendie has investigated 
the toxical properties of quinia. They found, in animals, conges- 
tion of the lungs and deficient coagulability of the blood. These 
were the principal post mortem phenomena. Its action was much 
more energetic when given fasting, and in acid solution. Its ab- 
sorption and elimination were rapid. 

The most striking agency of quinia and its salts is in cases of 
periodical diseases of all kinds; and especially in intermittent 
fever ; they have now, indeed, almost wholly taken the place of 
the cinchona, over which they possess many points of preference. 
In the first place, their bulk is much less; they therefore do not 
oppress the stomach so much, whilst the impression of the cinchona 
on that organ not unfrequently interferes with its antipyretic pro- 
perties. In malignant fevers, too, it is often impossible to in- 
troduce the requisite quantity of cinchona into the organism to pre- 
vent the succeeding paroxysm, and the life of the patient is con- 
sequently placed in danger. In this case, sulphate of quinia is in- 
valuable, possessing, as it does, the antiperiodic virtues of cinchona 
in such a concentrated state, that but a small quantity is required to 
produce equal efficacy with a large quantity of powdered cinchona. 
In such cases, indeed, the latter is apt to disagree with, or be re- 
jected by the stomach, before its full influence can be exerted. In 
those pernicious fevers, that occur especially in Italy and Hol- 
land, sulphate of quinia has supported life in innumerable cases 
where cinchona, in substance, might have failed, and has thereby 
best exhibited its sanative agency. 3 In such cases quinia is ad- 
ministered without regard to complications, which, in less urgent 
cases, might be allowed to interfere with its administration. An- 
other advantage ascribed to quinia is, that in cases of paroxysmal 
fevers, in which the attacks follow each other so closely that the 
second commences before the first has terminated, it may be given 
during the paroxysm, — a time at which cinchona would be apt to 
occasion oppression of the stomach and vomiting. 

Of late, a salutary change has occurred in the treatment of 
southern fevers, and indeed of yellow fever, by the liberal admi- 

1 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 120. 

2 Mem. de l'Academie FLoyale de Medecine, torn. x. Paris. 1843. 

3 Repertorio Med. Chirur^, por l'anno 1822, Torino. No. 12; Med. Chirurg. Zeitung, 
B. ii. S. 137, 1823 ; and Richter's Specielle Therapie, B. x. S. 326, Berlin, 1828. 



QUINIJE SULPHAS. 621 

nistration of sulphate of quinia, which is now regarded by south- 
ern practitioners as "the Samson article of the Materia Medica," 
in place of calomel, on which the epithet was previously lavished. 
In the congestive fever of the Western States, Dr. Charles Par- 
ry 1 found the sulphate of quinia "the remedy;" and such has 
been the result of the experience of others. 2 Great success has 
followed the use of sulphate of quinia, in doses of from a scruple 
to a dram in yellow fever, in the practice of Drs. Hunt, Beattie, 
Farrel, Mackay, and others, 3 but Dr. W. A. Van Buren, U. S. A., 
never witnessed any decided and permanent good effects from it ; and 
in the hands of others it has failed signally. In the remittents of 
the South and West, it has been an admirable remedy in the prac- 
tice of Drs. J. B. Porter, 4 Wm. M. Boling, 5 Wm. A. Van Buren, 6 
Prof. Dugas, 7 Dr. R. L. Scruggs, 8 and others. 9 Dr. T. D. Mitchell, 10 
indeed, lays down the position, that all fevers "possess one common 
property, which confessedly under the control of the sulphate of 
quinia in the case of common ague and fever, is not less so in 
typhoid, typhus, congestive, yellow, and it may be all the fevers 
named in the books; and he assumes the position "plainly and 
boldly," that "there is but one feature or element in either of the 
fevers named, that is essential to its pathology, and that feature,, 
or property, or element bows before the potent sway of the sul- 
phate of quinia, and for this reason only we cure the patient." ! 
M. Guerard 11 employs it at the commencement of all febrile affec- 
tions. " W henever a person is attacked with typhoid fever, variola, 
or any other acute febrile affection, which is attended at the onset 
with encephalic disturbance threatening a severe form, — as delirium 
with aberration of the senses, particularly of the sense of sight, 
which is most appreciable by the physician, he prescribes, before 
every thing, two grammes or about 31 grains of the sulphate of 
quinia, to be taken by spoonfuls through the twenty-four hours. 
This close has to be given the next day, and at times also on 
the day following." The encephalic symptoms, he affirms, are im- 
mediately dissipated; the pulse becomes regular, and the disease 
assumes a mild character. He states, also, that he has used it 

1 American Journal of the Med. Sciences, July, 1 843, p. 32. See, also, C. E. Lavender,. 
American Journal of the Med. Sciences, July, 1848, p. 51. 
8 Tuck, New Orleans Med. and Surg. Journ., cited in Med. Examiner, Dec, 1845, p. 749» 

3 Medical Examiner, Oct. 19, and Oct 26, 1839. 

4 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Oct. 1845, p. 296. 

6 Ibid. July, 1846, p. 18. 

8 Cited in Medical Examiner, Feb. 1846, p. 139. 

7 Southern Med. and Surg. Journal, cited in Med. Examiner, for Feb. 1847, p. 107. 

8 Med. Examiner, Dec. 1848, p. 716. 

9 See a discussion on the powers of quinia in remittent fevers, in Med. Examiner,. 
Feb. 1850, p. 78. 

10 Western Lancet, cited in Examiner, June, 1845, p. 386. See, also, New Qrleaas 
Med. and Surg. Journ. July, 1846, p. 22. 

11 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 212* 

40 



622 QUINL3E SULPHAS. 

successfully in tinnitus aurium not accompanied by febrile phe- 
nomena and dependent upon cerebral congestion. 

Dr. Scruggs holds it to be a most important fact connected with 
the use of the sulphate of quinia, "that it should never be given 
upon a rising fever, — that is, until the fever has attained its climax, 
or has been arrested by the use of the lancet or other remedial 
agents, and has a downward tendency. Then, although the pulse 
may have mounted up to one hundred and forty beats to the 
minute, and have declined only ten beats, quinine may be given in 
large and repeated doses, combined with ipecacuanha, not only with 
safety, but with the most decidedly beneficial results." On the 
other hand, Dr. R. S. Holmes 1 affirms, that as a remedy for perio- 
dicity quinia is to be given regardless of any existing state of in- 
flammation. 

In the typhoid fever of children it was found serviceable by 
MM. Rilliet and Barthez. 2 Trials of the remedy have likewise 
been made at the Hopital Cochin in Paris, by M. Blache, in the 
typhoid fever of adults, the results of which were favourable. 
The cases, however, were not numerous, and in certain of them 
other remedies were prescribed either before or in conjunction with 
the sulphate of quinia. Afterwards, some of the patients of M. 
Husson at the same hospital were subjected to the same mode of 
treatment, and the results were published by M. Laurent. 3 The 
dose of the medicine usually prescribed was three quarters of a 
grain every hour: at times, the dose was larger, and given 
less frequently ; and, in several instances, two drams and more 
were given in the twenty-four hours for several days together. In 
thirteen cases no other remedy was administered, but although the 
patients recovered, the results did not show any great superiority 
over other modes of management. In no instance w T ere the phe- 
nomena arrested by the quinia. Of ten patients, who had the 
disease mildly, all recovered but one, whose death was attributed 
by M. Laurent to the quinia. Of three patients, labouring under 
the disease in a severe form, one only recovered ; and he was for 
a time in great danger from intestinal hemorrhage. The report 
of M. Laurent is not very favourable to the beneficial effects of the 
sulphate of quinia in typhoid fever. By Dr. A. N. Bell 4 , it has 
been given in the same disease; with the effect of reducing the 
frequency of the pulse, but without appearing to affect in the least 
the duration of the disease. 

Of late, it has been prescribed by M. Leudet, 5 in large doses as a 
preventive of puerperal fever, and Dr. W. M.Boling, 6 of Alabama,has 

1 Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, Oct. 1846, p. 304. 
■ Archiv. General de Med. Juin, 1841. 3 Ibid., Sept. 1842. 

4 Med. Examiner, May, 1846, p. 282. 

» L'Union Medicale, 8 Avril, 1848; and Wahu, Annuaire deMedecine, &c,pour 1849. 
p. 299, • Amer. Journ. of the Medical Sciences, July, 1844, p. 110. 



QUINliE SULPHAS. 623 

adduced what he esteems reasons for the belief, that it is " pecu- 
liarly " applicable to the treatment of the inflammatory affections 
of malarious districts, — and this he considers is owing to the 
combination with its antiphlogistic properties of a power to con- 
trol the periodicity of morbid action. " As an antiphlogistic remedy 
in elevated and healthy localities," he remarks, "it will probably 
never supersede the lancet, antimonials, &c, though it may in 
many cases be brought to their aid ; but in malarious regions, ere 
long, it will generally be looked upon as the safest and most ma- 
nageable contra-stimulant we possess, and, at the same time, one 
sufficiently powerful, while other agents of the same class will only 
be used to fulfil some casual indication or as adjuvants to this the 
powerful remedy." 

It is scarcely necessary, however, to say that quinia and its 
preparations are not universally admissible. The stomach is occa- 
sionally so irritable as not to retain it. In such cases, it is true, it 
may be given in the form of enema. In remittents, too, that are 
accompanied with hypersemia of important organs, such hyper- 
semia must be removed before it can exert its wonted efficacy. 
" Those," says Prof. Dickson, 1 " deceive themselves, who regard 
quinine as a universal and infallible febrifuge even in malarious 
fevers." 

Sulphate of quinia has likewise been found advantageous in 
large doses — twelve to thirty grains and more daily — in engorge- 
ment of the spleen, consequent on intermittent fever; 2 and M. 
Levy 3 has seen the dropsical effusions, that not unfrequently super- 
vene on neglected cases of the same disease, yield readily to the 
sulphate in full doses. 4 In a memoir presented to the Academy of 
Sciences of Paris, by M. Piorry, a few years ago, he laid down 
the astounding opinion, that sulphate of quinia, dissolved in a small 
quantity of sulphuric acid and administered in moderate doses, acted 
so rapidly on the spleen, that in the course of 40 seconds a notable 
diminution in the size of the organ took place. As might have 
been presumed, there would seem to be some source of fallacy in 
his observations; and M. Gouraud 5 has boldly maintained, as the 
result of accurate inquiry into the phenomena, that the disappear- 
ance of dulness in the splenic region under such circumstances is 
dependent upon the ingestion of fluid with the sulphate of quinia, 
which produces a development of gas, rather than upon the action 
of the sulphate of quinia, and M. Gouraud's observations have 
been confirmed by M. Valleix. 6 

Its use has been recommended in asthma by Dr. B. R. Hogan, 7 

1 Southern Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, Jan. 1846. 

fi For the opinions of Bally, Nonat, and Piorry on this subject, see Medico- Chirurg. 
Rev. July, 1840, from La Lancette Francaise. 3 Op, cit. 

* Bulletin General de Therapeutique, 30 Nov., 1837, and Levy, Gazette "Med. No. 
xxii. 5 Cited in Medical Examiner, Sept. 1845, p. 577. 

8 Monthly Journ.of Med. Science, July, 1847; and Med. Examiner, Nov. 1847 p. 697 

' American Medical Intelligencer, Feb. 1842, p. 153. 



624 QUINLE SULPHAS. 

who gave it in doses of from two to eight grains, repeated in an 
hour, if relief did not follow. He also affirms, that in the forming 
stage of croup, in the case of a child, two years old, two grains 
of the sulphate and a snuff plaster on the chest warded off the 
attack. It has been administered successfully in the same disease 
by M. Puis 1 in the form of lavement in the dose of 60 centi- 
grammes — gr. 9? — in the day. Where there was a malarious 
complication it was more decidedly efficacious. 

In hiccough, when at all periodical, M. Mondiere has found the 
disease promptly and decisively cured by the free use of quinia, 
after it had resisted every other mode of treatment. He has also 
used it with good results in many cases of severe cardialgia. In a 
case of traumatic tetanies it was administered along with sulphate 
of morphia in large sedative doses, with much success, by Dr. 
Bishop; 2 and in marsh cachexy — cachexie paludeenne — it was 
found, by M. Duclos, most advantageous. In these cases, it is 
associated with chalybeates by Professor Trousseau. 3 

Sulphate of quinia, like cinchona, has been given largely in 
acute rheumatism — a disease which is peculiar, and in the author's 
view, largely neuropathic. 4 Some years ago, M. Briquet an- 
nounced that he had cured acute articular rheumatism, accompa- 
nied with violent pain, swelling, redness, fever, &c, in two or 
three days, with sulphate of quinia, in doses of about a dram and 
a half daily. In such cases, and especially in the subacute form, 
the author has prescribed from twenty to thirty grains in the 
twenty- four hours with marked advantage. Its antiperiodic 
virtues are clear, and instead of its acting as an excitant, it pro- 
duces sedative effects. 5 In obstinate cases, a combination with 
opium — three or four grains in the twenty-four hours — proved 
most decidedly salutary. Given after the use of the lancet, in 
highly inflammatory cases, or after powerful purgation with cro- 
ton oil, it has been productive of the happiest effects in the hands 
of Dr. Geo. L. Upshur, 6 of Norfolk, Va. 

Some years ago, M. Gueneau de Mussy, 7 in the name of a 
committee, made a report on different papers that had been for- 
warded to the French Academy, on the treatment of acute rheu- 
matism by large doses of sulphate of quinia. The committee con- 
cluded, that it should not be given in the high doses of four to six 
scruples, advised by M. Briquet; and they affirmed, that the same 
therapeutic effects may be obtained from ordinary doses. The 

1 Bouchardat, op. cit. p. 214. 

a New York Journal of Medicine, Sept. 1847. 

3 Bouchardat, Annuaire, &c. pour 1849, p. 215. 

4 Practice of Medicine, 3d edit. ii. 611. Philad. 184S;— and Med. Examiner, Sept 
1845, p. 538. 

8 See Legroux, Journal de Med. in Encyclographie Med. Avril, 1845, cited in Rank- 
ing's Half-yearly Abstract, Amer. edit. i. 218. New York, 1845. 
6 Med. Examiner, Oct. 1850, p. 581, ' Ibid. July 8, 1843, p. 156. 



QUINLE SULPHAS. 625 

sulphate of quinia plan of treatment is followed by MM. Andral, 
Monneret, Legroux, and Professor Trousseau, 1 at the Hopital 
Necker, and is recommended by M. Vinet. 3 

Of late, it has been strongly advised by many of the French 
practitioners as a prophylactic against cholera; but the observa- 
tions made at the Hopital Cochin, in Paris, were by no means 
favourable to those pretensions. 3 In large doses, it has been pre- 
scribed with speedy and good effect by M. Piorry, 4 in certain 
cases of insanity, in those especially in which the disease has 
seemed to have been connected with certain changes of the func- 
tions of the organs of sense, especially of hearing; and in the case 
of hypochondriasis, with certain abdominal sensations. Periodi- 
city is a characteristic^ in many of these cases, and hence the 
utility of quinia. 

Besides their antiperiodic property, the salts of quinia possess a 
tonic virtue that adapts them for numerous cases in which that 
class of remedies is indicated. Yet there are many who think 
that cinchona is better calculated for such cases than quinia, and 
who administer the latter to prevent the paroxysms of an inter- 
mittent, but have recourse to cinchona when they are desirous 
of fortifying the system to prevent a relapse. There are cases, 
too, which resist quinia and its preparations, and which subse- 
quently yield to cinchona in substance; but this may be owing to 
the quantity of lignin, or woody matter in the bark in substance 
aiding the quinia of the cinchona in producing that new impres- 
sion on the nerves of the stomach, which is necessary to break in 
upon the paroxysmal catenation. In its antiseptic virtues, also, 
sulphate of quinia is inferior to cinchona. It has been doubted, 
indeed, whether it has any such virtues. 

Lastly: there is an advantage possessed by sulphate of quinia, 
— that in irritable or impressible persons it may be exhibited en- 
dermically, and thus no disorder be induced in the digestive actions. 
It need scarcely be said, that cinchona is not well adapted for this 
mode of administration. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Sulphate of quinia may be given internally in the form of 
powder or pill, and in solution in water, alcohol, or syrup. The 
average dose, in the twenty-four hours of apyrexia, is from four 
to ten grains; yet it has been given frequently to a much greater 
extent. As in the case of cinchona, it has also been advised, that 

1 Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therapeutique, &c, 3eme ed. ii. 322. Paris, 1847; 
See, also, Med. Examiner, May, 1848, p. 330. 

a Union Medicale, No. 43; cited in British and Foreign Med.-Chirurg., July, 1848, 
p. 259. 

3 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p. 196. 

* Gazette des Hopitaux, No. 86; cited in British and Foreign Med.-Chirurg. Review, 
Oct. 1848, p. 554. 



626 QUINI.E SULPHAS. 

a large dose should be given immediately before the expected 
paroxysm, so as to render the frequent administration during the 
apyrexia unnecessary: this dose need not be so great as the 
combined doses would amount to, so that there may be economy 
in the plan. Dupasquier, Elliotson, 1 the author, and many others, 2 
have found this course eminently successful; but some object to it. 
In ordinary intermittents, the author is in the habit of administer- 
ing the sulphate in the form of the mistura quinice sulphatis, given 
hereafter. As the antiperiodic virtues of the remedy are exerted 
through the nervous system, he considers it advisable to impress 
not only the nerves of the stomach but those of gustation, which 
cannot be effected by the pilular form. Half the mixture — or 
five grains of the sulphate — is given about an hour before the 
paroxysm, and the remainder half an hour afterwards; and if signs 
of the paroxysm appear notwithstanding, he directs fifty or sixty 
drops of the tincture of opium to be given. This course rarely 
fails. 3 The advantages of the solution over the pilular form have 
been confirmed by the observations of M. Briquet. 4 He considers 
it more active by one-half. 

A case of severe remittent has been detailed by Dr. Thomas 
Fearn, 5 in which he gave, at one dose, three tea-spoonfuls — 
weighing thirty-two grains. At the end of an hour, there was a 
diminution in the frequency of the pulse — " the invariable effect 
of large doses of quinia, when its operation is favourable." The 
dose was repeated, and at the end of another hour, it was again 
given, making ninety-six grains in two hours. Dr. Fearn re- 
marks, that his usual practice in remittent fever had been to give 
three doses of twenty grains each, with an interval of an hour 
between. 

Of late years, it has been the practice with many physicians to 
administer it in very large doses — gr. xx. to gr. xl. — in ordinary 
intermittent fever; 6 and there may be cases in which after the dis- 
ease has resisted the usual doses it may yield to these ; but the 
author has not met with many. It has been stated, indeed, that 
M. Piorry, who was formerly an advocate for large doses of the 
sulphate in intermittents, now affirms, that he obtains the same 
results from doses of fifteen grains, as he did from those of seventy 
and ninety. 7 Dr. Upshur, 8 of Norfolk, gives it in doses of three 
or five grains, every two hours, commencing as soon as there is 
the slightest diminution in the hot stage, and continuing it until 
the patient complains of noises in the ears. He found that, when 
administered in large doses in the hot stage, so far from exciting 

1 Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, xii. 543. Lond. 1824. 

a Thomas Stratton, R. N., Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1844. 

8 See the author's Practice of Medicine, 3d edit. ii. 424, Philad. 1848. 

4 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 21 1. * Op. cit 

• A. Flint, in American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Oct. 1841, p. 278. 

' Philad. Med. Examiner, Feb. 4, 1843, p. 24. 8 Ibid. Feb. 1846, p. 89. 



quinia SULPHAS. 627 

the circulation, it acted as a decided sedative — the pulse, in every 
instance, being lessened in force and frequency under its influence. 1 
A medical friend of Dr. Dickson, 2 of Charleston, assured him that 
in Alabama, he had administered " thirty grains of a solution of 
sulphate of quinia, every hour for seventeen successive hours," 
and he states that he had heard authentically of a western phy- 
sician, " who emptied into the stomach of a patient labouring 
under bilious remittent, an ounce bottle in one night." Even 
larger doses than these are recorded. Dr. B. Rush Mitchell, 3 in 
a case of congestive fever, gave thirty grains every half hour, 
until 240 grains were taken in about four hours; and the patient 
recovered. Generally, between the paroxysms several doses are 
administered ; and, according to the particular case, the efficacy of 
the salt of quinia is attempted to be increased by the addition of 
antimonials, laxatives, carminatives, &c, and — in pernicious or 
malignant intermittents especially — of opium or morphia. 

By many, a combination of quinia with moderate doses of cin- 
chona is highly recommended. Chapman advises its union with 
piperin : a combination with the alcoholic extract of cinchona has 
also been prescribed. 

Mr. Sherwin, 4 of Hull, affirms, that a piece of apple, chewed 
for a moment, immediately annihilates the bitter taste left by it, 
and MM. Des Vouves, Dorvault, Quevenne and Bouchardat 5 
state, that an infusion of roasted coffee masks the bitterness so 
completely, that children — not the most docile — take it without 
repugnance. M. Thelu 6 has found, that an infusion of black tea, 
which possesses the same astringent principles as coffee, has the 
like effect. Perhaps the tannic acid contained in them is the active 
agent; inasmuch as Dr. Richard H. Thomas, 7 of Baltimore, noticed 
that the addition of two grains of the acid to ten of the sulphate 
of quinia in a mixture deprived it of its bitterness. 

It is stated, 8 that quinia, given in infusion of senna, is more 
efficacious as a tonic, notwithstanding the cathartic nature of the 
mixture, than almost double the quantity given in pill. 

Sulphate of quinia may be used in the way of enema, and en- 
dermically, when the condition of the stomach forbids its internal 
employment. As an enema, three times the ordinary dose, or 
more, may be mixed with starch, and be thrown up a short time 
before the paroxysm, or at the inception of the same. In this 
way it has been found efficacious. 9 

1 Medical Examiner, March, 1847, p. 146. 3 Dickson, loccit. 

8 New Orleans Med. and Surg. Journal, July, 1846, p. 20. 
4 Lond. Med. Gaz. April 1, 1837. 

* Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1848, p. 153. Paris, 1848. 
s Bouchardat, op. cit. p. 157. 

* American Journal of the Medical Sciences April, 1850, p. 541. 
s Lond. Lancet, Nov. 4, 1843. 

9 Richter, Op. cit S. 331. Berlin. Medicin. Zeitung, Jan. 4, 1837. 



628 QUINIiE SULPHAS. 

In administering the sulphate or muriate of quinia endermically, 
a space on the surface of the body is deprived of its cuticle by 
means of a blister, and on this denuded portion the agent is applied, 
either in the form of powder or of ointment. To testify in regard 
to the efficacy of this mode of administering the salts of quinia, 
many observers have come forward, — Lesieur, Lembert, Martin, 
Wesche, Lehmann, Reilingh, Stratingh, Lieber, G.Lane Corbin, 1 
and others. From four to eight grains may be placed on the 
denuded part once or oftener in the day. Dr. Lieber, of Berlin, 
seems to have prescribed the salt most frequently in this way : 
he mentions, that of sixty cases, in which he employed it, only 
eight or ten were unsuccessful ; and there was reason to believe, 
that in these the internal administration of sulphate of quinia 
would have failed also. In the case of adults, he applies a blister 
in the evening — of the size of a dollar — over the epigastric region; 
in the morning, during the apyrexia, the blister is cut; the cuticle 
removed, and five or six grains — in children two grains — of the 
sulphate are sprinkled over the denuded surface. The whole is 
then covered with adhesive plaster, which must extend to the 
breadth of a finger over the edges of the blistered part. The 
sprinkling of the sulphate always occasions a violent burning sen- 
sation, but if it be applied in the form of ointment, this evil is 
avoided, or at least diminished. The pain, however, speedily dis- 
appears. Some hours after the application, oppression is felt in 
the stomach, with a desire to vomit, without, however, vomiting 
actually supervening; borborygmi, or uneasiness in the bowels, 
and frequently fluid dejections, with augmented secretion of saliva, 
which, in some cases, continues for several days. In the course 
of from twelve to twenty-four hours after the application, a very 
bitter taste is usually perceived over the whole tongue, similar to 
that of quinia ; and if the application has been made sufficiently 
long before the anticipated paroxysm, it may be entirely prevented, 
or rendered much milder. After the effect has been produced, the 
adhesive plaster may be kept applied for some days, and, if the 
sore is not healed, it may be dressed with simple applications. In 
only two cases did Dr. Lieber observe any extensive or offensive sup- 
puration : and both cases healed under simple dressings with dry lint. 
At times, the blistered surface is made much more extensive, and 
the quantity of the sulphate of quinia much larger. Dr. VVooten, 2 
fer example, does not apply less than two drams in the case of an 
adult, when the endermic use of the remedy is- required, which, 
of course, is not often. In a case related by Dr. Corbin 3 of 
intermittent of eighteen months' duration, which had resisted 
various measures, a blister was applied to each extremity, and one 
over the epigastrium, an hour before the expected paroxysm; and 

1 \nwiean Medical Intelligencer, Aug. 1841, p. 2fi. 

2 Southern Medical and Surgical Journal, July, 1S46, p. 414. 3 Op. cit. 



QUINIA SULPHAS. 629 

to the exposed cutis, an ointment, composed of five drams of the 
sulphate to four ounces of simple cerate. The whole of this was 
spread on cloths, and laid on the blistered surfaces eight hours 
after the blisters had been applied ; and ihe dressings were not 
disturbed until the parts were healed. The cure was complete. 
It is affirmed by M. Martin Solon, 1 that when sulphate of quinia 
has been applied endermically, in no case could it be detected in 
the urine. 

Rubbing quinia or its salts on the gums has, likewise, been 
occasionally recommended, as well as frictions with the alcoholic 
solution, or with an ointment, on these as well as other portions 
of the surface of the body— the thighs, groins, and pit of the 
stomach ; 2 and it has been advised in cases of intermittent cepha- 
lalgia, and in iralgia, to be snuffed up the nostrils. 3 M. Ducros 4 
makes the strange assertion, that doses of about three quarters of a 
grain, dissolved in sulphuric ether, and applied with friction to the 
lining membrane of the mouth — " par la methode buccale " — cause 
a stronger and more rapid action than half a dram given by the 
stomach or rectum; and that they are not liable to induce quinin- 
ism. This rapidity of action he regards as peculiarly important 
in malignant intermittents . " Sulphate of quinia, administered 
in pills or enema, requires five or six hours for its action, [?] but 
when administered by friction in the mouth, half an hour before 
the third paroxysm, which is often fatal, reaction has time to take 
place." 

Dr. Guastamocchia 5 has succeeded in arresting intermittents by 
dissolving eight grains of sulphate of quinia in half an ounce of 
alcohol, and rubbing it, in two doses, with an interval of a quarter 
of an hour between them, along the spine. This should be done 
at the beginning of the cold stage. It very often prevented a 
recurrence of the paroxysm. 

Mistura quiniffi sulphatis. 
Mixture of sulphate of quinia. 
R. Quinige sulphat. gr. x. 

Acid, sulph. dil. gtt. viij. 

Aquse vel 

Aquae cinnam. f ^iiss. 

Syrup, f^ij. M. 
Dose. — One-half to be taken an hour, and the other half, half 
an hour before the expected paroxysm of an intermittent, or the 
whole to be taken in divided doses during the apyrexia. 

1 Cited in Medical Examiner, Nov. 1845, p. 695. 

a Schuster, cited in American Journal, May, 1832, p. 242; and Antonini, Journa 
des Connaissances, &c, Oct. 1838. 

3 B. St. Hilaire, in Gazette Medicale de Paris, 26 Mars, 1836, 

4 Comptes Rendus, cited in Western Lancet, July, 1846, p. 138; and Bouchardat, 
Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1847, p. 179, Paris, 1847. 

5 II Filiatre Sebezio, Agosto, 1841, cited in British and Foreign Medical Review, 
Jan. 1843, p. 236. 



630 



QUINLE SULPHAS. 



Syrnpus quiniae sulphatis. 
Syrup of sulphate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. xvj. 
Syrup, f^viij. M. 

Dose. — A spoonful. Magendie. 

Syrnpus quiniae sulphatis compositus. 
Compound syrup of sulphate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae sulphat. gr, xvj. 
Acid, sulphur, dilut. gtt. v. 
Syrup, limonis f ^viij. M. 
Dose. — Same as the last. 

Mel quiniae sulphatis. 
Honey of sulphate of quinia. 
(Miel de quinine.) 
R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. viij. (50 cent.) 
Acid, sulphur, aromat. gj. 
Mel purificat. ^ iss. M. 

Dose. — A tea-spoonful in the intermittents of children. It is 
generally taken without repugnance. Petzold. 1 

Tinctura quiniae sulphatis. 
Tincture of sulphate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae sulph. gr. vj. 
Solve in 

Alcohol. 34° (.847) f g j. 

Dose. — f 3j. or f 3ij. immediately before an attack of intermit- 
tent. Magendie. 
Guttae quiniae sulphatis et opii. 
Drops of sulphate of quinia and opium. 

R. Quiniae sulphat. (seu acetat.) gr. xij. 
Solve in 

Alcohol, (seu sp. aether, sulph. comp.) fgss. 
Adde 

Tinct. opii gtt. xij. 

Dose. — Morning and evening, twenty drops, in the summer 
fevers of Europe. Schmidt. 

Pnlveres quiniae sulphatis. 
Powders of sulphate of quinia. 

R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. iij. ad xij. 
Sacchar. gij. 
Misce et fiat pulvis in partes vj. aequales dividendus. 

Dose. — A powder, morning and evening, in nervous debility 
and in intermittents. 

Radius 2 advises, that the powders should be taken in coffee, by 
which means the bitter taste is almost wholly counteracted. 

1 Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c., pour 1847, p. 178. Paris, 1847. 
3 Auserlesene Heilformeln, u. s. w. S. 186. Leip. 1836. 



QUINL2E SULPHAS. 631 

Pulveres quinira snlphatis et sodsB carbonatis, 
Powders of sulphate of quinia and carbonate of soda. 

R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. j. — ij. 
Sodae carbonat. gr. iv. — v, 
Sacch. 9j. 
Misce et fiat pulvis. 

Dose. — A powder, morning and evening, in scrofulous ophthal- 
mia. Von Ammon. 

Pulveres quinise snlphatis et antimoniiet potassse tartratis. 

Powders of sulphate of quinia and tartrate of antimony and 

potassa. 
R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. x. 

Antim. et potass, tartrat. gr. iij. 
Sacchar. gr. xxiij. 
Misce exacte, et divide in partes sex sequales. 

Dose. — One, every two hours, during the apyrexia, in cases of 
obstinate intermittents. Gola. 1 

Pulveres quinira sulphatis et opii. 
Powders of sulphate of quinia and opium. 
R. Opii puri gr. j. 

Qui mas sulph. gr. iij. 

Sacchar. 

Acac. aa. gr. vj. M. et fiat pulvis. 

To be taken a short time before the paroxysm in malignant 
intermittents. JYeumann. 

Pulveres quinia sulphatis et morphias sulphatis, 
Powders of sulphate of quinia and sulphate of morphia. 

R. Quiniae sulph. gr. ij. ad. vj. 
Morphiae sulph. gr. ss. ad. j. 
Divide in dos. iv. 

Magendie* 

Pulveres quiniae snlphatis compositi. 

Compound powders of sulphate of quinia. 

R. Quiniae sulph. gr. j. 
Cinchon. pulv. gr. xv. 
Rhei pulv. 

Oleosacchar. menth. aa. gr. v. 
Misce et fiat pulvis. 

Eight of these to be given in cases of intermittent fever. 

JYeumann. 
R. Quiniae sulph. gr. \. 
Chocolat. gr. vij. 
Sacchar. lact. gr. ij. 
Misce. Fiat pulvis tertiis omnibus horis sumendus. 

In debility of the stomach. Kopp. 

1 Annali Univers. di Medicina, torn. 35. 



632 QUINIA SULPHAS. 

Pilulse quiniae sulphatis. 
Pills of sulphate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. v. — xij. 
Ext. glycyrrhiz. gi. 
Misce et fiant pilulae xij. 

To be given, according to prescription, in nervous diseases. 

Radius. 
A form for pills of sulphate of quinia is admitted into the 
Pharmacopoeia of the United States : 
R. Quinise sulphat. gj. 
Acacise in pulv. gij. 
Syrup, q. s. 

Mix together the sulphate of quinia and the gum ; then beat 
them with the syrup so as to a form a mass, to be divided into 
four hundred and eighty pills. 

Each pill contains a grain of the sulphate. 

Pilulse quiniae sulphatis composite. 
Compound pills of sulphate of quinia. 
R. Quinise sulphat. gr. x. — xv. 
Acid, phosphoric, sice. 9ij. 
Althsese (vel rhei,) pulv. £)iv. 
Ext. centaur, minor, vel gentian, ^ij. 
Misce et fiant pilulae lx. 

Dose. — Three 1o six pills, two or three times a day, in cases of 
nervous debility with disposition to hemorrhage, — as after abor- 
tion. Radius. 
R. Quinise sulphat. gr. xv. 
Cinnam. pulv. £ss. 
Extract, cinchonas q. s. ut fiant pilules xxx. 

Dose. — Four pills every two to four hours. Henschel. 

R. Quinise sulphat. gr. xij. 
Extract, trifol. ^j. 
Calam. pulv. q. s. 
Fiant pilulae xij. 

Dose. — One or two every two hours. Hildenbrand. 

Pulvis sternutatorius ex quinise sulphate, 
Sternutatory powder of sulphate of quinia. 
R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. xv. 

Tabaci sternutator. com. ^j. M. 

To be snuffed up the nostrils in the course of five or six days, 
in cases of intermittent headach. 

R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. vj. 
Sacchar. pulv. gj. 
Irid. rad. pulv. £iss. M. 

Small pinches of this to be snuffed up the nose at night. 

B. St. Hilaire. 



QUINIJE VALERIANAS. 633 

Unguentum quinise snlphatis, 

Ointment of sulphate of quinia. 

R. Quiniae sulphat. 31". 

Alcohol (38° ad 40°) q. s. (gij.) 
Acid, sulphuric, q. s. (gtt. lxxx.) 
Adipis ^iv. M. 

Half an ounce at a time to be rubbed on the groins in malig- 
nant intermittents . It may be likewise placed in the axillae. 

Antonini. 

An ointment composed of ^j. of sulphate of quinia and ^ij. of 
lard has been rubbed with success into the axilla in cases of ague 
in children. 1 

Yinum quinise. 

Wine of quinia. 

R. Quiniae sulphat. gr. xij. 
Yin, Mader. Oij. 

Wine of quinia may, also, be made extemporaneously, by add- 
ing two ounces of the tincture to a pint bottle of wine. 



CLVII. QUINIA VALERIANAS. 

Synonymes. Chininum Valerianicum, Valerianate of Quinia. 

French. Valerianate de Quinine. 

German. Valeriansaures Chinin. 

This salt was first formed of late years by Prince Louis Lucien 
Bonaparte. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

A cold solution of valerianic acid in distilled water is saturated 
by a concentrated solution of quinia in alcohol at 36° (s. g. .847;) 
and the valerianate of quinia thus formed is subjected to sponta- 
neous evaporation. 2 Or, it may be made by adding freshly pre- 
cipitated quinia to a hot solution of valerianic acid, and then 
crystallizing. The crystals are in thin, colourless rhomboidal 
plates, of a mother of pearl lustre, or in needles. It is not very 
soluble in water, but more so in alcohol and ether. It has a smell 
of valerianic acid, and a very bitter taste. 3 

Another method of preparing it is the following. Into an alco- 
holic and concentrated solution of quinia a slight excess of vale- 
rianic acid is poured ; the whole is then suspended in twice its 
bulk of distilled water ; and the mixture is carefully stirred, and 
subjected to evaporation in a stove at a temperature not exceeding 
•50°. When the evaporation of the alcohol has taken place, the 

1 Lond. Med. Gaz., April 3, 1840. 

2 Bouchardat, Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 263. Paris, 1845. 

3 Ballard and Garrod, Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, p. 409. Lond. 
1845. See, also, Galvani, cited in Med. Examiner, April, 1846, p. 249. 



634 QUINI.SE VALERIANAS. 

valerianate presents itself in the form of beautiful crystals, some- 
times isolated ; at others grouped together. It may also be pre- 
pared by double decomposition, by mixing sulphate of quinia 
with chloride of calcium, or chloride of barium, — both being 
dissolved in weak alcohol. 1 The Dublin College prepare it by the 
double decomposition of muriate of quinia and valerianate of 
soda. 2 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Prince L. L. Bonaparte administered the valerianate of quinia 
to two inhabitants of the Maremma district, in Italy, and found 
that it did not produce the same neuropathic phenomena that occa- 
sionally follow the use of sulphate of quinia. Since then, the 
salt has been employed by different observers. M. Devay, 3 of 
Lyons, infers, as the result of his observations, that it is a more 
powerful antiperiodic than the sulphate, even when given in smaller 
doses. M. Castiglioni 4 gave it in eighteen cases of intermittent 
or remittent fever: in fifteen it effected a cure, and in three it 
produced only temporary relief. In two of the last cases the sul- 
phate of quinia had been employed without success; and in one 
the most vaunted remedies had proved useless. The minimum 
dose for curing the disease was six grains; the maximum thirty- 
five; the medium quantity about ten grains and a half. The mini- 
mum time required for the cure was two days; the maximum 
eight days, and the mean three days and a half. The high price, 
however, of the salt, will necessarily prevent it from being much 
used. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Valerianate of quinia being easily decomposed, it is best to ex- 
hibit it in the most simple form. M. Devay dissolves 30 centi- 
grammes, (about gr. 4J,) in 632 grammes, (about f §iij 5 ) of gum 
water; and directs it to be taken at three times, in cases of rebel- 
Hous fevers. It may also be given in pills, and as it dissolves 
readily in oil, one gramme (gr. 15.44,) may be dissolved in 60 
grammes (about aij,) of olive oil, to form a liniment, which may 
be rubbed over the region of the spleen. When administered 
in the form of enema, 5 decigrammes (gr. 5.7,) may be dissolved 
in 200 grammes (f ^viss,) of water. 



1 Gazette Medicale de Paris, cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. Dec. 24, 1844; 

136. 
Physicians in Ireland, 185C 



and Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1845, p. 136 

* The Pharmacopoeia of the King and Queen's College of 
p. 167. Dublin, 1850. 

* Journal de Pharmacie, cited in Pharmaceutical Journal, March, 1845, 
4 Bouchardat, op. cit. p. 138. 



QUINIA ET CINCHONLE TANNAS. 6oO 



CLVIII. QUI'NIiE ET CINCHO'NLE TANNAS. 

.Synonymes. Chininum Tannicum, Tannas Chinii seu Cinchonicus seu 

Quinicus, Tannate of Quinia and Cinchonia. 
German. Ger b s toff saure s Chinin, Gerbesaures oder Tan- 

ninsaures Chinin. 

Dr. Otto 1 has drawn the attention of physicians to the efficacy 
of the tannates of quinia and cinchona as recommended by Dr. 
Ronander, the Secretary to the Swedish Medical Association. 
He regards them as the most active ingredients in the cinchonas; 
and affirms that he has cured by their agency several cases of 
obstinate intermittent, which had resisted the use of sulphate of 
quinia and other powerful remedies. He found them likewise 
useful in typhus, and in states of general iveakness and tendency 
toputrescency, where sulphate of quinia seemed to be ineffectual. 
Dr. Ronander's experiments establish the belief, that the tannic 
acid of the cinchonas may be instrumental in developing their full 
febrifuge powers. 2 Tannate of quinia has been found successful 
in typic or intermittent neuralgia, where sulphate of quinia had 
failed. 3 M. Oesterlen, 4 however, considers it a superfluous prepa- 
ration. It is a cheaper remedy than the sulphate. 



OTHER PREPARATIONS OF QUINIA. 

On separating quinia from cinchona by means of acids, a resin- 
ous constituent of the bark remains behind, which affords no 
more quinia, but yet possesses considerable anti-periodic power, and 
on that account has been much used by the Dutch physicians. 
Two grains of this residuum are said to act as well as one grain 
of quinia. Truessink adduces a series of observations of different 
physicians, all of which confirm this, and he cites the experience 
of American physicians with the residuum. According to Dr. 
Chapman, 5 a grain of this may be given every two hours during 
the apyrexia, in the form of pill. Strathing ascribes its efficacy 
to the quinia still contained in it. In Italy, several physicians 
have found the mother waters or lees after the preparations of 
quinia, when boiled to the consistence of syrup, very efficacious 
in intermittents ; and Roux recommends it highly in practice 
amongst the poor. Buchner advises the lees, evaporated to dry- 
ness — which he terms Chininum Resino-sulphuricum — to be 
introduced as a cheap, and, at the same time, efficacious prepara- 

1 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, Sept, 1836. 

a Revue Medicale, Mai, 1837, cited in Amer. Med. Intelligencer, Oct. 16, 1837, p. 270. 
8 Hauff, cited in Northern Journal of Medicine, Dec. 1835, from Oesterlen's Jahr- 
buch, and in Braithwaite's Retrospect, Jan.— June, 1846. 

4 Handbuch der Heilmittellehre, S. 442. Tubing. 1845. 

5 Elements of Therapeutics, 6th edit, il 292. Philad. 1831. 



636 QUINI.E ET CINCH0NL3E TANNAS. 

tion of cinchona, which may be used in charitable institutions, 
rubbed up with sugar as a powder, or dissolved in alcohol, in place 
of sulphate of quinia. These experiments and propositions, as 
Riecke 1 observes, merit more consideration than they have yet 
received ; for quinia, notwithstanding its price is much less than 
formerly, is yet so dear, that its administration does not adapt it 
well for eleemosynary institutions, whilst the residue, which pos- 
sesses valuable properties, is generally thrown away, and in this 
manner the price of quinia is enhanced. 

Serturner 2 thinks he discovered, besides quinia and cinchona, 
other alkaloids of cinchona, especially one which he called Chi- 
nioidine, Chinoidine, or Quinoidine, and which excels, he con- 
siders, in medicinal properties, all the other preparations of cin- 
chona. Henry and Delondre — the French chemists — affirm, that 
chinioidine is nothing more than quinia, cinchonia, and a peculiar 
yellow resinous matter, intimately adherent to the alkaloids, and 
rendering them uncrystallizable. It appears, also, from the ex- 
periments of different physicians with the presumed new alkaloid, 
that it essentially resembles the preparations already mentioned 
in its medical properties. 3 A resina chinx prseparata is re- 
commended by Plagge, which is prepared from the mother waters 
or lees of quinia, by means of precipitation by a carbonated alkali, 
extraction by alcohol, and removal of the alcoholic liquor by dis- 
tillation. It is said, likewise, to possess markedly curative powers 
in intermit tents. 

The Pharmacopoeia of the United States of 1830 gave a formula 
under the title Quinle Sulphas Impurus, which consisted in eva- 
porating the liquor poured off the crystals of sulphate of quinia to 
the consistence of a pilular mass. This has been known for years 
in Philadelphia under the name Extract of Quinia, and its active 
ingredients appear to be sulphate of quinia and sulphate of cinchonia, 
which are prevented from crystallizing by a peculiar resinoid sub- 
stance united with them. Dr. Wood 4 asserts, that he has seldom 
found intermittents resist twenty-four grains of the impure sulphate, 
given between the paroxysms; although a larger quantity may be 
employed with safety and greater certainty of success; and more 
recently, Bertini 5 has considered these residual extracts after the 
preparation of sulphate of quinia to be highly efficacious in masked 
intermittents , as well as in those cases of relapse in which the salts 
of quinia, from long use, have become powerless. He remarked, 
moreover, that intermittents cured by this agent were less liable 
to relapse. These preparations, however, become important from 

1 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 130. 

2 Hufeland's Journal, Jan , 1829. 

3 Radius, Auscrlesene Heilformeln, S. 191. Leipz. 1836, and Lincke, Vollst'andiges 
Recept-Taschenbuch, i. 455, Leipz. 1840. 

4 Wood and Bache's Dispensatory, 4th edit. p. 1032. Philad., 1839. 

5 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1847, p. 1S4. Paris, 1847. 



SALICINA. 637 

recent investigations of Liebig, which show that their active princi- 
ple is really quinia, amorphous quinia ; — that the substance in 
fact described by Sertiirner, Henry, and Delondre is simply the 
alkaloid quinia in an amorphous or uncrystalline state, and bearing 
the same relation to quinia, that uncrystallizable sugar does to cane 
sugar. "The testimony of Dr. Sertiirner, and of Henry and De- 
londre, on the therapeutic effects of their alkaloid," says a recent 
writer 1 — "becomes therefore a matter of some interest, as Liebig 
tells us a large quantity has probably accumulated, and, if so, it 
may be obtained at a far cheaper rate than the price sulphate of 
quinia now bears in the market. 2 This amorphous quinia is adver- 
tised in the English journals, as a most efficacious and cheap anti- 
periodic. 



CLIX. SALICINA. 

Synonymes. Salicinum, Saliciniurcij Salicine, Salicin. 

French. Salicine. 

German. Salicin, Weidenstoff, Weidenbitter. 

The tonic virtues of the bark of the willow have been known 
for ages, and it has been regarded as one of the best substitutes 
for cinchona in eleemosynary institutions. It was not much valued, 
however, in more modern times, until the discovery of an active 
principle in it again attracted to it the attention of practitioners. 
This discovery, if not made, was perfected by Leroux, 3 an apothe- 
cary at Vitry, in France, who first obtained salicin in a pure state 
in 1828, after it had been procured in an impure form by some 
German and Italian chemists. 4 It is prepared, by preference, from 
Salix helix, but is found likewise in the barks of other willows 
— Salix alba, S. vitellina, S. purpurea, S. Lambertiana, S. pentandra 
S. polyandra, S. fragilis, S. viminalis, &c, and in the leaves and 
barks of several varieties of poplar, Populus tremula, P. tremuloi- 
des, 5 P. alba, and P. GraBca. 6 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to the method of Leroux, three pounds of dried and 
powdered willow bark {salix helix) are boiled for three-quarters 
of an hour in fifteen pounds of water, to which four ounces of carbo- 
nate ofpotassa have been added. To the cold decoction are add- 
ed two pounds of liquid subacetate of lead. The mixture is 

x London Lancet, May 28, 1846. 

2 London Medical Gazette, June 26, 1846, p. 1117, and Bouchardat, op. cit poir 
1848, p. 159. 

* Annales de Chimie, &c. xliii., and Journal de Chimie M6dicale, torn. vi. 
4 Dictionnaire de Mat. Med. par Merat & De Lens, art. Salicine. 

9 See L. Turnbull, on Populus Tremuloides, White Poplar or American Aspen in 
American Journal of Pharmacy, Jan. 1843, p. 275. 

• Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, S. 365, und 2te Auflage, 572. Stuttgart, 1840. 

41 



638 SALIC INA. 

permitted to settle, filtered, treated with sulphuric acid, and the 
remaining lead is precipitated by a stream of sulphuretted hydro- 
gen gas. The excess of acid is neutralized by carbonate of lime : 
the mixture is again filtered, and the fluid inspissated and neutral- 
ized by dilute sulphuric acid. It is deprived of its colour by 
ivory black, and filtered whilst boiling. It is then twice crys- 
tallized — if still coloured after the first crystallization — and dried 
in the dark. This process yields about an ounce of salicin. 

Braconnot x obtains it by adding subacetate of lead to a decoction 
of the bark, precipitating the excess of lead by sulphuric acid, eva- 
porating the colourless liquid that remains, adding near the end of 
the process a little animal charcoal previously washed, and filtering 
the liquor while hot. Salicin is deposited, on cooling, in a crys- 
talline form. 3 

The following plan was advised by Messrs. Fisher and Tyson, 
of Baltimore. 3 Willow bark is boiled with caustic lime in water; 
the decoction filtered, and sulphate of zinc added, so long as it 
produces a precipitate. The liquid, having been again filtered, is 
evaporated to the consistence of an extract, and the residue is 
treated with alcohol. The tincture, thus obtained, if carefully eva- 
porated, yields crystals of salicin, which may be purified by wash- 
ing with a saturated solution of the same principle in cold water. 

Salicin forms very fine silky masses of white crystals, which 
have the appearance of mother-of-pearl. It bears a distant resem- 
blance to sulphate of quinia, yet it is not so loose and delicate. It 
is permanent in the air, inodorous, and has a strong, enduring bitter 
taste, with a striking accompanying balsamic flavour, like the bark 
of the willow. 4 One hundred parts of cold water dissolve six parts 
of salicin. In warm water, it is more soluble, and also in alcohol: 
but it is not soluble either in ether or the essential oils. It excites 
no alkaline reaction. By admixture with sulphuric acid it acquires 
a beautiful red colour. 5 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The well known effects of the bark of the willows gave occa- 
sion to the immediate employment of salicin in cases of intermit- 
tent fever. Miquel 6 appears to have been one of the first — if not 
the first — who instituted experiments with it; and he satisfied him- 
self, that it merits a distinguished place amongst our antiperiodic 
agents, although it requires larger doses than quinia. Soon after- 
wards it was given by other physicians — by Husson and Ball v. 

1 Journal de Uhimie Medicale, Janvier, 1831. 

3 For Peschier's method, see Annales de Chimie, vol. xliv., and Amer. Journ. Med. 
Sciences, May. 1831, p. 2o6. 

3 Journal of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, iii. 214. 

* Pelouze and Jules Gay Lussac, in Annales de Chimie, vol. xliv. 

* For an elaborate account of the chemical relations of salicin, see M. R. Piria, Annales 
de Chimie et de Physique, Novembre, 1838. 

6 Gazette Medicale de Paris, Janv. 1830 ; see/also, Annales de Chimie, xliii. and xliv. 



SALICINA. 639 

Girardin, Magendie, Andral, Blaincourt, Graff, Linz, Stegmayer, 
Amelung, Stam, Van Sneek, Blom, Grafe, Von dem Busch, Kromb- 
holz, Pleischl, and others. The sentiments respecting its value 
are discrepant ; some classing it far beneath quinia, whilst others 
assign it even a higher position. Its general properties are cer- 
tainly analogous to those of quinia ; but it in no respect merits a 
preference, 1 not even in the article of price: for, although an equal 
weight of salicin may cost less, it requires so much more to pro- 
duce the same effect, that the cost is perhaps equal. Still, as M. 
Pleischl, 2 of Prague, has suggested, even if salicin were much the 
dearer of the two, it might be better to use it, because it is of home 
manufacture, and can be obtained in war as well as in peace. 

From all the testimony brought forward, M. Richard 3 is of 
opinion, that we may conclude; first, that salicin possesses anti- 
periodic virtues; secondly, that its efficacy is in an inverse ratio 
with the duration of the fever ; thirdly, that when its febrifuge 
virtues are not realized afier the fourth dose, it is well to abandon 
its use, as it will probably prove inefficacious; fourthly, that in 
intermittents of the tertian type it cures nine cases in ten ; and in 
those of the quotidian type five and a half times in ten; fifthly, 
that the quantity necessary for the cure of an intermittent is two 
or three times greater than that of sulphate of quinia; sixthly, 
that it ought not to be prescribed in pernicious intermittents, the 
second or third paroxysm of which may be fatal; seventhly, that 
it has never been rejected by the stomach; and has never increased 
diarrhoea, nor " exasperated the sensibility of the stomach," and 
hence it should be employed in preference to the sulphate of quinia 
in intermittents complicated with gastric or intestinal irritation; 
eighthly and lastly, that it has appeared to diminish, in a marked 
manner, the circulation during the apyrexia, even when it did not 
prevent the paroxysm ; and during convalescence, when the parox- 
ysms had ceased, the pulse has frequently fallen thirty beats in a 
minute. 

Comparative trials with salicin and sulphate of quinia have been 
directed by the able head of the medical department of the army, 
Dr. Lawson, so that we may be enabled to learn their relative va- 
lue as antiperiodics. Such an examination was made by Dr. E. D. 
Fenner, 4 of New Orleans, who arrived at the conclusion that "the 
average amount of quinia required to cure 20 cases of intermittent 
fever, and costing twenty-five cents, is fully three times as effica- 
cious as the average amount of salicin required in a like number 
of cases, and costing seventy-five cents." Dr. Fenner's report 

1 Richelot, in Archives Generates de Medecine, Sepr. 1833; see, also, Dierbach, in 
Heidelb. Klinisch. Annal. B. x. H. 1, S. 62. Heidelb. 1834. 

2 Medicinisch. Jahrbucher des k. k, 6. Staat. 1835; cited in Br. and For. Med. Rev. 
for April, 1836, p. 576. 

2 Elements d'Histoire JNaturelle Medicale, 4eme edit. i. 232. Paris, 1849. 
4 New Orleans Med. and Surg. Journ. JNov. 1845. 



640 SALICINA. 

bears the stamp of accurate and impartial observation and induc- 
tion; and it is certainly far from according with the statement of 
Bertini 1 and others, who consider that salicin is wholly inert in the 
treatment of periodical fevers. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The ordinary dose of salicin, in a case of intermittent, is about 
four or six grains every three hours during the period of inter- 
mission : in the febres larvatce or masked fevers, smaller doses 
may be given ; but in the very violent fevers at Calvi, in the Island 
of Corsica, Levy found it often necessary to give from forty to 
fifty grains in twenty-four hours. Of thirty cases of quotidian 
and tertian intermittents, twenty were cured by the use of salicin ; 
but ten required afterwards the sulphate of quinia. He considers 
it preferable to sulphate of quinia in intermittents that are accom- 
panied by irritation of the primse vise: he never saw it rejected or 
produce vomiting ; and in cases of manifest irritation of the diges- 
tive tube, it was borne perfectly well. 2 

Salicin is generally given in intermittents in the form of powder. 
In other affections, to obtain its antiperiodic or tonic agency, one 
or two grains may be given four or five times a day — gradually 
augmenting the dose. In cases of asthenia of the digestive organs. 
Von dem Busch prescribes a powder of salicin and sugar with the 
addition of cinnamon ; and lozenges of salicin, sugar, gum Arabic, and 
oil of peppermint. In cases of copious secretion from the mucous 
membranes, especially in chronic bronchitis and leucorrhcea, he 
directs salicin to be combined with a decoction of polygala amara, 
or of lichen islandicus. In intermittents, Stegmayer advises it to 
be associated with small doses of tartrate of antimony and potassa. 

Pilulse salicinse. 

Pills of salicin, 
R. Salicin. 



Glycyrrh. pulv. q. v, 
ut fiant pilulsexij. 



Vavasseur. 



Pulveres salicinse. 

Powders of salicin. 
R. Salicin. gr. xij. 
Sacch. 5ij. Misce 
et fiat pulvis in partes iv. aequales dividendus. 

Dose. — One, three times a day. Krombholz. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1847, p. 184. Paris, 1847. 

* Archives Medicates de Strasbourg, and Gazette Medicale de Paris, 25 Fev., 1837. 



SAPO MOLLIS. 641 

Pnlveres salicinse composite 

Compound powders of salicin, 
R. Salicin. gr. xv. 

Antim. et potass, tartrat. gr. j. 
Sacchar. ^iiss. Misce 
et fiat pulvis in partes x. aequales dividendus. 

Dose. — A powder, every two hours. Stegmayer, 

Mistura salicinra. 

Mixture of salicin, 

R. Polygal. amar. rad. gvj. 
Coque cum aquas f |jxij. ad remanent, f §viij. 
Colaturse adde 

Salicin. gr. viij. ad. x. M. 

Dose. One or two spoonfuls every two hours. 

Von dem Busch, 



CLX. SAPO MOLLIS. 

Synonymes, Sapo Viridis seu Niger seu Kalicus seu Domesticus Mollis 
seu ex Olivae Oleo et Potassa Confectus, Kali elainicum. 

French, Savon Noir, Savon Mou, Savon a base de Potasse. 

German, Schmierseife, Griine Schmierseife, Kaufliche 
Kaliseife, Schwarze Seife, Oelsaures Kali. 

Under this name a soap is used, which is formed by a union of 
oil with potassa. It is the "sapo ex oleo et potassa confectus" of 
the London Pharmacopoeia, has of late years been brought forward 
in Germany as a remedial agent in cases of itch, 1 and been em- 
ployed in many hospitals. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The treatment of itch by soft soap is directed by Pfeuffer to be 
carried into effect in the following manner. Attention is paid to 
the general health of the patient for a day before the soap is ap- 
plied. The whole body, with the exception of the head, face, and 
genital organs, is then besmeared with it, and the application is 
repeated, morning and evening, for six days. At first, two rub- 
bings, of from four to six ounces, are used: at the third and fourth, 
from two to three ounces; and from the fifth to the seventh inclusive, 
from half an ounce to an ounce ; but after this, the soap is applied 
only on those parts which are affected with the eruption or itching. 
On the eighth day the patient takes a bath of tepid soap and water; 
and the body and bed linen, which have not been shifted during 
the cure, may now be changed for cleaner. In dry and warm 
seasons, the patient is able to leave the infirmary on the tenth day, 

1 Pfeuffer, Beobachtungen iiber die Kr'atze und ihre Behandlung durch die Schmier- 
oder griine Seife. Bamberg, 1833. 



642 SAPO MOLLIS. 

cured; but in moist and cold, not until the twelfth or fourteenth, 
The cure of the eruption is generally effected in seven days, — that 
is by fourteen rubbings. During the period of treatment, he must 
remain in bed, avoid exposure to draughts of air, and reside in a 
chamber, whose temperature is from 73° to 77° of Fahrenheit. 
On account of the strong smell of soap, not more than ten patients 
ought to be allowed to occupy the same room. Full diet may be 
allowed. 

From six to eight hours after the first or second rubbing, a sense 
of tension and pricking is felt in the skin, which, at times, gradually 
augments until it amounts to a feeling of burning heat. About the 
fifth or sixth rubbing, the skin appears of a scarlet hue, without 
the temperature being materially elevated. In several cases, irri- 
tative fever ensues, which disappears in the course of twenty-four 
hours, with augmented secretion of urine. Miliary vesicles form 
in groups ; sweating takes place freely; the sleep, which may have 
been disturbed for a night or two, recurs; the skin desquamates, 
and the patient does not find his strength in the least exhausted. 
Should the inflammation of the skin occur earlier than the sixth 
rubbing, the friction must be pretermitted. PfeufFer, however, 
never observed this to be the case. 

In scrofulous syphilitic dyscrasies, the friction may have to 
be repeated once more, and the patient have to remain from two 
to four weeks in the institution. It very generally happens that 
this plan excites inflammation of the skin and desquamation of the 
cuticle : when this is not the case, no change whatever is produced 
in the eruption. 

In order to mitigate the distressing feeling of burning produced 
by the rubbing, one part of flowers of sulphur may be added to 
two parts of the soft soap. 

In cases, in which the disease has existed for years, with greater 
or less intervals, and in those who were strumous in their youth, 
or were at a subsequent period affected with syphilis ; — in all cases, 
indeed, in which the cutaneous affection has become, as it were, 
habitual, Pfeuffer directs, that a cathartic should be premised, and 
that in the course of the cure, a quart of the decoction of the woods 
should be taken. This mode of treatment, according to him, is 
contraindicated by febrile conditions, especially of the synochal 
kind; by acute cutaneous affections; pulmonary and abdominal 
catarrhs ; pulmonary and abdominal phthisis ; chronic headach ; 
and hereditary or acquired tendency to epilepsy. In such cases 
he prefers the internal and external use of sulphur: and, after the 
cure, the establishment of issues. The great recommendation of 
this plan in hospitals and infirmaries, is said to be its cheapness, 
although it strikes us, that there cannot be any marked difference 
in this respect between it and the treatment by sulphur, which is 



SODA CHLORINATA. 



643 



greatly used, on this very ground, in many of the eleemosynary 
establishments of Germany at this time. 1 

The efficacy of Pfeuffer's plan of treatment has been confirmed 
by numerous observers, — by Graff, Bermann, and Cramer, who is 
said to have first recommended soap in scabies; and by Sicherer, 
Seyffer, Cless, and others, all of whom agree as to its excellence: 
they regard it as one of the best methods of treatment in use. Soft 
soap forms an ingredient in many of the officinal and other itch 
ointments. 2 



CLXI. SODA CHLORINATA. 

Synonymes. Sodae Chloridum seu Chloruretum seu Hypochloris seu 
Oxymurias, Chloruretum Oxidi Sodii, Natrum Chloratum seu Chlo- 
ricum seu Oxymuriaticum, Chlorinated Soda, Chloride, Hypochlorite, 
Chloruret, Chlorite or Oxymuriate of Soda. 

French. Chlorure de Soude, Chlorure d'Oxide de Sodium. 

German. Chlornatron, Chlorsaures Natrum, Chlornatrum, 
Oxydirt oder Hype roxygenirt Salzsaures Natrum. 

This preparation resembles in almost all respects chlorinated 
lime. Both it and chlorinated potassa were associated by Berthol- 
let under the common name Eau de Javelle or e bleaching liquor;' 
and it has of late generally received the name of Liqueur de La- 
barraque or Labarraque' s Soda Disinfecting Liquid. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Labarraque 3 recommended it to be prepared directly by passing 
a current of chlorine gas into a solution of carbonate of soda. The 
following is the formula in the last London Pharmacopoeia for the 
Liquor Sodas Chlorinate, Liquor Sodce Chloridi seu Soda 
Oxymuriatica seu Chloreti seu Chlorureti JVatri seu Sodce, 
Natrum Chloratum Liquidum, Liquor seu Aqua Katri Oxymu- 
riatici seu JVatri Chlorati, Hypochloris Sodicus Aqua. Solutus ; 
German, Oxydirt salzsaures Natronwasser, Chlor- 
sodafliissigkeit or Labarraque' 's Disinfecting Liquid. 
u Take of Carbonate of soda, a pound; Distilled water, forty- 
eight fluidounces; Chloride of sodium, four ounces; Binoxide of 
manganese, three ounces; Sulphuric acid, four ounces. Dissolve 
the carbonate of soda in two pints (imperial measure) of the water; 
then put the chloride of sodium and binoxide of manganese, rubbed 
to powder, into a retort, and add to them the sulphuric acid, pre- 
viously mixed with three fluidounces of water, and cooled. Heat 
and transmit the chlorine first through five fluidounces of w T ater, 

1 Vezin, Ueber die Kr'atze und ihre Behandlung nach der Englischen Methode. Os- 
oabrQck, 1836. See, also, Amer. Med. Intelligencer, Aug. 15, 1839, p. 158. 

3 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. 2te Auflage, 8. 584. Stuttgart, 1840. 
3 Gazette de Sante, 25 Avril, 1826, 



644 SODA CHLORINATA. 

and afterwards into the solution of carbonate of soda above di- 
rected." 

The following form is given in the last edition of the Pharma- 
copoeia of the United States (1842 :)— " Take of Chlorinated lime, 
ibj.; Carbonate of soda, ftij.; Watery a gallon and a half. Dis- 
solve the carbonate of soda in three pints of the water, with the 
aid of heat. To the remainder of the water add, by small portions 
at a time, the chlorinated lime, previously well triturated, stirring 
the mixture after each addition. Set the mixture by for several 
hours, that the dregs may subside ; then decant the clear liquid, 
and mix it with the solution of carbonate of soda. Lastly, decant 
the clear liquor from the precipitated carbonate of lime, pass it 
through a linen cloth, and keep it in bottles secluded from the light." 

When the solution of chlorinated soda is properly prepared, it 
is devoid of colour; has a sharp, saline, and astringent taste, and 
an odour of chlorine. By careful evaporation, it yields crystals, 
which produce the original liquid when Be-dissolved. When the 
solution is exposed to the air, and allowed to evaporate spontane- 
ously, it gives out chlorine, and yields crystals of carbonate of soda. 1 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

In its general remedial agency, chlorinated soda resembles chlo- 
rinated lime, and has been administered both internally and exter- 
nally in the same cases. It is preferred for internal, whilst chlo- 
rinated lime is generally chosen for external, use; and this chiefly, 
perhaps, owing to its being obtained more conveniently, and cheaply. 
Dr. Pereira states, however, that he has carefully prepared and 
tried the two chlorides, and gives a decided preference to the 
chloride of soda. Labarraque, likewise, preferred it as an anti- 
septic, on the ground, that by the process of disinfection it becomes 
chloride of sodium, which is not a deliquescent salt ; whilst chloride 
of calcium, formed by chloride of lime, attracts water from the 
atmosphere, and thereby furnishes one of the conditions — moisture 
— necessary for the putrefactive process. Hence, he thinks, whilst 
chloride of lime will serve equally well for simple disinfection, 
chloride of soda is to be preferred where we wish at the same time 
to prevent a renewal of putrefaction. 2 

By Bouillaud, Chomel and others, chlorinated soda has been 
given, with advantage, in typhous fevers ; and by Kretschmar, 3 
Lalesque, Colson,and Gouzee,'' in inter mi I tents. 5 Ten cases are 
reported by the last named gentleman; in two, the intermittent 

1 Faraday, Quarterly Journal of Science, N. S. ii. 84, cited by Brande, Dictionary of 
the Materia Medica, p. 508. Lond. J 839. 

2 Fereira, Elements of Mat. Med. 2d edit. p. 540. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit. 
by Carson. Philad. 1846. 

3 Venus. Grundriss der Medicin. Receptirkunst, S. 67. Weimar, 1838. 

4 Revue Medicale, Few 1830. 

J Riecke, Die neuem Arzneimittel, S. 334, and 2te Aufiage, S. 511. Stuttgart, 1840. 



SPIRITUS PYRO-ACETICUS 645 

yielded immediately ; two others were cured after a slight return ; 
in one, there were four attacks, gradually diminishing; in two cases, 
the severity of the paroxysms abated, but it was thought necessary 
to have recourse to sulphate of quinia ; in two others, no effect 
was produced, and in one, the disease was aggravated. Gouzee 
infers, that these cases prove the febrifuge properties of chlorinated 
soda to be less marked than those of sulphate of quinia, and, there- 
fore, that it ought not to be trusted to, except in the slighter cases, 
and where the patients are easily susceptible of the effects of medi- 
cine, — as women and children. In like manner, it has been found 
useful in scrofulous affections, and in various diseases in which 
chlorinated lime has proved serviceable. See Calx Chlorinata. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

From ten drops to a dram mixed with plain or sugared water 
may be given internally for a dose. 

The form in which it was prescribed by Gouzee in intermittents 
was a mixture, composed of half a dram to four ounces of distilled 
water. This was taken by spoonfuls during the apyrexia ; so that 
the last dose should be swallowed shortly before the next parox- 
ysm was expected. The patients were restricted to their beds, or 
at least to their chambers. 

When applied externally, it is rarely used pure or diluted with 
so little as one half water, except in cases of asphyxia, and gan- 
grene, and for dressing old ulcers, &c. Most commonly it is di- 
luted with ten or thirty parts of water, and in this strength is ap- 
plied to ulcers of various kinds, burns, cutaneous diseases, &c. 
When used as a disinfecting agent, it is generally diluted with ten, 
twenty or thirty times its weight of water. 1 



CLXII. SPIRITUS PYRO-ACETICUS. 

Synonymes. JEther Pyro-aceticus seu Lignosus, Pyro-acetic Spirit, 
Pyro-acetic Ether, Acetone, Mesitic Alcohol, Bihydrate of Mesitylene ; 
called, also, Naphtha, and Wood Naphtha. 

French. Acetone, Esprit Pyro-acetique. 

German. Essiggeist, Mesitalkohol, Essigalkohol. 

There has been some confusion amongst therapeutists in regard 
to the article meant by naphtha or wood naphtha, which Dr. 
John Hastings 2 brought forward of late years as an important re- 
medy in tubercular phthisis. The term naphtha, according to Dr. 
Pereira, 3 had been applied, but erroneously, to pyroxylic, or as 
he writes it, pyroxilic spirit; and it is this article naphtha, which, 

1 Payan, Revue Medicale, Aout, 1839. 

2 Pulmonary Consumption successfully treated with Naphtha. Lond. 1843. 

s Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 2d Amer. edit, by Carson, i. 355. Philad. 184<>. 



646 SPIRITUS PYRO-ACETICUS. 

according to Messrs. Ballard and Garrod, 1 was given by Dr. Has- 
tings. In this they are in error ; and the confusion has probably 
arisen from Dr. Hastings having also given the erroneous name 
" naphtha," to the pyro-acetic spirit, which was the article really 
used by him. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Pyro-acetic spirit may be prepared by distilling a mixture of 
two parts of crystallized acetate of lead and one part of quick- 
lime in a salt glaze jar (graybeard) the lower part of the jar being 
coated with fire clay, and a bent glass tube, half an inch in dia- 
meter, being adapted to the mouth by a cork so as to form a dis- 
tillatory apparatus. The jar is supported on the mouth of a small 
furnace, by which the lower part only is heated to redness, and 
the vapours are conducted into a Liebig's condenser. The pro- 
duct is repeatedly redistilled from quick-lime, until its boiling point 
is constant at 132 . 2 

It is a colourless, volatile, inflammable liquid, having a peculiar 
penetrating odour, and a pungent taste like that of peppermint. Its 
specific gravity is 0.792. As found in the shops, its density is 
generally not lower than 0.820. It is miscible with water, ether 
and alcohol in all proportions. If, when mixed with water, it be- 
comes turbid, it has not been freed from empyreumatic oil. 
EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Dr. Hastings 3 states, that the reason why he was induced to 
deviate from the line of medical treatment of phthisis, which has 
so universally, and for so long a period, been in vogue, and to ad- 
mit a new method of management, was the fatal termination of all 
cases, whatever was the treatment adopted, during an experience 
of upwards of twenty years. "I was led," he says, "to the con- 
clusion, from a careful survey of the chemical analyses of tubercle 
made by Thenard, that it was defective, inasmuch as the compo- 
sition of the animal matter, which amounted to upwards of 98 
parts out of 100, had not been investigated. From the greasy na- 
ture of tubercle in its crude state, there did not exist the slightest 
doubt in my mind, that carbon entered largely into its formation, 
and that its composition had a striking resemblance to fatty matter. 
In consequence of the loss of fat, so remarkable in the earlier stages 
of consumption, I determined to employ those compound agents, 
rich in carbon and hydrogen, which had not been previously used 
in medicine; not with the idea that they would make up the defi- 
ciency which the system had sustained in the progress of the dis- 
ease, but that such a change would, by that means, be introduced 
into the constitution as would act on the forces of the organism, 

1 Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. p. 391. Lond. 1845. 

2 Bache. Dispensatory of the United States, 6th edit. p. 1291. Philad. 1845. 

3 Op. cit. 



SPIRIT US PYRO-ACETICUS. 647 

at the point of departure from health, whether that took place in 
the stomach, blood or elsewhere ; that change tending to such an 
affinity in the elements within the body, that the carbon, hydrogen, 
oxygen and nitrogen, instead of assisting in the formation of pro- 
ducts which threaten life, would tend to develop those materials 
only which are required for the preservation of health and the 
prolongation of existence. 5 ' 

Thirty-six cases, presenting all the phenomena of tubercular 
phthisis, are stated by him to have been cured by the pyro-acetic 
spirit — the cough, expectoration, sweats, &c, disappearing for the 
most part within a few weeks, and the physical signs indicative of 
structural lesions disappearing soon after. The statements of Dr. 
Hastings were very properly doubted by the best observers; but 
still it was deemed advisable to give the remedy a fair trial, and 
the result has been far from confirming them. In the author's 
experience no good has resulted from its use except what follows 
the employment of ordinary excitant expectorants, as creasote. 
Testimony in its favour from others has not, however, been want- 
ing. Mr. D. Wilson 1 narrates cases which appeared to exhibit all 
the functional and physical phenomena of phthisis, and were cured 
or relieved by it. 

In enumerating the cases in which he recommends the use of 
"naphtha," Dr. Hastings 2 observes, that the less complicated 
phthisis may be with other affections, the more suitable is it for 
treatment by this agent. When the pulse is at the ordinary stand- 
ard or thereabouts; when the hectic is slight; laryngeal and peri- 
toneal disease absent ; the functions of the stomach and bowels not 
much impaired ; the constitutional disturbance inconsiderable, and 
the physical signs denoting only a slight deposit of tubercles in 
one lung; the prognosis is favourable, and a speedy recovery may 
be anticipated. In many cases, this mild character of the disease 
is never witnessed, howsoever early they may be seen: for want of 
close observation, too, this period frequently escapes notice; hence, 
success depends upon an early and correct diagnosis. If naphtha 
be given in acute phthisis, when the cough is very harassing, with 
slight frothy expectoration ; respirations 30 to 40 per minute; p,ulse 
120 to 140; hot skin; profuse night sweats; great thirst; appetite 
deficient or altogether wanting; and the physical signs denoting an 
extensive deposition of tubercles in both lungs, it will be found, he 
says, injurious rather than beneficial. If it be employed in chronic 
phthisis co-existing with disease in other organs, its value is di- 
minished in proportion to the extent of the complications, and their 
vitiating influence on the constitutional powers; and if it be perse- 
vered with in certain cases in which improvement had followed its 
use, after the appearance of intercurrent pneumonia, bronchitis or 
pleurisy, it will do great mischief. Many such cases, says Dr. 
1 London Lancet, June 3d, 1834, p. 344, and Nov. 25, 1843, p. 250. a Op. cit. 



648 SPIRITUS PYRO-ACETICUS. 

Hastings, give way to a short course of treatment with antimony, 
digitalis, &c, and then the pyro-acetic spirit may be again employed 
with the greatest advantage. Where haemoptysis is present, or 
where it has recently existed, it is generally contra-indicated. 
When phthisis is complicated with dyspepsia, little or no benefit 
will accrue from its use, until the latter affection is removed ; yet 
Dr. Hughes Bennett 1 ascribes all its agency in phthisis to its power 
of calming the irritability of the stomach, which occurs often 
in the disease, and for which, according to his experience, naphtha 
is the best remedy. Dr. Hastings states farther, that the disease 
is not amenable to the plan of treatment when the patients are in 
crowded hospitals, or in other situations where the atmosphere is 
impure. 

If doubt may be entertained in regard to the efficacy of pyro- 
acetic spirit in phthisis, there would seem to be none, that in cases 
of chronic bronchitis resembling phthisis it has produced, and 
may be expected to produce, benefit. Mr. Procter 2 has related a 
case, in which, after acute bronchitis, difficulty of breathing, cough, 
with well marked purulent expectoration, and nocturnal perspira- 
tion existed ; with great emaciation and occasional haemoptysis. A 
mixture was prescribed of pyro-acetic spirit f ^j; liquor opii se- 
dativus f ^ij.; of which the patient took fifteen drops three times 
a day in a little water. The medicine was continued for about 
two months, when the patient reported himself well. In the Re- 
port of the Hospital for Consumption and Diseases of the Chest, 
(Lond. 1849,) it is stated, that in some cases of bronchitis with 
profuse secretion it seemed useful, but it was not otherwise pro- 
ductive of benefit, and often proved hurtful. 3 It is in chronic 
bronchial affections that the pyro-acetic spirit will probably be 
almost wholly employed, provided it retains its place in the cata- 
logue of the materia medica ; and hence it has been classed else- 
where by the author with creasote, the balsams, &c, amongst ex- 
citant expectorants. 4 

M. Lavirotte, of Lyons, and Dr. David W. Yandell 5 have re- 
commended it in diarrhoea. In 23 cases — 16 of diarrhoea, and 
7 of dysentery — the results were favourable. Dr. Yandell gives 
it in the dose of twenty drops at intervals of three hours. 

Dr. Hastings 6 has also extolled it highly in gout, and in acute 
and chronic rheumatism. " For upwards of twelve months," 
he says, " I have employed pyro-acetic spirit in these affections, 

1 On Cod-liver Oil. Edinb. 1848. 

2 Lond. Med. Gazette, Nov. 17, 1843, p. 213. 

3 British and Foreign Medico-chirurg. Rev. for April, 1850, p. 321. See, also, the 
similar sentiments of Dr. Theophilus Thomson, Dr. Golding Bird, and others, in Lancet, 
January 15, 1848. 

4 General Therapeutics and Materia Medica, 4th edit. i. 240, Philad. 1850. 

* Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery, Sept. 1849. 

• Cited in Amer. Joum. of Pharmacy, New Series, xiii. 66, Philad. 1847. 



STRYCHNIA. 



649 



and my treatment has been attended with a success quite extra- 
ordinary, far exceeding the results usually obtained by colchicum, 
&c." His overstrained eulogies, however, of its effect in phthisis 
will render the profession slow to credit this assertion. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The dose in which Dr. Hastings generally administers the pyro- 
acetic spirit is from ten to twenty drops three times a day in a 
small quantity of water. After the second or third day he aug- 
ments the dose by about one-fourth, regulating its increase or de- 
crease according to the absence or presence of nausea, vomiting, 
or any other untoward symptom resulting from its use. As the 
disease advances he raises the dose to 40 and even 50 drops, and 
administers it four times instead of three times a day. 



STRYCHNIA ET EJUS SALES. 

Synonyme. Strychnia and its salts. 

CLXIII. STRYCHNIA. 

Synonymes. Strychnium, Strychninum, Strychna, Strychnine, Vauque- 

line. 
French. Strychnine. 
German. S try chnin, K rahena ugen sto f f, Krahenau gen - 

bitter. 

This alkaloid was discovered by Pelletier and Caventou 1 in 
nux vomica, St. Ignatius's bean, upas tieute, and in the wood of 
strychnos colubrina ; and experiment has shown, that these sub- 
stances are indebted for their medicinal properties to it. 2 In them, 
strychnia is found associated with another principle analogous to 
it in its properties — brucia. 3 In St. Ignatius's bean, there is less 
brucia than in nux vomica, so that it is best adapted for the pre- 
paration of strychnia; but it is not as easily obtained, and conse- 
quently nux vomica is almost always used. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to one form of preparation, liquid subacetate of lead 
is added to a solution of the alcoholic extract of nux vomica in 
water, until a precipitate is no longer thrown down ; the foreign 
matters being thus precipitated, the strychnia remains in solution 
with a proportion of colouring matter, and sometimes an excess of 
acetate of lead. The lead is now separated by sulphuretted hydro* 
gen; and the fluid is filtered and boiled with magnesia, which 
unites with the acetic acid, and precipitates the strychnia. The 

1 Annales de Chimie, torn, viii. ix. and x. 

3 Magendie, Annales de Chimie, x. 176. 1819. 8 See page 146. 



650 STRYCHNIA. 

precipitate is next washed in cold water, and redissolved in alco- 
hol to separate it from the excess of magnesia, and by evaporating 
the alcohol, the strychnia is obtained. If it be not perfectly white, 
it must be dissolved in acetic, or hydrochloric acid, and be repre- 
cipitated by means of magnesia. 

The modes of preparation recommended in the Pharmacopoeias 
of London, Edinburgh, and the United States, differ from each 
other. The following is that contained in the last work (1842:) 
— Take of nux vomica, rasped, Tbiv.; lime, in powder, ^vj.; mu- 
riatic acid, f giij.; alcohol, dilute sulphuric acid, solution of am- 
monia, 'purified animal charcoal, water, each a sufficient quantity. 
Digest the nux vomica in two gallons of water, acidulated with a 
fiuidounce of the muriatic acid, for twenty-four hours; then boil 
for two hours, and strain with expression through a strong linen 
rag. Boil the residuum twice successively in the same quantity of 
acidulated w r ater, each time straining as before. Mix the decoc- 
tions, and evaporate to the consistence of thin syrup; then add the 
lime previously mixed with a pint of water, and boil for ten minutes, 
frequently stirring. Pour the mixture into a double linen bag, and, 
having washed the precipitate well with water, press, dry, and 
powder it. Treat the powder repeatedly with boiling alcohol 
until deprived of its bitterness; mix the liquors; and distil off the 
alcohol by means of a water bath. Mix the residue with water, 
and, having applied heat, drop in sufficient diluted sulphuric acid 
to neutralize and dissolve the strychnia; then add purified animal 
charcoal, boil for a few minutes, filter, evaporate and crystallize. 
Dissolve the crystals in water, and add sufficient solution of am- 
monia to precipitate the strychnia. Lastly, dry the precipitate on 
bibulous paper. 1 

As thus prepared, it is in the form of a white powder. 

Strychnia, obtained by crystallization from an alcoholic solution, 
which has been diluted with a small quantity of water, and left to 
itself, appears under the form of microscopic crystals, constituting 
four-sided prisms, terminated by pyramids with four flattened or 
depressed faces. When crystallized rapidly, it is white and granu- 
lar, is insupportably bitter to the taste, and leaves an after taste 
similar to that caused by certain metallic salts; it has no smell, 
and is not changed by exposure to the air; is neither fusible nor 
volatile ; for, when subjected to the action of heat, it does not fuse, 
until the moment of its decomposition and carbonization, and it is 
decomposed by a -degree of heat inferior to that which destroys 
most vegetable substances. When exposed to the naked fire, it 
swells, becomes black, and yields an empyreumatic oil, a little 
water, acetic acid, carbonic acid and carburetted hydrogen. Dis- 
tilled with oxide of copper, it gives out much carbonic acid, and 
only slight traces of nitrogen. It is composed of oxygen, hydro- 
1 Pharm. of the United States, p, 184. Philad. 1842. 



STRYCHNIA. 651 

gen, carbon and nitrogen. Although strychnia has so strong a 
taste, it is scarcely soluble in water. At 50° Fahr., 6667 parts 
of water dissolve but one of it ; boiling water dissolves a little more 
than double, so that it may be said to be soluble in 2500 parts of 
boiling water. It is remarkable, however, that a solution made 
in the cold, and containing therefore only ^WOi part of its weight, 
may be diluted one hundred times, and still retain a very decided- 
ly bitter taste. It is more soluble in strong alcohol, little so in 
weak, and not much so in ether or fixed oils, although they acquire 
a bitter taste from it. On the other hand, it is very readily soluble 
in volatile oils, and the hot saturated solution, on cooling, deposits 
crystals. It has an alkaline reaction and forms, with acids, salts 
which are mostly crystallizable, and insupportably bitter, and are 
more soluble than pure strychnia. 1 

Strychnia, being sold at a high price, is liable to adulteration. 
A respectable druggist of Philadelphia informed the author, that 
one of his customers was offered strychnia by another house at a 
price considerably lower than what he had to pay for it when 
purchased even in large quantities from respectable sources. He 
bought an eighth of an ounce of it at the rate of five dollars the 
ounce; when pure strychnia could not be offered at less than nine 
dollars per ounce. Some of this was tested, when it was found to 
consist of equal parts of flour or starch, and pure strychnia. 

EFFECTS ON THE ANIMAL ECONOMY IN HEALTH. 

The effects of strychnia on man and animals resemble, on the 
whole, those of the spirituous extract of nux vomica, except that 
they are more intense. According to Magendie, one-eighth of a 
grain is sufficient to kill a strong dog. Pope, who made experi- 
ments on dogs, found that one-twelfth of a grain was enough to 
paralyze the low T er limbs of a small dog in four or five minutes, 
and in half an hour to kill it. Christison 2 considers strychnia the 
strongest poison after hydrocyanic acid. He injected a solution 
of a third of a grain in alcohol into the, thorax of a wild boar, and 
in ten minutes the animal died. A dog was destroyed by one- 
sixth of a grain in two minutes; and he believes, that the same 
effect would be induced on man by half a grain introduced into a 
wound. Lembert 3 observed similar results from placing a grain 
in the thorax of a small dog, and from three grains introduced 
into the areolar tissue of a larger animal, on which tetanic spasms 
were induced in the thoracic muscles. Dr. Blake 4 injected a grain 
of strychnia, dissolved in a small quantity of acetic acid, into the 
veins of a dog. The first effect of the poison was to induce gene- 

1 Magendie's Formulaire, &c. 

a Treatise on Poisons, 3d edit. Edinb. 1836; and Dispensatory, p. 895. Edinb. 1842. 

3 Essai sur la Methode Endermique. Paris, 1828. 8vo. 

4 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, April, 1839, p. 338. 



652 STRYCHNIA. 

ral convulsions in about thirty seconds after its injection, the action 
of the heart being at the same time rendered irregular, which Dr. 
Blake presumes was owing to the convulsive struggles of the 
animal. All external signs of life ceased in about a minute and a 
half after the injection of the poison, but the heart still continued to 
beat. He found that when strychnia was introduced into the cir- 
culation in so small a quantity as not to produce any general 
symptoms, it did not appear to exert the least influence on the 
heart. 

That the action of strychnia is analogous to that of nux vomica, 
has been proved by the experiments of Segalas, 1 Andral, 2 Bards- 
ley, 3 Redlich, Sandras, Luders, Hennemann, and numerous others. 4 
It affects especially the vesicular matter of the spinal marrow, the 
reflex system of Dr. M. Hall, — less strikingly the brain: small 
doses, according to some, 5 excite the ganglionic system ; larger, 
the spinal marrow; consequently, it has been imagined, that it 
mio-ht be an efficacious remedy in nervous diseases, which are 
dependent upon spasmodic disorder of the ganglionic system, or 
upon diminished sensibility and torpor of the nerves of motion. 6 

The observations of Cartoni led him to infer, first, that strych- 
nia has a special elective action on the nerves of motion in general, 
and chiefly on those which are concerned in the movements of the 
iris: secondly, that its action is diametrically opposed to that of 
substances, which occasion, and keep up, abnormous dilatation of 
the pupil ; and lastly, that " it is a precious and efficacious agent 
in certain diseases of the eyeball, which depend upon vital and 
organico-vital modifications of the system of ciliary nerves." 7 

The following are the effects observed by Oppler from the in- 
ternal use of nitrate of strychnia : — a sensation of warmth and 
itching in the epigastrium; eructation; nausea; vertigo; slight ex- 
citement like that of intoxication; great vividness, with more or 
less confusion of mind; dull pain over the eyes; spots before the 
same; dilatation of the pupils; diplopia; tinnitus aurium; difficult 
articulation and deglutition ; slight trismus ; sense of formication 
in the paralyzed parts, with convulsive motions or twitchings, at 
times, in them ; at others, over the whole body, similar to electric 
shocks; tremors of the muscles; occasionally, violent spasms; teta- 
nus; asthma: palpitations; febrile heat; general sweating; prostra- 
tion ; pale or livid countenance ; pulse sometimes full and frequent, 

1 Magendie's Journal de Physiologie, ii. 4. 3 Ibid. Juillet, 1823. 

3 Hospital Facts and Observations, Illustrative of the Efficacy of Strychnia. Brucia, 
&c. Lond. 1830. 

4 Petrequin, Gazette Medicale de Paris, No. 44, Nov. 1838. 

5 Stumpf. art. Strychnos, Encyclopad. Worterb. der Medicin. Wissensch. xxxii. 480. 
Berlin, IS44. 

6 See, on this subject, Pickford, of Heidelberg, cited from Gazette Med. de Paris, 
5 Juin, 1844, in Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, July, 1844, p. 201. 

• Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c. pour 1847, p. 3d. Paris, 1847. 



STRYCHNIA. 653 

at others, small and contracted; great sensibility over the whole 
body ; involuntary laughter, succeeded always by difficulty of 
breathing and convulsions. The sleep was generally interrupted 
by convulsions ; the secretion of urine scanty, and occasionally 
suppressed. These symptoms came on gradually, and disappeared 
in the same manner, when the dose was moderate, in the course 
of some hours. Large doses, he says, induce death by a sudden 
shock to the nervous system ; smaller doses, when continued for 
a long time, may destroy by causing apoplexy, of which he saw 
many examples in his experiments on animals. 1 

Dr. Blumhardt 2 has recorded a case of poisoning by strychnia, 
which occurred to him in Stuttgart. He was called to a young 
man, seventeen years old, who had swallowed two scruples of 
strychnia after dinner. A short time afterwards, experiencing 
great restlessness, he repented of what he had done, and imme- 
diately took four grains of tartar emetic, which excited considera- 
ble vomiting. When the physician arrived, about a quarter of an 
hour after the strychnia had been taken, he found the patient on 
his back in bed, with his head thrown back, rigid and incapable of 
motion, but with a constant inclination to turn towards the right 
side. He could only move the upper limbs freely. The counte- 
nance was pale and haggard ; the temperature of the skin natural, 
and the pulse quick and contracted. Consciousness remained un- 
affected ; the speech was rendered difficult by an occasional con- 
traction of the muscles that move the lower jaw ; but it could not 
properly be said to be interrupted: deglutition was unaffected* 
The trismus, however, became more and more frequent and vio- 
lent, and the respiration thereby unequal and suspended ; the pulse 
was small, suppressed and quick. The remedies — employed to 
save him — as tincture of iodine and acetate of morphia, were of no 
avail. With the periodical trismus was now associated spasmodic 
agitation of the whole body, to which — after a short interval — - 
succeeded opisthotonos with, violent symptoms of suffocation ; the 
trismus attained the highest degree, and the upper extremities 
were deprived of the influence of volition. With the increase of 
the general tonic spasm, the respiration was always more difficult 
and oppressed, and for a time wholly ceased ; the pulsation of the 
heart and arteries became irregular, less distinct, and at length 
imperceptible. In this condition, the skin acquired a bluish ap- 
pearance ; the countenance was puffed and of a violet hue; the 
lips dark-blue, the neck swollen, the eyes protruded, fixed and di- 
rected towards the right side; the pupils enlarged and immovable, 
and the conjunctiva injected. At this period, the patient was en- 
tirely unconscious ; but from this condition he aw T oke once, and all 

1 See, also, Tanquerel des Planches, Eseai sur la Parahys'e tie Plomb. Paris, 1834, 

2 Medicinisch. Correspondenz-Blatt. in Encyclog. des Sciences Medicales, Sept. 1837, 

42 



654 STRYCHNIA. 

the symptoms became mitigated ; during this remission, the mus- 
cles influenced by the spinal marrow remained cramped, except 
the upper extremities, which could be moved voluntarily. In a 
quarter of an hour, the tetanic attack returned in its violence, with 
intense commotion of the whole body; this ended in asphyxia, 
from which he again recovered to consciousness. The same thing 
happened in a third attack. In the fourth, he succumbed under 
the power of the poison. The whole scene, from the taking of 
the poison to the occurrence of death, lasted an hour and a half. 

During the last attack, as doubt existed whether he w 7 as really 
dead, the median vein of the left arm, w T hich w T as turgid, was 
opened, and after the vessel was emptied of its thick, black blood, 
which resembled that of an animal, several bubbles of air, from 
the size of a pea to that of a small cherry, were forced out by 
pressure. The dissection was made twenty hours after death. In 
spite of the elevated summer heat, there were no signs of putrefac- 
tion. The whole of the body was uncommonly rigid. The mus- 
cles of the back were of a brownish-red colour, almost like that of 
smoked meat. On opening the spinal canal, a considerable quan- 
tity of thick, dark-coloured blood, like that of an animal, flowed 
out. The plexus venosi spinales were turgid with the same kind 
of blood, as well as the vessels of the pia mater. Under this 
membrane, especially in the cervical portion, some watery fluid 
was effused. The upper portions of the spinal marrow were soft, 
pappy in some places, but lower down it became gradually harder. 
Within the cavity of the cranium, the same turgid condition of 
vessels existed ; all the veins of the dura mater appeared as if in- 
jected; the veins of the pia mater were likewise engorged; and the 
"whole mass of the brain indicated an unusual supply of blood, so 
that the cortical substance appeared quite blue. The cerebellum 
was softer than usual. In the cavities of the abdomen and thorax, 
a striking poverty of blood w ? as perceptible. The heart was 
shrunken and empty, as well as the large vessels of the thorax. 
The stomach was full of solid food, which appeared to have un- 
dergone no change; its blood-vessels contained a considerable 
quantity of blood, and the mucous coat exhibited marked redness 
over its whole surface; but this was especially concentrated about 
the cardia and the fundus ; the small intestine was likewise redder 
than natural, as is commonly the case in those who have died 
whilst digestion w r as going on. The liver was tolerably supplied 
with blood; the gall-bladder empty. 1 

When strychnia is used endermically, as is not unfrequently 
the case, the course of the phenomena is somewhat different. 
G. H. Richter employed it in this way in many cases of hemiple- 

1 For other cases, see Christison on Poisons, 1st Amer. edit. p. 6S5. Philad. 1845: 
and James Wilson, London and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Dec. 
1S43; cited at length in Amer. Journal of the Med. Sciences, April, 1846, p. 52S; and 
Taylor, On Poisons, Amer. edit, by R, E. Griffith, p. G22. Philad. 18 #8. 



STRYCHNIA, 655 

gia, in one of which it occasioned symptoms of actual poisoning. 
When the dose exceeded a quarter of a grain, a feeling arose in 
the part to which it was applied as if needles were run into the 
skin ; this gradually spread over the whole limb ; the temperature 
of the body was augmented ; the pulse was quickened, full and 
hard ; the breathing constrained ; pain was experienced in the 
same side of the head ; the secretion of urine was increased, and 
a general perspiration broke out, which persisted for about an 
hour, after which the pricking of the surface, and the excitement 
of the vessels ceased. To these symptoms — and seldom later 
than two hours after the application of the agent — convulsive 
movements succeeded in the paralyzed limbs like those induced by 
electricity, which augmented in violence and in frequency with 
the increase of the dose, — being strongest and most severe during 
the night, at which time the limbs were moved involuntarily. 
When awake, a feeling of stiffness was experienced in all the 
limbs, which passed off when they w r ere used. On digestion, 
defecation, and the appetite, the nitrate of strychnia seldom ex- 
erted any influence. Only in one case — in which no effects were 
induced on the nervous system, when the dose was gradually 
carried to three grains — was obstinate constipation induced. In 
general, when it was begun with in the dose of one-eighth of a 
grain, and on the next day one-fourth was given, on the third day 
one-half, and afterwards the dose was increased daily by one- 
fourth of a grain, until one and a quarter were taken, — the fol- 
lowing unpleasant symptoms supervened. The patient experienced 
twitchings earlier than before, and first in the paralyzed limbs. 
As these became, from minute to minute, more violent, a pene- 
trating pain was felt in the occiput, with vertigo and tinnitus 
aurium. The twitchings now extended over the affected arm, 
and, subsequently, to the sound side, whereupon the vertigo and 
headach increased, and insensibility, with difficult and stertorous 
breathing, ensued. The pulse now became very full, hard, slow, 
and intermitting; the countenance bluish-red and turgid; the 
paralyzed lower extremities of a marbled blue ; the pupils very 
much dilated, and the mouth open, — the convulsions being occa- 
sionally so strong as to toss him to and fro on the bed. When 
these phenomena declared themselves, Richter removed the dress- 
ing from the surface, which appeared inflamed, and still contained 
a quantity of strychnia that had not been absorbed ; the parts 
were then washed and sprinkled immediately — according to Lem- 
bert's and Lesieur's recommendation — w T ith two grains of acetate 
of morphia ; the face was washed with cold water, the soles of the 
feet brushed, and other excitants administered. 1 

1 See some Experiments relative to the action of Strychnia on the Nervous System, 
by H. Stannius, in Miiller's Archiv. Heft. ii. 1831 ; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Review, 
for Jan. 1838, p. 221, 



656 STRYCHNIA. 

Dr. Christison 1 considers, that strychnia is not a cumulative 
poison ; yet the author has seen one or two cases which would 
favour the contrary opinion, 2 and Dr. F. A. Gebhard, 3 of Moscow, 
under view of the dangerous effects it often induces, thinks that 
some other remedy should be sought for, even in those cases in 
which it has been found advantageous. The continued employ- 
ment of strychnia in small doses, or its administration in larger, 
appears to him to cause, in some unknown manner, such a change 
in the blood as to result unexpectedly and suddenly in a powerful 
reaction in the nervous system, marked by convulsions, tetanus, 
exhaustion, paralysis and death. Dr. Gebhard proposes, as a sub- 
stitute, one of the most energetic articles of the materia medica — 
veratria. 

Morphia appears to be the most powerful antidote : under its 
use the dangerous symptoms rapidly disappear; consciousness re- 
turns; the patient sleeps for some hours, and a general perspira- 
tion breaks out, after which he awakes with a feeling of dulness, 
and with stiffness of the limbs, which soon, however, vanish. In 
respect to the topical application of strychnia by the endermic 
method, A. L. Richter 4 remarks, that the preparations of strych- 
nia produce much more powerful local effects than those of mor- 
phia ; they maintain the abraded portions of the skin in an in- 
flamed state, promote suppuration more than morphia, and occa- 
sion violent itching and burning, with a feeling as if needles were 
run into the skin. Artus. recommends, from his investigations, 
pure baryta (Aetzbaryt) as an antidote. It forms an inso- 
luble precipitate with strychnia, and he esteems it to be more cer- 
tain than the tinctures of iodine and bromine recommended by 
Donne, 5 the chloride of barium, or the infusions of tar and galfs 
recommended by Raspail. 6 

The effects, referred to above, were chiefly obtained from the 
administration of the nitrate, but they may be esteemed applicable 
to all the preparations of strychnia, as we know nothing of any 
difference in their action. It is probable, however, that the salts 
of strychnia, owing to their greater solubility, may have more 
action than strychnia itself, although the muriatic and acetic, or 
lactic acids, which are almost always present in the stomach, it 
might be presumed, would readily unite with it. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY IN DISEASE. 
The following remarks apply equally to pure strychnia, and its 

1 Dispensatory, p. 895. Edinb. 1842. 

: See, also, Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. ii. 1310. Lond. 1842; or 
2d American edition, by Carson. Philad. 1840. 

3 Zeitschiift fur Therapie, u. s. w. Freiburg, Dec. 1844, No. 3, cited in Amer. 
Journal of the Medi al Sciences, Jan. 1840, p. 202. 

4 Die Endermatische Methode, u. s. w. Berlin, 1835. 
* Journal de Chimie Med. v. 494. Paris, 1829, 

' Nouveau Systeme de Chimie Organique. Paris, 1833, 



STRYCHNIA. 657 

salts, and to the alcoholic extract of nux vomica, (see page 538,) 
■which is preferred by some. 1 It has been administered in 

Paralysis, especially in that arising from the action of lead, 
in which Bally, Lembert, Bardsley, Andral, Rayer, and Tanquerel 2 
have employed it beneficially. In paraplegia and hemiplegia it 
has been prescribed by Lesieur, G. H. Richter, Romberg, Bards- 
ley, Bally, Lafaye, Oesterlen, Reinhardt, Heyfelder, Faye, Mart, 
Schaible, Raciborski, A. T. Thomson, 3 Gellie, 4 Petrequin, 5 Toul- 
mouche, 6 Badeley, 7 and numerous others. 8 From the results of 
their observations it would seem, that strychnia is most efficacious 
in paraplegia ; less so in hemiplegia, although it is said to have 
been given with advantage in the latter affection ; but its adminis- 
tration in hemiplegia requires special circumspection, particularly 
when the paralysis has succeeded to apoplexy. 9 

The results of the observations of M. Toulmouche induce him 
to believe, that strychnia will only succeed in paralysis or other 
affections " that proceed from some lesion of spinal innervation, 
occasioned by excessive masturbation or indulgence in venereal 
pleasures, by the abuse of spirituous or narcotic liquors, by the. 
action of the emanations of lead," &c; and that it is never suc- 
cessful in paralysis which is owing to an inflammatory condition 
of the brain or spinal marrow. He is of opinion that strychnia has 
a directly excitant effect upon the spinal marrow, and secondarily 
on the organs that receive their nerves from it. Romberg affirms 
that, as a general rule, in cases of paralysis dependent upon dis- 
ease of the central organs of the nervous system, he has never 
seen any striking effect from the endermic use of strychnia, and 
that great care is needed lest it should react injuriously on the 
brain. He considers it especially adapted for cases of paralysis 
that are dependent upon some affection of the spinal marrow in- 
duced by mechanical concussion; as well as for the local paralysis 
that succeeds to rheumatism, suppressed exanthems, &c. 

In paralysis of the upper eyelid, it has been employed suc- 
cessfully by M. Saint Martin, in the w r ay of inoculation, as pro- 
posed by M. Lafargue in the case of morphia (note page 520,) 
two centigrammes — from one-fourth to one-third of a grain — of 
the sulphate being introduced into twelve small punctures around 
the orbit. The operation was continued for six days, with com- 

1 Petrequin, Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mars, 1840. 

2 Gazette Medicale pour 1835, p. 383. 
8 Lond. Med. Gaz. April, 1831. 

« La Lancette Franchise, 29 Aout, 1837. * Op. chat. 

6 Gazette Med. de Paris, No, 5, 1841. 
' Lond. Med. Gaz. July 12, 1846, p. 496. 

8 Petrequin, Gazette Medicale, Nov. 1838; and l'Experience, Oct. 1843. 

9 See Bally, Considerations sur la Strychnine, &c, in Bulletin General de Thera- 
peutique, Fev. 1838. 



OtSS' STRYCHNIA, 

plete success. 1 The same result, as shown hereafter, has followed 
its use by inoculation in amaurosis. 

Dr. Favell 2 contends, that the forms of paralysis most likely 
to be benefited by it are those dependent upon cold, poisons, ant", 
certain molecular changes in the brain and nerves, altogether inap- 
preciable by post mortem examination. He considers, that the 
most dangerous symptoms resulting from an over dose are gene- 
rally caused by the influence of the drug on the nerves distributed 
to the heart. Dr. Benton, of Illinois, 3 affirms, that he has em- 
ployed it with the happiest results in some forms of coma attend- 
ing fevers in malarious districts. The phenomenon occurred in re- 
mittent fever, and seemed wholly independent of organic lesion; — 
the secretions being natural, the tongue and skin moist, and all the 
symptoms improving, excepting those referable to the eneephalon. 
In such cases, strychnia in doses of one-twelfth of a grain^ every 
six hours, afforded relief in from 24 to 48 hours. 

Dr. Pereira 4 has seen it very serviceable in that shaking or 
trembling action of the muscles, which is produced by habitual 
intoxication. G. H. Richter cured a case of aphonia by it, and 
Dr. P. H. Clarke, 5 of West Tennessee, considers, that it not only 
proved beneficial in loss of voice caused by relaxation of the 
muscles of the larynx, but in chronic bronchitis. It has been 
much used internally, and successfully, in amblyopia and amau- 
rosis, by Short, Liston, 6 Guthrie, Middlemore, 7 Henderson, Ym- 
nari, 8 Mart, Petrequin, 9 Dusterburg/ Debreyne, 11 and others, 
Mr. Tyrrell and Mr. Lawrence, 12 however, affirm that they have 
found it inefficacious in amaurosis. In these cases, it is generally 
used endermically on the temporal region. Dr. Stevenson 33 de- 
rived benefit from it — when applied in this way — in cases of 
amaurosis of many years' duration. Half a grain was repeated 
twice a day until tremors of the limbs were produced. He em- 
ployed it in the same manner in other cases of local paralysis, 
In cases of amaurosis, Henderson advises, in addition, that a 
solution of strychnia should be dropped into the eye; and it has 
likewise been used in the form of inoculation, in the manner 
described hereafter. It has been given successfully in paralysis 
of the bladder by Schaible, Bally, Hennemann, Behrend, 14 and 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1S49, p. 70. 

2 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, Dec. 31, 1845. 

3 Bullet, of Med. Science. * Med. Gazette, vol. xk. 
s Illinois and Indiana Med. and Surg. Journ. April and May, 1647. 

8 Lond. Med. Gaz. v. 541 and 575. 

' Midland Medical and Surgical Reporter, May and August, 1831. 

3 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, pour 1841, p. 8. Paris, 1841. 

9 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Juillet. 1838. 

10 Cited in London Medical Gazette, August 5, 1842, p. 733. 
■* Noticed in Medico-Chirurg. Review, Oct. 1844. 

a A Treatise on Diseases of the Eye, Amer. edit, by Hays, p. 519. Philad. 1843, 
13 Transactions of the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta, vol. v. 

11 Medicin. Zeitung, Sept. 1S37, S, 190. 



STRYCHNIA. 659 

others; and in paralysis of the facial nerve, by Drs. O'Brien, 1 
Beales, 2 and Joslin. 3 In two cases of paralysis of the rectum in 
elderly people, accompanying a disordered state of the bowels, the 
author found the best effects from the endermic use of strychnia — 
in the quantity of a quarter of a grain, night and morning, to a 
blistered surface on the sacrum. In high grades oj 'paraplegia , 
the internal use of the remedy is to be preferred, but in general 
the endermic administration is more advisable. In paralysis of 
the limbs, a spot is selected in the -vicinity of the spinal marrow. 

Strychnia is likewise given in other affections. Very favoura- 
ble reports have been made, as to its efficacy in irregular gout, 
by Wendt, who rubs on the affected parts an ointment composed 
of a grain and a half of nitrate of strychnia to two drams of 
lard; and in 

Neuralgia. Mart found it beneficial in tic douloureux and 
in nervous headach ; Magnus in a case of neuralgia of the arm; 
and several successful cases have been published by Dr. Pidduck.* 
The sulphate of strychnia, in doses of one-twelfth of a grain, two 
or three times a day, occasionally combined with sedatives and 
quinia, has been highly recommended by Dr. John Waters. 5 

Traumatic Tetanus. In this disease it has been extolled by 
Luders, and a case, occurring in a negro girl, which terminated 
favourably under its use, in the dose of one-twelfth of a grain every 
two hours., has been reported by Dr. P. M. Kollock. 6 

In hysteria, hypochondriasis, and dyspepsia? it has been ad- 
vised by Schmidtmann, and Basedow, but morphia appears to 
render more essential service. 

In chorea? Romberg and Professor Trousseau, 8 Dr. A. Ross, 9 
Dr. Griscom, 10 and Dr. B. R. Hogan, 11 saw good effects from it 
Professor Trousseau administers a syrup of the sulphate during or 
after meals, in cautiously increased doses until convulsive move- 
ments take place. These are to be kept up for about eight days ? 
when, by diminishing the dose, a mere muscular stiffness should be 
maintained for a similar period, and the remedy be persevered in 
for eight or ten days after all irregular movements have ceased* 
Eight cases are cited in proof of his assertions; but Dr. Cowan 12 

1 Med. Chirurg. Review, and L'Experience, Nov. 1838. 

2 New York Jeuraal of Medicine and Surgery, July, 1839, p. 201. 

* Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1842, p, 322. 

4 Lond. Medical Gazette, Aug. 7, 1840, p. 759. 

3 Cowan's Address, Trans, of the Provin. Med. and Surg. Ass. p. 62. Lond. 1845„ 

5 Southern Medical and Surgical Journal, Oct. 1847, 

* Melconibe, in London Medical Gazette, for March 4, 1837, p. 850. 

8 Journal de Medecine de Beau, Juin et Juillet, 1844, and Traite de Therapeutique 
&c, i. 798. Paris, 1847. Also, Union Medicate, Juin, 1849, cited in Rankings Half- 
yearly Abstract, July to Dec. 1849. Amer. edit. p. 41. 

9 London Lancet, June 7, 1845, p. 636. 

i0 American Journal of the Med. Sciences, April, 1846, p. 471. 
- 1 New Orleans Med. and Surg. Journal, Sep. 1846. 

** Retrospective Address, in Transactions of the Provincial Medical and Surgical As- 
sociation, xiii. 58. Lond. 1845. 



660 STRYCHNIA. 

doubts whether success should justify the employment of a remedy 
so difficult to regulate, especially in cases which seldom resist 
ordinary and well known treatment. The experience of Professor 
Trousseau is confirmed by that of M. Rougier. 1 More recently, 
M. Trousseau 2 has published his mode of administering this power- 
ful article. This consists in employing very small doses, increasing 
them by regular gradations, until slight tetanic rigidity is produced ; 
then suspending the medicine or continuing the last dose, but never 
increasing it beyond that point. He states, that an itching of the 
skin and scalp generally precedes the rigidity, and that the masse- 
ter muscle is first affected. Hence he advises, that the child 
should be frequently asked whether it has any difficulty in open- 
ing the mouth, and thus the earliest toxical effects may be recog- 
nised. 

In retention of urine from loss of power after parturition, Dr. 
Cory 3 administered a sixteenth of a grain of strychnia three times 
a day, with apparent advantage; and it was given, with good re- 
sults, in a case of retention of urine following scarlatina, by Dr. 
Geo. L. Upshur, of Norfolk, Va. 4 

It has likewise been advised in epilepsy* and catalepsy. In a 
successful case related by Dr. Weyland, nitrate of strychnia was 
taken in such quantity as to produce the peculiar tetanic effects of 
strychnia. Fricke has administered it successfully in — 

Syphilitic Osteocopi. It has also been given with benefit in 
cases of 

Dysentery and Diarrhoea, by Bardsley, Recamier, Geddings, 6 
and others; and has been used endermically in cholera — two or 
three grains being applied to the blistered surface on the nape of 
the neck. By MM. Dreyfus, Grimaud d' Angers and Potton it 
was given internally in the same affection to allay vomiting: 
— a quarter to a half a grain being added to three ounces of water, 
and prescribed in the dose of a spoonful every hour. 7 Dr. Ryan 8 
asserts, that he has repeatedly known a few of the pills — the for- 
mula for which is given below — check a profuse diarrhoea with 
rice-coloured evacuations, and even when the extremities were 
blue, in malignant cholera. In the same disease Mr. C. E. Jen- 
kins 9 gives a pill of one-eighteenth, of a grain every quarter of an 
hour, washing it down with copious draughts of cold water. He 

1 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Oct. 1844 ; cited from Medical Times, 
Aug. 31, 1844. 2 Revue Medico-chirurgicale, Janv, 1850. 

* Medico-Chirurgical Review, July, 1839. 

4 Medical Examiner, April, 1847, p. 213. 

5 Brofferio, in Repertorio Medico-Chir. di Torino, 1825, and Revue Medicale, iv. 488. 
Paris, 1825 ; and Weyland, Wochenschrift fur die gesammte Heilkunde, cited in Encyc. 
des Sciences Med. Janv. 1851 , p. 65. 

6 N. American Archives, No. 2, Nov. 1834. 

1 Merat and f3e Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. art. Strychnine. 

8 Formulary, 3d edit. p. 335. Lond. 1839. 

9 London Lancet, Sep. 2, 1848. 



STRYCHNIA. 661 

finds the first three or four pills probably ejected, but the subse- 
quent doses are retained, and their good effect is speedily perceived. 
On the other hand, Dr. Ranking 1 combined it with an aperient 
extract with advantage in habitual constipation; and M. Ho- 
molle 2 relates three cases in which he found milligramme — gr. 
.0154 — doses, repeated every hour, completely efficacious, after 
various other means had been used in vain, in relieving urgent 
symptoms of internal strangulation. 

It has likewise been beneficial in nervous vomiting and gas- 
tralgia, in the former of which two teaspoonfuls of a solution of 
5 centigrammes — gr. f , — in 100 grammes — ^iijj — of water, 
are given every quarter of an hour. M. Debout has seen the vo- 
miting arrested after the fourth or fifth dose. In gastralgia he 
gives the same dose night and morning only. 3 

In gleet, unaccompanied by stricture, Dr. C. Johnson 4 has found 
good effects from an injection of strychnia, according to the for- 
mula given hereafter. 

Jlmenorrhaza. Of twelve cases of suppressed menstruation, 
treated by Dr. Bardsley, ten were cured, and two relieved. Dr. 
Churchill 5 also had two cases, in which the cure by it was com- 
plete and permanent. Lastly. From its efficacy in analogous af- 
fections of the digestive mucous membrane, Dr. Stokes 6 thinks 
there is good reason to hope that it may prove useful in bronchi- 
tis. It has been employed, indeed, in all the cases in which the 
alcoholic extract of nux vomica has been found of service, than 
which it is of course to be more relied upon, in consequence of its 
greater uniformity, — nux vomica itself being often found unequal. 

Intermittent Fever. This powerful agent has been recently 
recommended in this disease by Dr. S. E. M'Kinley, 7 of Tennessee, 
who states, that nO remedy acts " with more certainty, as a per- 
manent cure, if persisted in for two or more weeks." He gives 
from one-sixteenth to one-eighth of a grain every three hours, 
gradually augmenting the dose, " until, in some cases, one grain 
may be given three or four times a day, and without any toxical 
symptoms arising whatever." It need scarcely be said, however, 
that so potent an article must be administered with the greatest^ 
caution, and the cases must be rare in which it need be had recourse 
to to such an extent as to cause apprehension of the unpleasant 
results that appear to be produced at times by its cumulating in 
the system. 

1 L'Union Medicate, No. 138-9, 1848, cited in Brit, and For. Med. Chir. Rev. April, 
1849, p. 539. 2 Ibid. 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 71. 

4 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, April, 1850, p. 541. 

s Outlines of the Principal Diseases of Females, Amer. Med. Library edit. p. 54. 
Fhilad. 1839. 

6 Treatise on Diseases of the Chest, p. 125. Dublin, 1837, or Amer. Med. Library 
edit. Philad- 1838. 

' Medical Examiner, July, 1850, p. 382. 



662 STRYCHNIA. 

In very obstinate cases, Dr. Keller, 1 of Philadelphia, prescribes 
the extract of nux vomica in combination with arsenic, sulphate 
of quinia and extract of quassia. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Pure strychnia is best exhibited internally, in the form of pill, 
or in spirituous solution; but if a little acid, especially the acetic, 
be added to it, it may be given in watery solution, as in this way 
a salt of strychnia may be formed extemporaneously. The dose 
is from one-sixteenth to one-eighth of a grain, which may be gra- 
dually increased until a grain is taken. In ordinary cases it will be 
sufficient to raise the dose to half a grain, two or three times a day ; 
but if any circumstance should arise to cause its discontinuance, it 
ought not to be recommended in doses as large as the last, but 
with small doses, as at the beginning. In the endermic applica- 
tion of the remedy, we sprinkle, twice a day, a quarter of a grain 
on the denuded surface, and slowly increase the quantity to half a 
grain or more should this be necessary. If the larger doses do 
not act more beneficially, it will be advisable to discontinue it 
for a few days — after which the smaller doses may again 
exert a signal influence — rather than to carry the dose still higher. 
M. Petrequin 2 thinks that the endermic use of strychnia fre- 
quently fails, owing to the vesicated surface to which it is applied 
becoming covered with a layer of coagulable lymph, in conse- 
quence of which the strychnia is unable to make its appropriate 
impression. This layer of lymph should be removed as far as 
possible at each application; and as the vesicated surface daily 
becomes less and less sensible, the dose must be proportionally 
increased. M. Petrequin recommends, that a third or a fourth of 
a grain of strychnia should be mixed with two or three grains of 
powdered nux vomica, and the compound be sprinkled on the 
surface ; but it would seem to be preferable to increase the dose 
of strychnia than to place so much insoluble and irritating pow- 
der on the sensitive surface. 

It has also been introduced by inoculation in the neighbourhood 
of the eye in cases of amaurosis? A grain of the sulphate 
'was in one case dissolved in two drops of water: the first day 
twelve inoculations were practised, — six above the eye in the course 
of the supra-orbitar nerve; and six under and on the side of the 
nose, where the ethmoidal filaments and nasal branch terminate, 
and whence arise the filaments that go to the iris. On that, day, 
there was no effect ; but the next day slight tremors occurred in 
the neighbourhood of the inoculated spots. After a Vest of two 

' Nord Amerikanischer Monatsbericht fur Natur und Heilkunde, Sept. 1, 1850, S. 103. 
2 Bulletin General de Therapeutique, Mars, 1840. 

8 Verlegh, Gazetta Medica di Milano, April, 1844, cited in London and Edinburgh 
Monthly Journal of the Medical Sciences, Aug. 1844, p. 713. 



STRYCHNIA. 663 

days, the inoculations were repeated, and the number of punctures 
increased to eighteen. The patient now became sensible of a slight 
haziness. After five successive inoculations, carried to the length 
of thirty punctures, the patient began to distinguish objects ; after 
the eighth, vision was completely restored, the contraction of the 
pupil gradually increased, and the other symptoms diminished, after 
five grains of the sulphate had been used. During the same time, 
inoculations were had recourse to in the neighbourhood of the 
other eye. After the lapse of two months, the patient was per- 
fectly restored. 

PHuIbb strychniae. 
Pills of strychnia, 

R. Strychnine pur. gr. ij. 

Confect. rosee gss. 
Divide in pilulas xxiv. 

Dose. — One to two, morning and evening. Magendie. 

R. Strychniae gr. j. 

Confect. ros. gss. 

Glycyrrhiz. pulv. ^ss. 
Divide in pilulas xij. 

Dose. — One, night and morning. The quantity may be in- 
creased to four or five daily. Ryan. 
R. Strychniae gr. ij. 

Ext. valerian, q. s. 
lit fiant pil. xxxij. 

Dose. — One, every morning, fasting, for five days : — afterwards 
one, morning and evening, in torpid amaurosis, Fumari. 

Tinctura strychnia. 

R. Strychniae pur. gr. iij. 

Alcohol 36° (.837) f gj. M. 

Dose. — Six to twenty-four drops, twice or thrice a day. 

Magendie. 
Mistnra strychniae. 

Mixture of strychnia, 

(Potion stimulante.) 

R. Aq. destillat. fgij. 
Strychniae gr. i. 
Sacch. gij. 
Acid. acet. gtt. ij. M. 

Dose. — A dessert-spoonful, morning and evening. — Magendie. 

Collyrium strychniae. 

Collyrium of strychnia. 

R. Strychniae gr. ij. — iv. — vj. — viij. 
Acid. acet. dil. 
Aq. destillat. aa. f gj. M. 

Two drops to be let fall into the eye, a few times a day, in 
amaurosis, Henderson. 



664 STRYCHNIiE ACETAS. 

Injectio stry chnise. 

Injection of strychnia. 
R. Strychnia? gr. ij. 

Acid, nitric, fort. gtt. iv. 
Aqusefgij. M. 

A dram to be injected three times a day in gleet. 

Christopher Johnson. 

TJnguentum stry chnise. 

Ointment of strychnia. 
R. Strychniae gr. xvj. 
Adipis 3J. M. 

Used in friction on paralyzed parts. Sandras. 1 

It may be well to dissolve the strychnia, before admixture, in a 
little alcohol. 

Linimentum strychnia. 
Liniment of strychnia. 
R. Strychnias gr. xxiv. 
01. oliv. § j. M. 

Twelve drops of the oil to be rubbed on the temples four times 
a day in cases of amaurosis. Cunier. 



CLXIV. STRYCHNIiE ACE'TAS. 

Synonymes. Strychniae Acetas, Strychnium seii Strychninum Aceticura, 
Acetas Strychnii seu Strychnicus, Acetate of Strychnia or Strychnine. 
German. Essigsaures Strychnin, Strychninacetat. 

In addition to the acetate, formed extemporaneously, as men- 
tioned under Strychnia, the proper acetate of strychnia has been 
administered, especially by Liiders and Fricke. It may be made, 
like the acetate of quinia, from the direct combination of strychnia 
with acetic acid. According to Thenard, it is very soluble, and 
crystallizes with difficulty. Even when diluted 40,000 times, its 
solution occasions a sense of bitterness on the tongue. 

The following formulae have been given by the physicians cited. 

Guttse stryclinisB acetatis. 

Drops of acetate of strychnia. 

R. Strychnia? acet. gr. iij. 
Alcohol, f 3J. 
Aq. cinnam. f ^vij. M. 

Dose. — Five drops, twice a day, gradually increasing the dose. 

Liiders. 

1 Bouchardat, Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p, 113. Paris, 1S45. 



STRYCHNIJE IODAS. 



665 



Tinctura stryclinisB acetatis. 
Tincture of acetate of strychnia. 

R. Strychnise acet. gr. iss. 
Alcohol, f^ss. M. 
Dose. — From three or four to twenty or thirty drops to be 
taken at bed-time in cases of syphilitic pains of the hones. 

Fr icke. 



CLXV. STRYCH'NLE I'ODAS. 

Synonymes. Strychnin SB Iodas, Strychnina lodata, Strychnlum sen 
Strychninum lodicum, Iodas Strychnii seu Strychnicus, Iodate of 
Stiychnia or Strychnine. 

German. Iodsaures Strychnin, Strychnin jodat. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The preparation of this salt, according to Magendie, is easy. It 
is sufficient to add a concentrated solution of iodic acid to pow- 
dered strychnia: in a moment, the mass swells up, absorbs water, 
becomes thicker, and at times very consistent. It is now treated 
with boiling alcohol, filtered, and left to spontaneous evaporation. 
In this way, beautiful crystals of iodide of strychnia are obtained. 
The iodic acid, proper for this preparation, is procured, according 
to Geiger, in the following manner. Nine parts of iodide of 
baryta are boiled with two parts of oil of vitriol, previously 
diluted with ten times as much water, for half an hour. It is then 
filtered, and evaporated by a gentle heat to the consistence of a 
thin syrup, and is exposed to the air for spontaneous evaporation. 

Iodate of strychnia may likewise be formed by double decom- 
position, by mixing a soluble iodate, as iodate of soda, with a so- 
lution of sulphate or muriate of strychnia. The iodate of strych- 
nia is precipitated, which may be treated with boiling alcohol, and 
crystallized as above directed. 

The iodide is of a white colour, and crystallizes in beautiful 
prismatic needles : it is but slightly soluble in cold water, but more 
so in boiling water and alcohol. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
" This salt, 55 says Magendie, "is one of the most active poisons 
with which I am acquainted. A single grain is sufficient to de- 
stroy a strong dog w T ith tetanic symptoms, -tit acts, likewise, 
powerfully on the diseased organism. I gave it to several persons 
with a success which far exceeded my expectations. It proved 
effectual in some old paraplegic affections, which had been esteemed 
incurable, and after all the usual remedies had been administered 
in vain. 55 ' He gave it in pills, each of which contained one-eighth 
of a grain. One of these was prescribed night and morning, and 
the dose was gradually increased, until ultimately a grain was 



666 STRYCHNINE IODAS. 

taken in the twenty-four hours. The greatest circumspection was, 
however, necessary in its use. 

Magendie is of opinion, that the hydriodate of strychnia, strych- 
nium hydroiodicum, hydriodas seu iodhydras strychnia seu strych- 
nicus; Germ. Iodwasserstoffsaures Strychnin, iodwas- 
s erst off St rye h n in, might be advantageously introduced into 
medicine. It is prepared by mixing a solution of iodide of po- 
tassium with a concentrated solution of acetate of strychnia : a 
white crystalline powder is precipitated, which is soluble in alco- 
hol, and is pure hydriodate of strychnia. 

It does not appear to have been used as yet in medicine. 

An iodide of iodhydrate of strychnia ; French, Iodurc 
d' Iodhydrate de strychnine, has likewise been proposed. It is 
prepared by pouring a solution of ioduretted iodide of potassium 
into a solution of a salt of strychnia. A flocculent precipitate 
is formed of a light chestnut hue, which is dried and treated with 
boiling alcohol. On cooling, the alcohol suffers crystals of iodu- 
retted iodhydrate of strychnia to be deposited. It has the form 
of semi-transparent needles, of a deep ruby red colour ; is soluble 
in alcohol and ether; but completely insoluble in water, even when 
slightly acidulated. 

M. Bouchardat 1 has administered this preparation to dogs, in 
the dose of three decigrammes (gr. 4.63.) It poisoned them like 
strychnia, but the action was much longer in developing itself. 
In the dose of five centigrammes, (gr. .771,) it occasioned, in about 
an hour, convulsive shocks, which persisted for some time ; but the 
animal completely recovered. He thinks the advantage it pos- 
sesses over strychnia is in being less poisonous and more persist- 
ent. It is always identical in composition, and easy to obtain 
pure. 

The dose is a centigramme (about a sixth of a grain) a day, 
gradually increasing it. 

A double iodide of zinc and strychnia has also been prepared, 
which, according to M. Bouchardat, is a well defined salt, crystal- 
lizing regularly in beautiful needles of a brilliant white colour. It 
is composed of one atom of iodhydrate of strychnia, and one of 
iodide of zinc, and is soluble in water and in alcohol. When 
given to animals, it acts like strychnia and its salts ; but requires 
double the dose. It is prepared by digesting for several days, in 
hot water, the iodide of iodhydrate of strychnia and zinc; the 
boiling liquid is filtered, and, on cooling, the salt crystallizes. M. 
Bouchardat 2 thinks it may replace strychnia with advantage, — be- 
ing more manageable ; and he suggests, that it may be a valuable 
agent in many serious neuroses, and especially in epilepsy. 

1 Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 114. Paris, 1 845. * Ibid. p. 114. 



STRYCHNIA NITRAS. 667 



CLXVI. STRYCH'NLE NITRAS, 

Synonymes. Strychninae Nitras, Strychnium seu Strychninum Nitricum, 
Nitras Strychnii seu Strychnicus, Nitrate of Strychnia or Strychnine. 
German. Salpe t er saure s Strychnin, Stry chninnitrat. 

This preparation of strychnia has been more used in Germany 
than any other. 1 It has been received into the Prussian Pharma- 
copoeia, (Landespharmakopoe,) where "it is directed to be 
prepared in the following manner: 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

On eight pounds of nux vomica, sixteen pounds of spirit of 
wine (Kornbranntwein) are poured, and the liquid is distilled 
to one-half. The nux vomica is then freed from the liquor by 
filtering, dried and reduced to coarse powder. This is digested 
two or three times, with a sufficient quantity of the spirit, and after 
digestion it is strained. The tinctures are then subjected to dis- 
tillation, and what remains is evaporated along with the fluid that 
remained after the boiling : to this acetate of lead, dissolved in a 
sufficient quantity of distilled water, is added so long as a pre- 
cipitate falls. The fluid, separated as much as possible from the 
precipitate, by means of the filter, is now evaporated to one-half, 
by a gentle heat. When cold, it is mixed with two ounces of 
calcined magnesia, and suffered to stand three days, when the de- 
posit is separated by the aid of the filter, washed, and dried. 
This, after having been rubbed to powder, is digested two or three 
times in alcohol, and the tinctures are subjected to distillation, until 
only a few ounces remain. The strychnia, which, on cooling, 
appears in the retort in the form of a white powder, is separated 
by the filter, washed two or three times with rectified spirit of 
wine diluted with an equal quantity of common water, and neu- 
tralized by a proper quantity of dilute nitric acid. The filtered 
fluid is evaporated by a gentle heat so as to allow the formation of 
crystals. These crystals are needle-shaped, colourless, of a silkv 
splendour, and a very bitter taste : they are soluble with difficulty 
in alcohol, but dissolve in ether. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose and mode of administering the nitrate of strychnia are 
the same as in the case of pure strychnia. Its endermic application 
will sometimes succeed when the internal administration has been 
more limited in its results. The experiments instituted by Dr. 
Stannius, and others, and referred to in a former page, were w T ith 
nitrate of strychnia. 

1 Stumpf. art. Strychnos. Encyclop'ad. Worteib. der Medicin. Wissench. xxsii. 484. 
Berlin, 1844. 



663 SULPHURIS CARBURETUM. 

Magendie found, in his experiments, that this salt completely 
prevented the coagulation of the blood. 1 



CLXVII. STRYCH'NLE SULPHAS. 

Synontmes. Strychninae Sulphas, Strychnium seu Strychninum Sulphuri- 
cum, Sulphas Strychnii seu Strychnicus, Sulphate of Strychnia or 
Strychnine. 

German. Schwefelsaures Strychnin, Strychninusulphat. 

The same effects have been observed from this preparation as 
from the others. It is also dispensed in the same forms and doses. 
It may be obtained by the simple union of strychnia with sul- 
phuric acid. According to Pelletier, 100 parts of the alkaloid 
saturate 10.4S6 of the acid. It is soluble in less than sixteen 
parts of cold water, and crystallizes, when neutral, in transpa- 
rent cubes ; when acid, in needles. Its taste is extraordinarily bit- 
ter. It is decomposed by every soluble salifiable base. 

Sulphate of strychnia is much used by M. Trousseau, (see page 
570 :) he prescribes it in the form of 

Syrupus strychnia snlphatis. 

Syrup of sulphate of strychnia. 
(Strop de strychnine. — Trousseau.) 
R. Strychnia? sulphat. gr. 3.85 (25 cent.) 
Syrup. Oj. (500 grammes) M. 

Trousseau. 



CLXVIII. SUL'PHURIS CARBURETUM. 

Svnonymes. Sulphuretum Carbonii seu Carbonei, Carbonium seu Carbo- 
neum Sulphuratum, Alcohol Sulphuris, Bisulphuretum Carbonii, Car- 
bonii Bisulphuretum, Sulfidum Carbonii, Sulphuret of Carbon, Bisulphu- 
ret of Carbon, Sulphide of Carbon, Carburet of Sulphur, Alcohol of 
Sulphur. 

French. Sulfure de Carbon, Carbure de Soufre, Soufre Carbure, Alcool de 
Sou f re. 

German. S ch vvef e Jalkohol , Schwef elkohlenst off, Fliissiger 
Kohlenschwefel, Kohlensulfurid. 

Carburet of sulphur or sulphuret of carbon was discovered by 
Lampadius in the year 1796. It is a transparent and colourless 
fluid at the ordinary temperature ; has a very penetrating and dis- 
agreeable odour ; and a taste cooling at first, but afterwards 
burning, acrid, and somewhat aromatic. Its specific gravity is 
1.272. It boils at 106° of Fahrenheit. It is not decomposed at 

; Lecons sur le Sang; or translation in Lond. Lancet, Jan, 26. 1839, p. 637. 



SULPHURIS CARBURETUM. 669 

the highest temperatures ; but volatilizes rapidly in the air, and 
burns readily. It is not soluble in water, but is so in alcohol, 
ether, and the fixed and volatile oils. Water separates it im- 
mediately from those solutions. It unites intimately with the 
alkalies ; but, of the acids, aqua regia — which is a mixture of 
the nitric and muriatic acids — alone lays hold of it. It dissolves 
potassa, camphor, sulphur, and phosphorus. Lampadius, in the 
first instance, regarded sulphuret of carbon as a compound of sul- 
phur and hydrogen ; it is now, however, decided, that it consists 
of sulphur and carbon, — according to Vauquelin, in the proportion 
of So or 86 to 15 or 14 ; according to Berzelius and Marcet, of 
84.84 to 10.16. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

The following method is recommended by Mitscherlich :* 
The temperature at which sulphur enters into ebullition is not 
sufficient to make the two substances combine, but if burning coals 
be placed in contact with vapours of sulphur, the combination 
takes place immediately. With this view, a tube of porcelain 
may be used, or, what is better, one of cast iron, lined internally 
with a coating of clay by running it several times through a paste 
of clay and water, and heating the tube each time. In this man- 
ner, the crust of dry clay will become strong enough to prevent 
the sulphur from attacking the iron. The tube is then filled with 
strongly calcined coals, and is heated to redness in an oblong fur- 
nace. One end of the tube is closed by a cork, and a small hole 
is made at the upper part of the tube, through which the sulphur 
is introduced, and which is closed by a plug. The other end, 
which has passed through the furnace, is likewise closed by a large 
cork, traversed by a glass tube. To make the stoppers close the 
tube hermetically, they are boiled with glue. The long glass tube 
passes into a large jar, through a hole in which it is adapted 
hermetically by means of a cork. The ordinary aperture of the 
jar is closed by a cork in which a tube is fitted hermetically, which 
passes through the window. At the bottom of the jar is con- 
tained a little water. The long tube passing from the furnace to 
the jar may be kept cool by water made to drop upon it, or by 
covering it with snow or ice. When the charcoal is heated to, red- 
ness, small fragments of sulphur are dropped in, from time to time, 
by means of the aperture before mentioned, which must be care- 
fully closed each time afterwards. The sulphur, on melting, runs 
towards the hottest parts of the tube, to which a slight inclination 
has been given on placing it in the furnace. It enters into ebulli- 
tion, and is transformed into sulphureous vapour, which, by pass- 
ing over the hot coals, combines with them: the sulphuret of car- 

1 Elemens de Chimie, traduits par M. B. Valerius, i. 156. Bruxelles, 1835. 

43 



670 SULPHURIS CARBURETUM. 

bon or carburet of sulphur, formed, condenses in the long tube, 
from which it runs into the jar, and falls to the bottom of the wa- 
ter. As the coal always retains a little hydrogen, the sulphur 
likewise unites with it, to form a gaseous body, which is carried 
off by the tube passing through the window. 

Carburet of sulphur is preserved in well-stopped bottles, and 
is covered with about an inch of w T ater, whence it can be best ob- 
tained for use by means of a small glass or ivory syringe. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Dr. Snow 1 diffused its vapour through air, and noticed the ef- 
fects on mice. He concludes that a single deep inspiration of air 
saturated with it, at a summer temperature, would produce instant 
death. It did not cause muscular relaxation before dissolution; 
but tremulous convulsions continued until the last. They super- 
vened, or were threatened, almost as soon as complete insensibility 
to external impressions was established. 

Carburet of sulphur holds a place amongst the transient or dif- 
fusible stimulants. 2 Its most marked effects are said to consist in 
its " exciting the function of cutaneous transpiration to copious 
sweating; increasing the secretion of urine, elevating the tem- 
perature of the body, quickening the pulse, and causing congestions 
towards the head and those parts of the body whose vitality may 
have been already somewhat augmented." 3 Its most striking 
agency is exhibited in the more active exercise of the functions of 
the skin. According to Mansfeld, it acts likewise as an emmena- 
gogue; but, in this respect, probably only like similar excitants. 
On account of its great volatility, it produces on the skin the 
feeling of considerable cold. 

The discoverer of the carburet of sulphur first recommended it 
as a remedial agent. 4 He particularly advised it, both internally 
and externally, in rheumatic and gouty affections. In Freiburg, 
a mixture of one part of camphor, two of carburet of sulphur, 
and four of alcohol, is a very common external application in rheu- 
matic pains. Kappe found decided advantage from it in gout and 
rheumatism ; and Mansfeld and Wutzer, resting upon a series of 
observations, maintain, that in rheumatism unaccompanied by 
fever, or where the fever is slight, it exceeds every other remedy 
of the class. Dr. Otto, 5 of Copenhagen, prescribes four drops of 
a mixture composed of one part of carburet of sulphur, and four 
parts of highly rectified spirit of wine, to be taken every two 

■ London Med. Gazette, June 23, 1848. 

3 Wutzer, Journ. de Chimie Med.; cited in Amer. Journ. Med. Sciences, Nov. 1831, 
p. 215. 

8 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittol, S. 100; und 2te Auflage, S. 166. Stuttgart, 1840. 

4 Lampadius, in Bulletin des Sciences Medicates de Ferussac, xi. 315. 

4 Annates de Chimie Medicate, cited in American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 
for Nov. 1836, p. 222. 



SULPHURIS CARBURETUM. 671 

hours : and he directs the affected part to be rubbed with an em- 
brocation, composed of one part of sulphuret of carbon, and four 
parts of olive oil. The cure, he states, is ordinarily effected in 
from eight to fifteen days. In deep-rooted dyscrasies, however, 
these gentlemen found no advantage from it. On the other hand, 
in trials at the Berlin Charite, it was found to be of no avail in 
chronic rheumatism, although it was used for a long time, and 
given in by no means small doses. 1 

Mansfeld, also, employed it in cases of after-pains, rubbing it, 
without admixture, on the abdomen; and he affirms, that good 
elfects resulted from it, even when ergot had failed. In hysteric 
fainting, the same gentleman found it useful when internally ex- 
hibited. Lampadius likewise recommended it in fainting, as well 
as in asphyxia. Krimer found it extremely efficacious in asphyxia 
from carbonic acid, but he frequently thought it necessary to pre- 
mise blood-letting. In this way, he treated eleven cases, and only 
one — in which apoplexy had already supervened — terminated 
fatally. The same physician exhibited it in some cases of drunk- 
enness, attended with loss of consciousness, and found its effects 
very beneficial. He gave it with great advantage once in a case 
of goitre; and, in incarcerated hernia, no agent, he says, facilitates 
so much the taxis as the cold produced by dropping carburet of 
sulphur on the tumour. 2 Lampadius found, that slight burns were 
instantaneously cured by it. Dr. Turnbull affirms, that the 
vapour of this substance was useful in cases of indurated lym- 
phatic glands, and for the removal of deafness, dependent upon 
want of nervous energy, and deficiency of cerumen. It is applied 
by means of a bottle having a proper sized mouth, and containing 
a fluidram of the bisulphuret, imbibed by a piece of sponge. In 
the case of indurated lymphatic glands, the part is first well moist- 
ened with water. When the vapour is applied to the ear, the 
bottle, the neck of which must be small to fit the meatus, is held 
close to the organ, until considerable warmth is induced. 3 Clarus 
recommends it in hypertrophy of the coats of the stomach, and in 
contraction of the oesophagus — when administered according to the 
formula given below. Every thing, indeed, says Riecke, encourages 
its farther trial as a remedial agent. 4 It has been employed re- 
cently by Dr. Simpson, 5 of Edinburgh, as an anesthetic. By one 
or two to whom it was exhibited, it was declared to be more 
pleasant than chloroform; but in several it produced disagreeable 
encephalic disorder. Its effects as an ansesthetic were powerful, 

1 G. Simon, art. SehwefelkohlenstofF, Encyclopad. Worterb. der Medicinisch. Wissen- 
schaft. xxxi. 270. Berlin, 1843. 

2 Journal de Pharmacie, and American Journal of Pharmacy, ix. 264. 

3 Pharm. Journ. and Transact, ii, 352; cited in Dispensatory of the United States, 
(ith edit, p 1235. Fhilad. 1845. 

4 Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 110. 
6 Pharmaceutical Journal, vii. 517. 



672 SULPHURIS CARBURETUM. 

and very rapid, but difficult of regulation ; and its deranging in- 
fluence continued for some time after it was exhibited. Dr. Simp- 
son employed it in obstetrical cases, when the same objections 
were found to apply to it. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Carburet of sulphur may be given internally in doses of from 
one drop to four, every five or ten minutes, in cases of fainting 
and asphyxia; but where such a rapid analeptic agency is not de- 
manded, it may be given every two or three hours. It may be 
administered dropped on sugar or in a spoonful of sugared water 
or barley water. Clarus thinks it is best given in cow's milk. 

Externally, it is either applied pure, when a rapid development 
of cold is needed — as in cases of burns and incarcerated hernia — 
or dissolved in alcohol or oil. 

GuttaB sulphuris carbureti. 

Drops of carburet of sulphur. 
R. Sulphur, carbur. f 51J. 

either, sulphur, f g % M. 

Dose. — A few drops on sugar. Lampadius* 

R. Sulphur, carbur. f £j. 
Alcohol, f 3 ss. M. 

Dose. — Four to six drops, every two hours, in rheumatism. 

Wutzer. 

R. Sulphur, carbur. f gj. 
Alcohol, f 31J. M. 

Dose. — Five, ten, or fifteen drops, three times a day, in cases 
of rheumatism. Wutzer. 

Mistura sulphuris carbureti. 

Mixture of carburet of sulphur. 
R. Sulphur, carbur. 9j. 
Lact. vaccin. f jfvj. 
Sacch. gij. M. 

Dose. — A table-spoonful, four times a day, or oftener. 

Clarus. 
Embrocatio sulphuris carbureti, 

Embrocation of carburet of sulphur. 
R. Sulphur, carbur. ^ss. 

Olei amygd. dulc. 3J. M. 
To be rubbed in, in cases of old gouty nodes. 

Mansfeld and Otto. x 
R. Sulphur, carbur. f gij. 
01. oliv. seu 
Linim. amraon. camphor, f gij. M. 

To be rubbed in, in cases of rheumatism. Wutzer. 

1 Bibliothek for Lsger, 1833 ; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Review, July, 1836, p. 252 



SULPHURIS IODIDUM. 



673 



R. Camphor, gij. 
Solve in 

Sulphur, carbur. f 3SS. 
Adde 

Alcohol, f gj. M. 

To be used in friction, in cases of rheumatism, and especially 
in rheumatic odontalgia. Lampadius. 



CLXIX. SULPHURIS IODIDUM. 

Sy^onymes. Sulphuris Ioduretum, Sulphur Iodatum seu Ioduratum, 

Ioduret or Iodide of Sulphur. 
French. Soufre Iodure, Iodure de Soufre. 
German. Iodschwefel, Iodinschwefel, Schwefeliodiir. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Iodide of sulphur is prepared by heating slightly a mixture of 
four parts of iodine, and one of sublimed sulphur. The excess of 
iodine is driven off, and the iodide of sulphur remains as a grayish- 
black mass, very deliquescent, and readily decomposed by water. 
M. G. Van Melekebeke x has proposed the following form: — Take 
of iodine, two parts; washed sulphur, one part. Bruise them 
together, and introduce the mixture into a glass tube, pressing it 
down until the tube is well filled ; then seal hermetically. Heat 
at first gently, until the mixture begins to become of a darker 
colour; then augment the heat so as to fuse the iodide; keep it 
for some time in this state, and turn the tube constantly, that the 
action may be uniform; remove it from the fire, and shake it until 
the iodide begins to congeal, and until vapours of iodine no longer 
form; open the tube, and compress again the iodide, in order to 
have it in fine cylinders. M. Van Melekebeke recommends this 
as a very expeditious process, and one which enables the phar- 
macien to prepare the iodide in very small quantity. The com- 
mittee of the Societe des Sciences Medicates et JVaturelles of Ma- 
lines approve of the process, but suggest, that the proportion of 
iodine to sulphur should be three to one. 

The following form for its preparation has been introduced into 
the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States: — Take 
of iodine, jiv. ; sulphur, ^j. Rub the iodine and sulphur together 
in a glass, porcelain, or marble mortar, until they are thoroughly 
mixed. Put the mixture into a matrass; close the orifice loosely, 
and apply a gentle heat so as to darken the mass without melting 
it. When the colour has become uniformly dark throughout, in- 
crease the heat so as to melt the iodide; then incline the matrass 
in different directions, in order to return into the mass any portion 
of iodine which may have condensed on the inner surface of the 

1 Archives de la Medecine Beige, Mars, 1842, p. 307. 



674 SULPHURIS IODIDUM. 

vessel : lastly, allow the matrass to cool, break it, and put the 
iodide into bottles, which are to be well stopped. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Biett has used this agent in squamous, pustular, and papular 
diseases of the skin. It has been found especially effective in 
psoriasis, in the form of friction. Patients, who had been long 
affected with diseases of this kind, which had resisted every other 
remedy, were cured in four or five months by iodide of sulphur 
alone. To prevent relapses, Biett advises that the frictions should 
be continued after the eruptions have scaled off. He found it 
equally efficacious in the lepra vulgaris of Willan; and in acne — 
the gutta rosacea of Alibert — when the inflammation of the skin 
had passed away. Even acne indurata was often completely cured 
by it. 1 He found it also beneficial in inveterate porrigo of the 
scalp.* At times, after the rubbing, a diffuse red inflammation of 
the skin arises, with subsequent desquamation; and, in particular 
cases, the inflammation extends even to the subjacent areolar mem- 
brane. In old standing lepra, Rayer 3 prefers it for external use 
to calomel and white precipitate; and he ranks it highly, with the 
iodides of mercury, for the cure of lupus non exedens ; and by Dr. 
Volmar 1 it has been used, with great success, in herpes pustulosus 
labialis. It is likewise extolled by Lugol as a very active thera- 
peutical agent. Cless affirms, that in chronic squamous affections 
of the skin, especially in psoriasis, he has employed it with ad- 
vantage, but he was not able to cure lepra vulgaris with it. It 
has been strongly recommended in tinea capitis, in the proportion 
of ten grains of the iodide to an ounce of lard. A writer in an 
English periodical 5 affirms, that he was induced to make trial of it 
in some obstinate cases, and was much astonished at the remarka- 
ble pow T er it possessed over the disease. He rubbed it on the head, 
night and morning, and increased the strength of the ointment ac- 
cording as the affected part w r as able to bear the stimulus, until 
the iodide bore the proportion of half a dram to the ounce of lard 
or spermaceti cerate. Dr. Wilson has recommended, that the 
surface in porrigo, after ablution with warm water, should be rubbed 
gently twice a day with a liniment composed of iodid. sulphur gss., 
ol. oliv., ^j. In porrigo decalvans it has been found beneficial, 
made into an ointment with 18 or 20 parts of lard, and rubbed on 
very gently night and morning. Dr. W. Davidson, 6 too, has ex- 

* See, also, Rayer, Traite Theorique et Pratique des Maladies de la Peau; and Cop- 
land, Dictionary of Practical Medicine, art. Acne. 

2 Cazenave et Schedel, Maladies de la Peau, p. 219; and Cogswell on Iodine, p. 120. 
Edinb. 1837. 3 Diseases of the Skin, p. 634. 

* Die neuesten Entdeckung. in d. Mat. Med.; cited by Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. 
ii. 477, 2d edit. Lond. 1842; or 2d Amer. edit, by Carson. Philad. 1846. 

5 London Medical Gazette, for Sept. 9, 1837, p 879. See, also, M. Cazenave, cited 
in American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Oct. 1841. p. 460. 

' London and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Dec. 1841: also, J. 
J. Ross, ibid. Sept. 1842, p. 792. 






UREA. 



675 



tolled it highly. He affirms, that although it does not seem to 
have so much power over lepra and psoriasis as over porrigo, it 
has succeeded more frequently than any agent he has tried, with 
the exception of blistering by cantharides. The author has certain- 
ly obtained far more satisfactory results from the use of iodide of 
sulphur in chronic cutaneous diseases in general, and especially in 
porrigo, eczema, and psoriasis, than from any other external 
agent; and such is the result of the observations of M. Es- 
colar. 1 

The inhalation of the vapour of this substance has been em- 
ployed in humoral asthma by Dr. Copland, 2 with temporary 
benefit; and fumigations of iodine and sulphur have been used ad- 
vantageously in certain atonic ulcers and chronic cutaneous dis- 
eases. 3 With this view, the sulphur and iodine may be combined 
extemporaneously, — say four parts of iodine to one part of sulphur. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Ungnentum sulphuris iodidi. 

Ointment of iodide of sulphur. 

R. Sulphur, iodid. 9j. — £ss. 

Adipis ^j. M. et fiat unguentum. 

Biett, — Bayer. 



CLXX. URE'A. 

Synonyp^ies. Ureum, Uricum, Nephrine, Nephrin. 
French. Uree, Extrait Savonneux de FUrine. 
German. Hams toff. 

This immediate principle of the urine of man and quadrupeds 
was discovered in an impure state by Rouelle, in 1773; and since 
then it has been studied by Cruickshanks, Fourcroy and Vauque- 
lin, Berzelius, Proust, and Liebig more especially. 4 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Urea is obtained by placing a mixture of equal volumes of urine, 
reduced to the consistence of syrup, and nitric acid at 20° in a re- 
frigerative bath ; by which means crystallized nitrate of urea is 
precipitated. On dissolving this in cold water, and decomposing 
by carbonate of potassa, reducing it almost to dryness, and treating 
the residue by alcohol at 40°, which takes up the urea, crystals 
may be obtained by evaporation, which may subsequently be pro- 
cured colourless by the agency of animal charcoal. 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1848, p. 196. Paris, 1348. 

3 Diet, of Practical Medicine, art. Asthma. 

s London Lancet, vol. i. 1 838. 

* Annales de Chimie et de Physique, x. 369, and Merat and De Lens, art. Uree. 



676 UREA. 

M. Henry, 1 who was not satisfied with the scanty product 
yielded by this process, recommends the following: — Add to fresh 
urine a slight excess of subacetate of lead; a precipitate is thus 
formed, which consists of oxide of lead united to the various acids 
of the urine, together with the mucus, and a great part of the 
animal matter; the decanted liquor is then treated with sulphuric 
acid in slight excess to separate the lead, and, afterwards, in the 
progress of the evaporation, to decompose the salts of soda and 
lime that may have been formed. After having separated the 
white precipitate, concentrate rapidly over a steady fire, adding a 
portion of animal charcoal during the ebullition. When the whole 
has become a clear syrup, pass it through linen of close texture, 
and then reduce it one-third by evaporation. On cooling, the 
liquid is converted into a yellow mass, crystallized in needles, and 
formed of a great proportion of urea and some salts. The crys- 
tals, being drained and pressed, are added to those obtained from 
the mother waters treated in a similar manner. They are next 
treated with a very small quantity of carbonate of soda, with the 
view of separating any remaining acetate of lime, and then digest- 
ed in alcohol of 38° to 40°. The alcoholic solution being filtered, 
and the alcohol separated by distillation, the urea remains, which 
may be crystallized afresh from water, if necessary. 2 

Urea, thus obtained, is in silky or prismatic needles, is very 
soluble, and of a cooling taste. 

The following improved method of preparation has been pro- 
posed by Prof. Liebig. 3 Twenty-eight parts of ferrocyanuret of 
potassium perfectly dried are mixed with fourteen parts of per- 
oxide of manganese, both being reduced to as fine a powder as 
possible; the mixture is then heated on an iron plate, not in a cru- 
cible, over a coal fire to a feeble red heat. At this temperature it 
inflames, and is gradually extinguished. By shaking it several 
times, at intervals, it is prevented from becoming agglutinated, and 
the access of air is facilitated. The mass, on cooling, is treated 
with cold water, and the liquor is mixed with twenty parts and a 
half of dry sulphate of ammonia of commerce, prepared by satu- 
rating sulphuric acid with carbonate of ammonia, and evaporating 
it to dryness. It is w r ell to put to one side the first concentrated 
washings afforded by the ferrocyanuret of potassium; to dissolve 
in the last washings, in the cold, the sulphate of ammonia, and to 
mix them with the first. Commonly, an abundant precipitate of 
sulphate of potassa forms immediately. The supernatant liquid is 
poured off, and evaporated in a salt water bath, or rather in a 

1 Journal de Pharmacie, xi. 161. Paris, 1829. 

3 Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacy; by H. M. Edwards and P. Vavasseur, 
p. 231. Philada. 1829. 

* Annalen der Chimie und Pharmacie, B. xxxviii.; and Journal de Pharmacie, Aout, 
1841, p. 502. 



UREA. 677 

warm place, — care being taken to prevent ebullition. Fresh crys- 
talline plates of sulphate of potassa are deposited, and the liquor 
is decanted as far as possible. The decanted liquor is then eva- 
porated to dryness, and the residuum is treated with boiling 
alcohol of eighty to ninety per cent. This dissolves the urea, 
which crystallizes by the cooling and evaporation of the alcohol, 
whilst the sulphates do not dissolve. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

The experiments of M. Segalas have established, that urea is 
devoid of any noxious action on animals into whose veins it has 
been injected, and, consequently, that we cannot ascribe the serious 
symptoms to it which arise from the absorption of urine in certain 
morbid cases. They demonstrate, farther, what has been con- 
firmed by the trials of Fouquier, that urea is a diuretic, and, there- 
fore, might be useful in dropsy, and it has been so prescribed by 
him and by M. Segalas. Fouquier employed it, also, but unsuc- 
cessfully, in diabetes. 1 Laennec used it with advantage in a case 
of dropsy. In two cases reported by Mr. Kingdon, 2 he found 
that Nitrate of Urea, — JVitras Urece, Urea JVitrica; French, 
Nitrate d'Uree; German, Salpetersaures Harnsto ff — 
acted as a very powerful diuretic; reducing, in a comparatively 
short time, anasarcous swellings of some standing, when ordinary 
diuretics had failed. In the first case, he gave one grain of the 
nitrate with one grain of calomel, in the form of pill, every night 
and morning for twelve days. The urine became copious, and 
the swelling disappeared. In the second case, a grain and a half 
of the nitrate was given alone three times a day. The like suc- 
cess attended this case: in ten days the anasarca had disappeared. 
Urea was also prescribed by M. Piorry in albuminuria.* 

According to Prof. Fee, 4 urea is received into the lists of the 
Materia Medica in the Batavian Pharmacopoeia, and in some 
others less known. It has also been admitted into the French 
Pharmacopoeia. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Urea has been given in solution in distilled water, sweetened, 
in the dose of twenty-four to thirty grains, and even as high as 
several drams, in the day. 

1 Journal de Physiol, de Magendie, ii. 344, and Magendie, Formulaire pour la Pre- 
paration, &c, de plusieurs nouveaux Medicamens. 

a London Lancet, Sept. 7, 1844, p. 729. 

* A sclieri brenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, S. 268. Erlangen, 1848. 

4 Cours. d'Hist. Naturelle Pharm. ii. 764 ; cited in Merat and De Lens, Diet, de 
Mat. Med. art. Uree. 



678 



VERATRIA. 



CLXXT. VERATRIA 



Synonymes. Veratrina, Veratrinum. Veratrium, Veratrine. 

French. Veratrine. 

German. Veratrin, Niesswurzstoff. 

This alkaloid, which was discovered in 1819, by MM. Pelle- 
tier and Caventou, 1 and almost at the same time by Meissner, 2 is 
commonly prepared from the seeds of veratrum sabadilla — Saba- 
dilla or Cevadilla of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. 
It is contained in several of the plants belonging to the family 
Colchicaceae. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Cevadilla is repeatedly treated with boiling alcohol. The tinc- 
tures, filtered when almost boiling, allow whitish flakes of wax to 
be deposited on cooling; the dissolved matters, brought to the con- 
sistence of an extract, are now dissolved in cold water, and filtered, 
whereby a small quantity of fatty matter remains on the filter. 
The solution is then slowly evaporated, when a yellowish orange- 
coloured precipitate is formed, which possesses the characters of 
the colouring matter found in almost all woody vegetables. On 
adding a solution of acetate of lead to the still deeply coloured 
liquid, a new and very abundant yellow precipitate is thrown 
down, which can be separated by means of the filter. The liquor, 
now nearly colourless, contains, besides other substances, acetate 
of lead, which had been added in excess; this is separated by 
means of a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen; the liquor is then 
filtered, and concentrated by evaporation; treated by magnesia, 
and again filtered. The magnesian precipitate is digested in boil- 
ing alcohol, and on evaporating the alcoholic liquors, a pulveru- 
lent, extremely acrid matter is obtained, which possesses all the 
properties of the alkalies. It appears at first yellowish; but by 
solutions in alcohol, and subsequent precipitations, caused by 
pouring water into the alcoholic solutions, it is obtained in the 
form of a very white and perfectly inodorous powder. 3 

Veratria has been received into the London and United States 
Pharmacopoeias. 4 In these it is directed to be prepared as fol- 
lows: — Take of cevadilla, bruised, two pounds; alcohol, three 
gallons; diluted sulphuric acid, solution of ammonia, purified 
animal charcoal, magnesia, each a sufficient quantity. Boil 
the cevadilla in a gallon of the alcohol, in a retort w T ith a receiver 
attached, for Bn hour, and pour off the liquor. To the residue 

1 Annales de Chimie et de Physique, xiv. 69. 

a Gilbert's Annalen der Physik, lxv. 335. 

* Magendie's Formulaire pour la Preparation, &c, de plusieurs nouveaux Medicamens. 

4 Pharra. of the United States, p. 237. Philada. 1842. For Righini's method of 
obtaining what M. Soubeiran calls '■'■medicinal veratrine? see Journal de Pharmacie, 
Oct. 1837. 



VERATRIA. 679 

add another gallon of the alcohol, together with the portion re- 
cently distilled, again boil for an hour, and pour off the liquor. 
Repeat the boiling a third time with the remaining alcohol, and 
with that distilled in the previous operation. Press the cevadilla, 
mix and strain the liquors, and by means of a water bath distil off 
the alcohol. Boil the residue three or four times in water acidu- 
lated with sulphuric acid, mix and strain the liquors, and evapo- 
rate to the consistence of syrup. Add magnesia in slight excess, 
shake the mixture frequently ; then express and wash what re- 
mains. Repeat the expression and washing two or three times, 
and, having dried the residue, digest it with a gentle heat several 
times in alcohol, and strain after each digestion. Distil off the 
alcohol from the mixed liquors; boil the residue for fifteen minutes 
in water with a little sulphuric acid and purified animal charcoal, 
and strain. Having thoroughly washed what remains, mix the 
washings with the strained liquor, evaporate with a moderate heat 
to the consistence of syrup, and drop in as much solution of ammo- 
nia as may be necessary to precipitate the veratria. Lastly, sepa- 
rate and dry the precipitate. 

The following is the rationale of this process. The cevadilla 
gives up its veratria united with a vegetable acid to the alcohol; 
and when the alcohol extract is treated with water and sulphuric 
acid, an impure solution of sulphate of veratria is obtained. The 
magnesia decomposes this, setting free the veratria, which is taken 
up by alcohol. The alcohol is then distilled off, and the extract 
is boiled in water with sulphuric acid and animal charcoal: the 
acid unites with the veratria, whilst the charcoal abstracts the 
colouring matter. Ammonia, added to the strained solution, unites 
with the sulphuric acid, and the veratria is precipitated. 1 

Veratria — commercial or medicinal veratria — as prepared 
by the last process, is pulverulent, of a grayish-white colour, in- 
odorous, and of a bitter acrid taste, causing a sensation of tingling 
with numbness in the tongue. It is scarcely at all soluble in cold 
water; but boiling water dissolves one thousandth part of its 
weight, and becomes sensibly acrid. It is very soluble in ether, 
and still more so in alcohol. It is not soluble in alkalies, but is 
so in all the vegetable acids: with these it forms uncrystallizable 
salts, which, on evaporation, present the appearance of gum. The 
sulphate alone affords rudiments of crystals when its acid is in 
excess. Nitric acid combines with it; but, if added in excess, it 
does not colour it red, as in the case of morphia, brucia, and im- 
pure strychnia, but very rapidly resolves the vegetable substance 
into its elements, and gives rise to a yellow detonating matter. 

Veratria has an alkaline reaction. When exposed to heat, it 
liquefies at a temperature of 122° Fahrenheit, and has a waxy 

1 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 2d edit. ii. 961 ; or 2d Amer. edit, bv 
Carson. Philad. 1846. 



Commercial 
ver atria, 



680 VERATRIA. 

appearance. On cooling, it forms a translucent mass, having the 

appearance of amber. When distilled on the naked fire, it swells 

up, is decomposed, forms water, much oil, and leaves behind a 

bulky coal. 

According to Couerbe, 1 when prepared in the modes above 

mentioned, it still contains several other substances, sabadillina, 

veratria, gum-resin of sabadilla, and a black greasy substance, 

which unites the other matters, and conceals their properties. 

These may be separated from each other by the successive action 

of water, ether and alcohol, as in the following table : 

{ 1. Sabadillina, which 

. ,- . ..,. crystallizes on cooling, 

yields to boiling; water < n J . r , . -P c . 
t ° ] Z. Resin oj veratria, left 

in the cold solution. 

3. Veratria, soluble in 

insoluble in boiling ,, ^ r . • 

6 \ 4. Gum resin oj veratria, 

insoluble in ether, but 

( soluble in alcohol. 

On account of its very high price, and want of well defined 
external characters, the veratria of the shops is said to be very 
subject to adulteration ; and there would not seem to be any good 
criterion for ascertaining its degree of purity. 2 

Simon, an apothecary of Berlin, has affirmed, that he has found 
two alkaloids in veratrum album ; one of which possesses the pro- 
perty of being precipitated from its solution in acetic or phos- 
phoric acid by sulphuric acid and its salts, like baryta ; hence he 
has given it the name barytin? 

EFFECTS ON THE ANIMAL ECONOMY. 
Regarding the effects of veratria on animals, Magendie 4 has the 
following remarks : — A very small quantity of the acetate placed 
in the nostrils of a dog, instantly excited violent sneezing, which 
continued for a long time. One or two grains, placed in the 
mouth, immediately occasioned profuse ptyalism. When a small 
quantity was introduced into any part of the intestinal canal, and 
the body was opened to notice its effects, the intestine was ob- 
served to be much indurated, and to relax and contract alternately 
for a certain length of time. The part of the mucous membrane 
with which the veratria is made to come in contact, is inflamed ; 
the irritation spreads, and vomiting and purging are excited. In 

1 Annales de Chiraie et de Physique, ii. 308. 

a Christison, Dispensatory, p. 806. Edinb. 1342. See, as regards its adulteration 
with lime, Versmann, cited in Med. Examiner, Oct. 194n, p. 626. 

3 Pharmaceut. Centralblatt, 1837, p. 191, and Medicinische Annalen, B. iv. H. i.; 
S. 9. Heidelb. 1838. 

4 Journal de Physiologie Experimen. i. 56; and Formulaire pour la Preparation, &c. 
de plusieurs Medicamens, 



VERATRIA. 681 

much stronger doses, the circulation is accelerated, as well as the 
respiration ; and tetanus supervenes, soon followed by death. The 
effects are still more rapid, if one or two grains be thrown into 
the cavity of the pleura, or tunica vaginalis. In less than ten 
minutes death occurs, preceded by tetanic convulsions. The same 
quantity, thrown into the jugular vein, induced tetanus and death 
in a few seconds. Dissection showed, that, even in this case, the 
veratria had acted on the intestinal canal, the mucous membrane 
of which was found injected. The lungs, also, exhibited traces of 
inflammation and engorgement. 

Veratria, in large doses, would, doubtless, exhibit the same 
effects on the human organism. The taste is very acrid, but 
without bitterness : it excites a copious flow of saliva, even when 
a small quantity only has been introduced into the mouth. Al- 
though it has no smell, it must not be brought too close to the 
nose, when in the state of powder, as it occasions, even in very 
minute quantity, violent sneezing, which may prove dangerous. 
A quarter of a grain immediately induces copious evacuations, and, 
in a somewhat larger dose, more or less violent vomiting. 

According to Turnbull, who has* immoderately extolled this 
remedy, its effect is very different, according as it is exhibited 
internally or externally. Externally, it may be applied for weeks 
and months, without the supervention of any of the effects that 
succeed its internal administration. Exhibited in this way, it 
diminishes internal nervous excitement; assuages pain, but does 
not act on the intestinal canal. In dropsical cases, it is stated to 
be one of the greatest promoters of the urinary secretion that we 
possess. The part of the skin on which it is rubbed, either in 
solution or ointment, even when the friction has been continued 
for a long time, exhibits no evidence of irritation ; when, however, 
the dose has attained a certain extent, the patients feel a conside- 
rable degree of heat, and a kind of pricking sensation in the rubbed 
part, whence it may be concluded, that the article is active, pure 
and genuine: under more prolonged use, this feeling of warmth 
and pricking extends over the surface of the whole body ; and, in 
some cases, involuntary twitchings have been observed in the 
muscles of the mouth and eyelids. These symptoms, however, 
pass off, when the frictions are discontinued for a day or two. 
Only in a few cases, according to Turnbull, was any eruption in- 
duced by its application. The endermic use of the remedy always, 
however, excited so much irritation as to prevent its repetition. 

Thus much for Turnbull : — His views and experience have by 
no means been confirmed by the generality of observers. The 
external application of veratria cannot always be used without 
local irritation ensuing. An English physician, labouring under 
rheumatism of the arm, rubbed upon it an ointment composed of 
twenty grains of veratria to an ounce of lard ; and, immediately 



682 VERATRIA. 

afterwards, so much pain was induced in the part, that he was 
obliged to take opium to obtain rest; an eczematous eruption sub- 
sequently appeared on the arm, but the rheumatism remained. 
Ebers applied it endermically, but witnessed nothing more than a 
violent burning in the part, such as is commonly the case with 
other agents. He frequently observed the pricking sensation men- 
tioned by Turnbull, and it was often to such an extent as to be 
almost insupportable. According to the trials of Ebers, its diu- 
retic effect was not restricted to dropsy, but was usually evinced 
in other diseases. The sensorium appears never to have been 
implicated, but when applied in small doses over the pit of the 
stomach, it produced striking effects on the spinal marrow, and 
the nerves connected therewith, — as the nerves of the thorax and 
abdomen: violent pain was experienced, which spread through the 
whole extent of the nerves distributed to the parietes of the ab- 
domen, with a sense of traction along the spinal marrow, twitch- 
ings, great anxiety, orthopnosa, nausea and vomiting, and a feel- 
ing which the patient was unable to describe, except that it was 
almost intolerable. 

When given internally, veratria speedily caused nausea, retch- 
ing, vertigo, and complete loss of appetite; so that Ebers soon 
abandoned its internal use, and, like Turnbull, gave the preference 
to the external. 

Owing to its presumed effects on the nervous system, and es- 
pecially on the spinal marrow, and the nerves connected with it, 
it was suggested in nervous diseases — particularly in neuralgia, 
prosopalgia, and ischias — in which it is said to have been most 
efficacious, by Turnbull, Ebers, 1 Bruck, Suffert, 2 Professor S. 
Jackson, 3 Cunier, 4 Calve, 5 F. A. Gebhard, 6 and others. In no 
class of diseases, according to the first of these writers, have the 
beneficial effects of the ointment of veratria exhibited themselves 
more strikingly, and by no other remedy has the same amount of 
relief been induced in so short a time. Even in tic douloureux, 
a single friction is said to have been sufficient to remove the dis- 
ease without relapse. Two circumstances chiefly have here to be 
borne in mind, — first, the extent of the pain, for when it is not 
concentrated on a point, but spreads along the branches of the 
nerves, the cure is easier, and a weaker ointment is needed ; and, 
secondly, the duration of the affection. In long protracted cases, 

1 Camper's Wochenschrift. 1837, No. 47. 

2 Berlin, Median. Centralzeitung, 1837, p. 673, and Heidelberg. Medicin. Annal. 
B. iv. H.1,8. 11. 

3 American Journal of Pharmacy, vol. iii. new series, p. 186*. Philad. 1838. 

4 Bulletin Medical Belae Dec. 1837, and Ballet. General de Therap., Dec. 1838. 
See, also, Forcke, Physi ologisch therapeuiische Untersujhun^on ubsr das Ve atria, 
Hannov. 1837; cited in Bib. Genenle, Encyclog. des Sciences Medicales, Aout, 1838. 

' Cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, x. 24. Amer. edit. New York, 1845. 
6 Z^itschrift far Taeranie ui 1 Pharmaco lynaroik. Freiburg. Dec 1814; cited in 
Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Jan. 1846, p. 203. 



VERATRIA. 



683 



a complete cure is far more difficult, and can, in general, be 
effected only after a long period. The paroxysms, however, may 
be relieved by an ointment composed of from twenty to forty 
grains to an ounce of lard. In this case, it must be strongly 
rubbed in, so as to excite itching, — care being taken, however, 
that the ointment does not touch the conjunctiva, as the smallest 
quantity of veratria would induce violent inflammation. In many 
cases of prosopalgia M. Lafargue 1 introduced it by inoculation 
with singularly good effects. The plan he pursues is nearly the 
same as that for vaccination. Several punctures are made with 
the point of a lancet charged with a saturated solution of the 
alkaloid. Each puncture becomes at once the seat of a sharp pain, 
which is usually compared by the patient to a continued deep 
pricking with the point of a needle. This unpleasant sensation 
lasts for from five to fifteen minutes, and then gradually subsides; 
and with it the red areola that has formed around the punctured 
spot. M. Lafargue recommends, that in severe cases the inocu- 
lation should be repeated morning and evening; and that as many 
as ten or twelve punctures should be made at a time. He has 
used the same method with decidedly good effects, in several cases 
of partial paralysis. 

Ebers, likewise, found advantage from its use in chorea, hypo- 
chondriasis and hysteria; and Turnbull, and F. A. Gebhard, 2 
in paralysis. Both Ebers and Turnbull extol it in rheumatism 
and gout, in relation to which Ebers remarks, that it has appeared 
to him more efficacious when the nervous system, or some nervous 
branches were predominantly affected, and when the gastric af- 
fection was entirely removed. In the cases treated with it, relief 
was sooner obtained, and the cure w T as more speedy and complete, 
than when other agents were employed ; the secretion of urine was 
augmented; restlessness disappeared ; and sleep returned, without 
any evidence of narcosis. As regards acute rheumatism, Turn- 
bull remarks, that veratria is not to be preferred to antiphlogistics; 
in these cases, a weaker ointment must be used (ten grains to the 
ounce:) in chronic cases, the quantity may be carried much higher; 
and — especially when extensive organic changes have supervened 
in the parts — it must be continued for a great length of time. In 
lumbago, ischias and rheumatism of the chest, not more than 
one or two rubbings were generally necessary. In gout, according 
to Turnbull, it may be exhibited both internally and externally ; 
in the former mode of administration, he compared its efficacy with 
that of colchicum: the latter has been recommended by Sir C. 
Scudamore. It was likewise found, by Bardsley, 3 very advan- 
tageous in chronic rheumatism. In cases of severe local suffer- 

1 Cited in Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, Oct. 1843. 3 Op. cit. 

3 Hospital Facts and Observations, illustrative of the Efficacy of Strychnia, Brucia, 
Veratria, Iodine, &c. Lond. ] 830. 



684 VERATRIA. 

ing, the ointment composed of veratria and opium, the form for 
which is given hereafter, has afforded marked relief. In two 
epidemics of hooping cough, Dr. F. A. Gebhard 1 found that great 
benefit was experienced, where the second stage was of protracted 
duration, from rubbing it over the vertebrse of the neck and upper 
part of the back. Dr. Bushnan has strongly recommended the 
ointment in dysmenorrhea, which he supposes may be frequently 
owing to perversion of the nervous action of the lower portion of 
the spinal nerve ; and in certain spasmodic affections of the larynx, 
presumed by Dr. Tunstall 2 to be connected with a morbid condi- 
tion of the superior portion of the spinal marrow, it is asserted to 
have been efficacious. It has also been used in amaurosis, the 
ointment being rubbed on the temples and forehead for a few 
minutes, once or twice in twenty-four hours. The friction should 
be continued until it causes redness, heat, and stinging. Messrs. 
Lawrence 3 and Tyrrel, however, affirm, that it is wholly ineffica- 
cious. 

Veratria would seem to have been most efficacious in cases of 
dropsy. " Unadulterated veratria," says Ebers, " acts often on the 
urinary secretion with magical powers, and it may seem fabulous, 
when I state, that friction with a very weak ointment two or three 
times in the twenty-four hours on the inner part of the thigh, or 
the back, epigastric region, or around the navel, has excited such 
a copious secretion of urine, that the patient, under its long conti- 
nuance, began to feel weak; and the anasarca, and even the drop- 
sical accumulation in the abdomen, in a short time almost disap- 
peared — circumstances which indicate the caution that ought to be 
observed in apportioning the dose, when we are satisfied of the 
goodness of the article." He properly remarks, however, that 
veratria, by augmenting the secretion of urine, may not remove the 
dropsy; still, by occasioning the absorption of the fluid, it allows 
the physician to examine as to the existence of organic mischief. 
Ebers gave it in many of the lighter hydropic cases, ivhich fol- 
low intermiltents and other forms of fever, and often with 
great and rapid success; likewise, in twenty-four more serious 
cases, fifteen of which recovered, and one experienced relief: eight 
very complicated cases terminated fatally, and in four of these di- 
uresis occurred ; in four not. Dr. F. A. Gebhard 4 found more 
marked effects from it in dropsies consequent upon long and 
exhausting disease ; and particularly in cases which supervene 
on a severe typhoid epidemic, which he witnessed. Fricker 5 

1 Op. cit. Q Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal. Au^. 14, 1841. 

3 A Treatise on the Diseases of the Eye, Amer. edit, by Hays, p. 519. Philad. 1843. 
* Op. cit. 

5 Wurtemb. Medic. CorrespondenzbJatt. B. vi. S. 157 and 341; and Heidelb. Medicin. 
Annal. B. iv. fl. i. S. 15. 



VERATRIA. 685 

likewise obtained very good effects from the use of an ointment of 
it in dropsy; but, on the other hand, Spath found it of no avail. 

Turnbull observed, from the internal use of veratria, as well as 
from its application to the pit of the stomach, a diminution in the 
frequency and force of the pulsations of the heart ; and, in cases 
where they were more excited than natural, restoration of a regu- 
lar circulation. He exhibited it, consequently, in heart diseases ± 
especially in those of gouty and rheumatic diathesis, in simple 
nervous and gouty palpitation, and as a diuretic in organic 
heart diseases, in which it frequently seemed to afford relief. 

The observation of Turnbull — that the external application of 
veratria, in chronic rheumatism with swellings of the joints, 
caused them to disappear — induced him to try it in glandular 
swellings: he found, that in goitre, swellings of the mammary 
glands unaccompanied with pain, buboes, and scrofulous tu- 
mours of various parts, even in cases in which iodine had failed, 
it rendered essential service. It has, according to him, the advan- 
tage, that the skin is not subsequently irritated by it, and when, after 
the rubbing, the superfluous ointment is washed off with soap and 
water, the affected parts can soon afterwards be exposed to the 
air. Of an ointment formed of ten grains of veratria to half an 
ounce of lard, a piece, about the size of a nut, is rubbed in for ten 
minutes twice a day, and every week the strength of the ointment 
is increased. 

Magendie 1 recommends, that veratria should be given, also, as 
a drastic cathartic, especially where a speedy action on the bowels 
is needed. Prescribed with this view, it has been found effective 
in several aged persons, in whom a collection of excrement had 
formed in the large intestine. Turnbull advises it in the dose of 
half a grain — in the opposite condition of the bowels — diarrhoea 
— a disease, in which, it is well known, our ordinary cathartics 
often prove serviceable. 

It would appear, as before remarked, that veratria is an article 
which is frequently adulterated. Such, at least, is the opinion of 
many practitioners, and in this way they account for the discord- 
ance amongst observers as to its virtues. 2 The article with which 
Ebers made his first trials was obtained from the French labora- 
tories; and it exhibited the whole power of this heroic agent: on 
employing, however, a new preparation, he found the latter en- 
tirely useless; whilst from another he derived all the benefit ob- 
tained from the first. The observations of Ebers would induce us 
to make farther trials with it, but the author must confess that his 
experience, thus far, has by no means confirmed the eulogiums of 

1 Formulaire pour la Preparation, &c, de plusieurs nouveaux Medicamens. 

2 Ebers; and Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 407, and 2te Auflage, SL 
641. Stuttgart, 1840. 

44 



686 VER ATRIA. 

Turnbull; and this, he thinks, is the general sentiment of the pro- 
fession. 1 It has often been used externally by him as well as by 
other American physicians, but it has almost always fallen short 
of the mark. 3 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
Veratria may be given either in pill or in spirituous solution ; 
the dose being from one-twelfth to one-sixth of a grain several 
times a day. Externally, it is best administered in the form of 
ointment, or endermically. 

Liquor veratriae. 
Solution of veratria. 
R. Veratriae gr. j. 

Aq. destillat. f gij. M. 

A dessert-spoonful to be taken in one or two ounces of sugared 
water, in cases of tic douloureux. Magendie. 

Pilulsa veratriae. 

Pills of veratria. 

R. Veratriae gr. ss. 
Acaciae ^j. 
Syrup, acac. q. s. ut fiant pilulae vj. 

Dose. — One pill, to be repeated two or three times a day, ac- 
cording to circumstances. Magendie. 
R. Veratriae gr. j. 

Glycyrr. pulv. gr. xii, 
Ext. hyoscyam. gr. vj. 
M. fiant pilulae xij. 

Dose. — One, three times a day. Turnbull. 

Tinctura veratriae. 
Tincture of veratria. 
R. Veratriae gr. iv. 3 
Alcohol, f^j. M. 

Dose. — Ten, fifteen, twenty, to twenty-five drops in a glass of 
water. — Given in dropsy. Magendie. 

Magendie recommends that the tincture should also be used 
externally, in cases of dropsy or gout. 

Linimentum veratria, 
Liniment of veratria. 
R. Veratriae gr. viij. 
Solve in 

Alcohol. 

Tinct. sapon. caraphorat. aa f ^ss. M. 

1 Gully's translation of Magen die's Formulary ; and Joy, in Tweedie's Library of Me* 
dicine, v. 28!). Lond. 1840; or 2d Amer. edit. Philad. 1842. 

* See, on the preparation, employment, action, and medicinal virtues of Veratria, 
Ebers, in Hnfeland's Journal, B. lxxxvi. 1838. 

• In the P hn rtr, n copse llnincrselle of Jourdan, (ii. 643,) there is the serious error of 
directing §iv. in the preparation of this tincture, in place of four grains! 



VERATRIA, 



m 



(Huile de Veratrine.) 

B. Veratriae gr. xvss. (1 gram.) 

Olei jecoris aselli gviss. (25 gram.) M. 

Used in the form of friction in inveterate neuralgia. 1 

Jourdain\ \ 
Unguentnm veratriae. 
Ointment of veratria, 

B* Veratriae gr. v. x. vel xx, 

Adipis §j. 
Misce intime. 

For external use. The size of a hazel-nut to be carefully 
rubbed in, morning and evening, or oftener, for from five to fif- 
teen minutes. TurnbulL 

Ro Ve rat rise 9j„ 
Tere cum 

01. olivse 3J. 
Et adde 

Unguent, cetacei gvij. Misce. 

Unguentum veratriee et opii. 

Ointment of veratria and opium* 

B. Veratriae gss. 
Opii pulv. gu 
Adipis ^iss. M. 

To be rubbed on the part in severe bodily suffering from rheu^ 
matism. 

The uncertainty in the action of the ointment of veratria having 
attracted the attention of M. Sauvan, 3 he found, by accident, that 
the difference did not proceed from the veratria, but from the fatty 
matter employed. With fresh pure lard, the ointment was of bad 
quality ; whilst with bad or rancid lard, a satisfactory ointment 
was obtained. 

Sulphate op Veratria — Veratrim Sulphas — possesses the 
same virtues as veratria. Magendie gives the following form for 
internal administration; — 

Solutio veratrisB sulphatis. 

Solution of sulphate of veratria* 

B. Veratriae sulphat. gr. j. 

Aquae destillat. f %\\. Misce. 

Dose. — f 3j. to f 3iv. in a mixture. The preparation has beeft 
suggested as a substitute for the Eau medicinale d'Husson* 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique, &c. pour 1847, p. 36. Paris, 184&, 
s Ibid, pour 1843, p. 43. Paris, 1843, 



68S ZINCI CHLORIDUM, 



CLXXIT. ZINCI CHLORIDUM. 

Synonymes. Zinci Chlorurelum, Zincum Chloraturn seu Muriaticum 
Oxydatum seu Salitum, Chloruretum Zincicum seu Zinci, Chlore- 
tum Zinci seu Zincicum, Butyrum Zinci, Murias Zinci seu Zincicus, 
Chloride, Chloruret, Hydrochlorate, Muriate, or Butter of Zinc. 

German. Zinkchlorid, Salzsaures oder Chlorwasserstoff- 
saures Zink, Salzsaures Zinkoxyd, Chlorzink, Zink- 
chloriir, Zinkbutter. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Chloride of zinc results, — when to any given quantity of pure 
muriatic acid, pure oxide of zinc is added, by the aid of gentle 
heat, until no more is dissolved: the solution is then filtered, and 
evaporated in a porcelain dish to dryness; whereby a jelly-like — 
and by high drying, firm white, and by careless drying, light 
brownish — substance, remains, of an austere, sourish, metallic 
taste, which must be rubbed to powder, and preserved in a close- 
ly-stopped vessel. In the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia of 
the United States (1842) it is directed to be prepared as follows: 
— Take of zinc, in small pieces, Siiss.; nitric acid, prepared 
chalk, each 3i.; muriatic acid, a sufficient quantity. To the 
zinc, in a glass or porcelain vessel, add gradually sufficient muria- 
tic acid to dissolve it ; then strain ; add the nitric acid, and evapo- 
rate to dryness. Dissolve the dry mass in water, add the chalk, 
and, having allowed the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours, 
filter, and again evaporate to dryness. 

Chloride of zinc is very deliquescent in the air, forming butter 
of zinc {butyrum zinci, German, Zinkbutter.) It is very 
soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Chloride of zinc has been exhibited both internally and exter- 
nally, but chiefly in the latter mode, especially in this country. 
Papenguth 1 found a very dilute solution, applied in the form of lo- 
tion, useful in flabby scrofulous ulcerations; and in sinuous 
ulcers, in the form of injection. It has been especially recommend- 
ed as a caustic that does not exert any disagreeable influence, 
like corrosive sublimate, arsenic, or potassa fusa; — neither causing 
violent pain in the affected parts, nor any kind of irritative fever; 
nor disordering the digestive organs, as some of the articles just 
mentioned. Hancke, indeed, advises, that arsenic should be en- 
tirely banished from therapeutics as a caustic agent, and that chloride 
of zinc should be substituted for it. He employed it with success 
in old atonic ulcerations of the feet, in the strength of two grains 
to the fluidounce of distilled water : w T ith this he wetted lint, and 
applied it two or three times a day. With like success, he used it 

1 Nouveau Journal de Medecine, 1819. 



Z1NCI CHLORIDUM. 689 

in old syphilitic ulcers, with extremely morhid surfaces and 
secretions: the chloride destroyed the degenerate formations, and 
effected cicatrization. In scrofulous and malignant herpetic 
ulcers, he prescribed a concentrated solution ; in pityriasis he used 
it as a wash, and in wounds and ulcerations with fungous for- 
mations, he applied it in a concentrated state: in phagedenic ulcers 
of the face, it effected a more certain cure than the method of 
Cosme, — the chloride being strewed, a line thick, in a dry state, 
over the whole surface of the ulcer, the edges surrounded with 
adhesive plaster, and a plaster placed over the chloride of zinc, with 
compresses and an appropriate bandage. In nsevi materni, an- 
giectasis, &c, he applied it in the same manner, as well as in the 
pustule maligne, (Milzbrandkarbunkel.) Mr. Carmichael 1 
states, however, that he has used it in several instances, and 
has come to the conclusion, that, although not so objectionable as 
the arsenious acid, on account of the poisonous nature of the latter, 
it excites as much pain and inflammation, 2 without destroying, to 
the same extent, the carcinomatous substance, 

A case of phagedenic ulcer of the septum narium, which had 
resisted all the topical applications made to it — corrosive chloride 
of mercury, arsenious acid, red oxide of mercury, sulphuric acid, 
nitric acid, &c, was treated by Dr. Zwerina of Vienna, with a 
solution of chloride of zinc, — a grain and a half of the salt to an 
ounce of distilled water, — with entire success. The scabs being re- 
moved, the sore was pencilled over several times a day with the 
solution. At the end of a fortnight, a healthy granulating surface 
was found beneath the thick crust, which now covered the sore, 
and this being removed from time to time, and the solution re- 
applied, at the end of five weeks the cicatrix was perfect and the 
patient well. 3 

The chloride has also been prescribed internally in cases of can- 
cerous ulcerations, and with apparent benefit. Mr. Tuson 4 gives 
cases in which its internal and external use combined was produc- 
tive of great advantage. He gave half a grain of the chloride 
every morning after breakfast in a wine-glassful of carraway 
water. 

By Mr. Guthrie, chloride of zinc has been used in necrosis to 
penetrate the hardened case of new bone. It attacks the animal 
tissue of the bone, destroys it, and thus causes the earthy matter 
to soften and become detached. The sequestrum is by this means 
exposed with little pain or disturbance of the part, and may be 

1 Dublin Medical Press, March 4, 1840. 

2 See, also, Vogt, Pharmakodynamik, i. 363, 2te Auflage; cited by Pereira, Elements 
of Mat. Med. i. 821, 2d edit. Lond. 1842, or 2d Amer. edit. Philad. 1S46. 

s Cited in Lond. and Edinb. Monthly Journal of Medical Science, July, 1843, p. G50. 
* London Lancet, Jan. 13, 1844, p. 502; and Tuson on the Female Breast, p. 399. 
Lond. 1846. 



890 zmci CHLORIDUM. 

dealt with according to circumstances. 1 Mr. Callaway, 9 of Guy's 
Hospital, London, employed it with considerable success in the 
cure of cutaneous and subcutaneous nasvi materni. It was 
directed to be rubbed on the part until the skin became slightly 
discoloured, and to be repeated at intervals. Mr. Alexander Ure 
and Mr. Liston, 3 found it extremely useful in the varieties of ero- 
sive ulcers called lupus, which were often speedily checked, and 
the disease permanently cured by the local use of it. They applied 
it in a paste, made with one part of the chloride and two or three 
parts of the anhydrous sulphate of lime — a modification of Can- 
quoin's formula (see below,) recommended some year3 ago. 4 One 
or two applications of the paste were generally sufficient to pro- 
duce a proper eschar, and when this was detached, the sore was 
treated with water dressing. 5 A case is related by Dr. Davidson/ 
of malignant ulcer under the left ear, which was cured by the 
unmixed chloride of zinc, applied repeatedly until the ulcer assumed 
a healthy character. Hancke used it likewise for the formation 
of issues, which it established in from six to eight hours; and,, 
lastly, to excite rubefaction on the surface, either applied in the 
form of solution of the chloride in water or wine, or mixed with 
oil or lard into an ointment, and rubbed on the skin: in this way ? 
a gritty kind of eruption of a scarlet hue is induced, which is said 
to have afforded relief m paralysis of the limbs. 

Wendt, Vogt, and Canquoin have highly extolled the chloride 
as a caustic, and it has been largely employed by the physicians 
and surgeons of this continent, especially in the Philadelphia Hos- 
pital, and Pennsylvania Hospital, in similar cases to those men- 
tioned above. Dr. Davidson 7 is of opinion, that it is only superior 
to many other caustics in cases where the destruction of a consi- 
derable thickness of texture is required, or. where the removal of 
an excrescence by a caustic is preferred by the patient to the knife t 
the nitrate of silver seems, he considers, to be superior in pro- 
moling a sound action, when the unhealthy surface or stratum of 
the ulcer is superficial. 

Hancke 8 has used the chloride internally, with advantage, in 
cases of epilepsy, as well as in St. Vitus' 's dance; and has pre- 
scribed it, united with hydrocyanic acid, in prosopalgia. Hufe- 
land, also, extols a solution of it in all those neuroses in which the 

1 James, Retrospective Address before the Provincial Medical Association, in the Trans- 
actions of the Association. Lond. 1840. 

3 British Annals of Medicine, May 19, 1837. 
* London Lancet, Sept. 21, 1844, p. 775. 

4 London Medical Gazette, Dec. 19, 1835. 

5 Lond. Med. Gaz., Dec. 3, 1836. See a case of noli me tanner e of the nostril, and 
one of phagedenic ulcer nftke arm, cured, in London Lancet, cited in Boston Med. and 
Surg. Journ. Nov. 4, 1840, p. 215. 

6 Edinb. Medical and Surgical Journal, Jan. 1 838. 

' Op. cit., and American Journal of the Medical Sciences, May, 1839, p» 238*. 
8 Rust's Magazine, xxii. 373; and Journal de Pharmacie, xvL 549. 



ZINCI CHLORIDUM. 691 

oxide of zinc is indicated, and especially in such patients as are 
not readily impressible. 1 By Dr. Stanelli, 2 when liquefied by ex- 
posure to the air, it is considered an excellent remedy in toothach. 
By means of a camel's hair pencil, a small quantity is applied to 
the cavity of the tooth, and in the space of a few minutes the most 
acute sufferings are said to be appeased. Before using it, it is 
indispensable to surround the tooth carefully with cotton wadding, 
and when it has been applied, to fill the cavity well with the cotton. 
The mouth is finally washed with a little warm water. 

M. Gaudriot 3 considers, that when properly diluted, it has 
great effect in curing simple blennorrhcea of the urethra and 
vagina. To remove the disease readily in men, it is generally 
sufficient to use the injection given below thrice a day for two 
or three days. The first injections are almost always followed 
by more or less swelling of the glands, but this does not prevent 
their continuance. In women, four or six of the suppositories 
mentioned below are sufficient to produce a cure. The first ge- 
nerally occasions swelling, with more or less heat of the vulva ; 
but these symptoms soon disappear. 

Several years since, a patent was obtained by Sir William Bur- 
nett for a process, discovered by him, for preserving timber, can- 
vass, &c, from dry rot, mildew, &c. The preserving substance is 
chloride of zinc in solution. It was entirely effectual. Since then 
the solution has been employed as a disinfectant of dead bodies, 
and the testimonials of Messrs. Bowman, Sharpey, and W. V. 
Pettigrew, have been publicly given in its favour. 4 Mr. Petti- 
grew, in a letter to Sir William, dated March 24, 1846, says, "I 
have now used extensively your preparation for the preservation 
of animal matter, and find that it succeeds most completely. From 
the 3d to the 28th of February, I lectured upon the superior ex- 
tremity. The arm, when received, was green in colour, and highly 
offensive. I injected the arteries with the fluid, mixed in the 
proportion of one pound of chloride of zinc to three gallons of 
water, and as the dissection proceeded, the surface of the limb was 
sponged about every alternate day with the solution. It was per- 
fectly restored to its former fresh condition. I have also placed 
various portions of the body in the solution, and they at present 
remain quite free from putrefaction. All our subjects are now in- 
jected with the fluid, immediately they arrive; and I do not hesi- 
tate to say, that our dissecting room is more free from unpleasant 
odour than any room of the kind in the metropolis, and the great 
advantage this fluid possesses over all others we have as yet tried 

s See Merat and De Lens, art. Zinc (chlorure de.) 

2 Cited in London Medical Gazette, Feb. 16, 1844, p. 672. 

3 Journ. des Connaissances Med. Sept. 1840; cited in Brit, and For. Med. Rev. 
April, 1841, p. 527. 

£ London Medical Gazette, cited in Medical Examiner, June, 1846, p. 374. 



692 ZINCI CHLORIDUM. 

is, — that it has no effect upon the knives. I cannot but consider it 
one of the greatest boons conferred upon the profession. Dis- 
section may be carried on in the hottest weather, without the 
slightest injury to the breath, or offence from smell. " 

The value of chloride of zinc as an antiseptic has been fully es- 
tablished in the dissecting rooms of Philadelphia and elsewhere ; but 
there is no reason for believing that it is a disinfectant in the sense 
of destroying contagious or other morbific miasmata. It is an ex- 
cellent antibromic, but as it does not give off any antiseptic vapour, 
its action is restricted to the substances with which it is brought 
into immediate contact. Dr. Stratton, 1 however, is disposed to be- 
lieve, that it acted as a true disinfectant by destroying miasmata 
in the Quebec Marine and Emigrant Hospital, of which he had 
charge in the autumn of 1847. He found, that one ounce of the 
strong fluid was sufficient for every ten persons. This strong fluid, 
known under the name of Sir William "Burnett's Disinfecting 
and Antiseptic Fluid," contains 25 grains of zinc in every 
fluidram ; and in using it one pint is mixed with five gallons of 
water. 2 He removes the disagreeable odour in hospital wards 
full of typhus and dysentery cases, by waving flannel cloths wet 
with a dilute fluid — one part to 40 of water — two or three times 
a day, for a few minutes at a time, and by sprinkling some of it 
on the floor. "Next to perfect ventilation," he says, "I would 
place the use of Burnett's solution of the chloride of zinc. On 
many occasions, as in badly constructed buildings, in cold weather, 
and on board ship in stormy weather, ventilation is impracticable, 
and recourse must be had to some other means of improving the 
quality of the air, and it appears to me, that the chloride of zinc 
solution is much superior to all the other artificial methods of 
doing so, including Ledoyen's solution of the nitrate of lead." 
(See Plumei Nitras.) 

Dr. Stratton saw a case of lupus, in which the "Burnett fluid " 
was as effectual as, and more convenient than, the solid chloride 
of zinc. The fluid diluted — one to 130 parts of w T ater — was found 
very beneficial as an application to chronic and scrofulous ulcers 
by Dr. Allan, Mr. Erasmus Wilson, and others; and in mercurial 
sore throat by Mr. Flynn. In the proportion of one part to sixty 
or eighty of water — it is said to be an excellent lotion in erysipe- 
las, and a valuable lotion or bath in psora, prurigo, pruritus, and 
other cutaneous diseases. When introduced of the full strength 
on the point of a pen into the cavity of a tooth, it has proved ser- 
viceable in some cases of toothach. Diluted with one hundred 
and forty parts of water, it removes the fcetor from gangrenous 
frost-bites. Dr. Stratton has no doubt, that it will be found a 
good remedy, when diluted with one-hundred and forty parts of 

1 Edinb. Med. and Surg. Joum. Oct. 1848, p. 2S7. 
a Pharmaceutical Journal vii., GO and 107, Lond. 1847. 



ZINCI CHLORIDUM. 693 

water as an injection in fetid otorrhosa ; and as a gargle in some 
throat diseases. It has also been used as an injection in gonor- 
rhoea. The action of the diluted fluid on cancerous and other 
sores, is like that of other antiseptics ; it removes the fcetor, and 
induces a new action in the part of the system of nutrition im- 
plicated in the ulceration. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

GuttSB zinci chloridi. 
D?*ops of chloride of zinc. 

JEther Zinci. 

R. Zinci chlorid. gr. j. 

Sp. aether, muriat. seu sulphuric, f gij. Solve. 

Dose. — Five drops, every four hours, in a little sugared water; 
gradually increasing the dose to ten drops, in chorea, epilepsy, 
prosopalgia, &c. Huf eland §* Uaiike. 1 

Lotio zinci chloridi. 
Lotion of chloride of zinc. 

R. Zinci chlorid. gr. viij. 
Ext. aloes aquos. £)ij. 
Aquae destillat. f §iv. Solve. 

Applied to the dressings, in cases of atonic scrofulous ul- 
cers. Vogt. 
Or, the aloes may be admitted. 

Injectio zinci chloridi. 

Injection of chloride of zinc. 
R. Zinci chlorid. liquid. 2 gtt. xxiv. — xxxvi. 
Aquae destillat. f ^iv. 

Filter through paper. A small quantity of this to be injected 
about an inch along the urethra, two or three times a day. 

Gaudriot. 
Suppositorium zinci chloridi. 
Suppository of chloride of zinc. 

R. Zinci chlorid. liquid, gtt. v. 
Morphiee sulphat. gr. ss. 

Mix with three drams of the following paste; 
R. Mucilag. tragacanth. p. vj. 
Sacchar. pulv. p. iij. 
Amyli pulv. p. ix. 

One of these must be introduced every day, or every other day. 

Gaudriot. 

1 Lincke, Vollstandiges Recept-Taschenbuch. u. s. w. ii. 780. Leipz. 1841. 

2 ''Liquid chloride of zinc consists of a concentrated solution of pure zinc in pure chlo- 
rohydric acid." — Lincke, loc. cit. 



694 ZINCI CYANURETUM. 

Chloride of zinc may be applied as a caustic, by means of a 
moistened hair pencil, either alone or mixed with an equal portion 
of oxide of zinc, or sulphate of lime, or according to the following 
forms : — 

Pasta zinci chloridi. 
Paste of chloride of zinc. 
Pate de Canquoin. 
Canquoinh caustic paste. 

A. B. C. 

R. Zinci chlorid. p. i. i. i. 
Farinse tritici p. iv. iij. ij. 
Aquse fontan. 1 q. s. ut fiat pasta. 

R. Zinci chlorid. p. j. 
Farinae tritici p. iss. 
Antimonii chloridi p. ss. 
Aq. font. q. s. ut fiat pasta. 



CLXXIII. ZINCI CYANURETUM. 

Synonymes. Zinci Cyanidum, Zincum Cyanogenatum seu Cyanatum sen 
Borussicum seu Zooticum seu Hydrocyanicum seu Hydrocyanicum 
sine Ferro ; Cyanetum seu Cyanuretum Zincicum seu Zinci sine Ferro, 
Cyanetum Zinci, Prussias seu Hydrocyanas seu Cyanhydras Zinci seu 
Zincicus, Hydrocyanate 5 Prussiate, or Cyanuret of Zinc. 

French. Cyanure de Zinc. 

German. Cyanzink, Blausaures Zink oder Zinkoxyd, Blau- 
storlzink, Zinkcyaniir. 

This preparation was used in Germany for a long time before 
the process was made known. 2 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to Kunze, it is directed in the Leipzic shops to be 
prepared as follows: 3 — Any quantity of pure sulphate of zinc is 
dissolved in ten times as much distilled water ; the fluid is then 
filtered, and decomposed by a solution of cyanuret of potassium, 
or cyanuret of calcium, added by drops so long as a precipitate 
is formed. This precipitate, which consists of cyanuret of zinc, 
must be carefully washed, dried, and preserved in a glass jar, from 
which the entrance of light is prevented. 4 

It is admitted into the Parisian " Codex." 

Cyanuret of zinc has the appearance of a white, tasteless pow- 
der, which is insoluble in water and alcohol, but dissolves in the 
stronger acids, with the disengagement of hydrocyanic acid. Well 

1 To each ounce of the chloride of zinc twenty-four to thirty drops of water may be 
added. 

2 Magendie, Formulaire pour la Preparation, &c. de plusieurs nouveaux Medica- 
mens, &c. 

3 Riecke, Die neuern Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 410. Stuttgart, 1837, 
* For M. Pelletier's method, see Magendie, Formulaire, &c. 



ZINCI FERROCYANURETUM. 695 

prepared and rubbed, it has a strong odour of hydrocyanic acid, 
and when moistened, or exposed to heat, it gives off hydrocyanic 
acid. 

As to its medicinal effects, and mode of administration, they are 
analogous to those of the following preparation: they are there- 
fore given together. 



CLXXIV. ZINCI FERROCYANURETUM. 

Synonymes. Zinci Ferrocyanidum seu Ferrohydrocyanas, Cyanetum sen 
Cyanuretum Zinci et Ferri seu Ferrosozincicum, Cyanuretum Ferro- 
zincicum, Zincum Ferrohydrocyanicum seu Ferroborussicum seu 
Ferrocyanogenatum seu Ferrocyanatum, Prussias Zinci et Ferri ? Hy- 
drocyanas Zinci Ferruginosus, Ferrohydrocyanas Zinci, Ferrocyanuret, 
Ferro-hydrocyanate or Ferrocyanate of Zinc. 

German. Eisenblausaures Zink, Blausaures Eisenzink, Ei- 
senhaltiges Blausaures Zink, Blausaures Eisenoxy- 
du 1 -Zink ox yd, Z i n ke i sency aniir, Eisenzinkcyanur, 
Cyaneisenzink. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

According to Schindler, 1 this preparation is best made by the 
mutual decomposition of boiling hot solutions of eighty-three parts 
of sulphate of zinc, and sixty parts o$ ferrocyanuret of potassi- 
um. If the sulphate of zinc be not entirely free from iron, the 
salt will have a bluish lustre, which, after long washing with lime 
water, becomes of a reddish hue. If the bluish colour be mani- 
fested, some more sulphate of zinc must be added, and it must be 
digested until the precipitate appears entirely white. 

Ferrocyanuret of zinc forms a white, insoluble, almost inodorous 
powder, which is somewhat soluble in the stronger acids, without 
exhaling a smell of hydrocyanic^acid in the cold; but by boiling, 
hydrocyanic acid is slowly disengaged. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
Hufeland recommends the cyanuret, or perhaps, the ferrocya- 
nuret of zinc in nervous diseases. According to him, from one 
to four grains may be given for a dose, two or three times a day, 
without any injurious effects; — the only inconvenience being, at 
times, slight nausea, but no diarrhoea, or disposition to obstruc- 
tions, and no narcotic symptoms. In cardialgia, it afforded, in 
his hands, essential service, as well as in some cases of epilepsy 
and in paralysis. Henning, 2 likewise found it useful in cramp 
of the stomach, hysteria, and spasmodic diseases of children 
induced by worms. In epileptic attacks from teething, he 
also gave it with advantage; the dose being from half a grain to a 
grain, three or four times a day. Clarus gave cyanuret of zinc in 

1 Riecke, op. cit. S. 411, und 2te Auflage, S. 646. Stuttgart, 1840. 
3 Hufeland's Journal, 1823, 



696 ZINCI FERROCYANURETUM. 

epilepsy, but he observed no other result than less frequent and 
less severe attacks. Pohl saw no very decided effect from it in 
the dose of from one-fourth to half a grain. In the Berlin Poly- 
clinic Institute, advantage accrued from it in two cases of *S7. 
Vitus' s dance; it was begun with in the dose of one-third of a 
grain twice a day, which was gradually raised to fourteen grains 
a day. Klokow gave the cyanuret of zinc — which Riecke sug- 
gests 1 was the cyanuret of zinc and potassium, (Cyanzink- 
cyankalium,) in spasmodic affections, — beginning at first 
with one-tenth of a grain, — as larger doses occasioned colic, diar- 
rhoea, and vomiting — and, when the patient became accustomed to 
it, gradually augmenting the dose to half a grain. Success, he 
affirms, followed its administration. 2 Muhrbeck gave it in violent 
periodical cephalalgia in the region of the left frontal sinus with 
great benefit. He began with one-twelfth of a grain, and gradu- 
ally raised the dose to a grain and a half. Muller and Gunther 
confirm the reports of its efficacy in St. Vitus' s dance: the first 
gave daily a grain; the latter, from half a grain to a grain, four 
times a day. Kopp, who distinguishes the two preparations from 
each other, instituted experiments with both. He used the ferro- 
cyanuret of zinc with advantage in cramp of the stomach, general 
nervous disorder, nervous debility, neuralgia, nervous headach, 
and nocturnal pains in the bones. He gave it in the form of pow- 
der, with sugar of milk, every two hours, or four times a day, in 
doses of one-twelfth to one-eighth of a grain, gradually increasing 
them. According to his observations, it occasions, with many 
persons, obstructions, but does not disorder the stomach. Kopp 
found the cyanuret still more efficacious in the same disorders. 
Impressible patients, who suffered under unusual sensibility of 
the abdomen, took four powders daily, of one-sixteenth of a grain 
each, with marked benefit. In one case of neuralgia, in a man, 
he raised the dose very gradually to half a grain, four times a day. 
When, however, this quantity was exceeded, and the patient took 
five-eighths of a grain four times a day, hyperemia occurred in 
the head, with constipation. In two cases of chorea of one side 
of the body, the ferrocyanuret had no effect whatever. Riecke 3 
asserts that his father used it several times with advantage in scir- 
rhus of the pylorus. 

The cyanuret was applied externally, by Von Ammon, in scro- 
fulous and incipient rheumatic inflammation of the eyes, as well 
as in catarrhal inflammation of the eyelids: he prescribed it sus- 
pended by means of gum Arabic in a mixture of cherry-laurel 
water and laudanum. M. Carrier 4 believes, that preparations of 
hydrocyanic acid have great efficacy in healing ulcers of the cor- 
nea, and causing the absorption of opacities. The compound 

1 Op. cit S. 413. a Hufeland und Osann's Journal, B. lxx. St. 2. 3 Op. citat S. 414. 
4 Cited in Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, Feb. 10, 1844, p. 378. 



ZINCI FERROCYANURETUM. 697 

"which he prefers is one part of cyanuret of zinc to twenty-five 
of lard. 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

On account of the insolubility of both the cyanuret and ferro- 
cyanuret, they are best given in pill or powder. 

The common dose of the cyanuret is from one-sixteenth to one- 
twelfth of a grain several times a day, gradually increasing it to a 
quarter of a grain : of the ferrocyanuret, the dose is from one to 
four grains, two or three times a day. Riecke 1 advises — to pre- 
vent confusion — that when these articles are ordered, they .should 
be respectively denominated Zincum hydrocyanicum sine ferro 
and Zincum ferro hydrocyanicum. 

Pilnlse zinci cyanureti. 

Pills of cyanuret of zinc. 
R. Zinci cyanur. gr. xv. 
Ext. glycyrrh. gij. 
Misce et fiant pilulae lx. 

Dose. — One, morning, noon, and night, gradually increasing 
the quantity. Kopp. 

R. Zinci cyanuret. gr. vj. 
Magnesiae gr. iv. 
Cinnam. puJr. gr. iij. Misce. 

This dose to be repeated every four hours, in nervous affections 
of the stomach, especially in cases of cramp. Henning. 

Mistura zinci f errocyanureti. 

Mixture of ferrocyanuret of zinc. 
R. Zinci ferrocyanur. gr. iv. 
Aquae destillat. f ^ij. M. 

Dose. — A fourth part, four times a day, in chorea. Lincke. 2 

Pulveres zinci ferrocyanureti. 

Powders of ferrocyanuret of zinc. 

R. Zinci ferrocyanur. gr. ij. — viij. 

Sacchar. gj. M. et divide in part. vj. 

Dose. — One to be given every tw r o hours in cardialgia. 

Von Hildenbrand. 

Pilulse zinci ferrocyanureti. 

Pills of ferrocyanuret of zinc. 
R. Zinci ferrocyanuret. gr. xv. 
Valerian, pulv. gss. 
Extract, valerian, q. s. ut fiant pil. lx. 

[ Dose. — One, morning and evening, in chorea. 

Rosensteil 8r Heckenroth. 3 

1 Op. citat. 

3 Vollstandiges Recept-Taschenbuch, ii. 778, Leipz. 1841. 8 Lincke, op. cit. 



698 ZINCI IODIDUM. 

CLXXV. ZINCI IODIDUM. 

Synonymes. Zincura Iodatum, Zinci Ioduretum, Iodetum Zinci seu 

Zincicum, Protoioduretum Zinci, Iodide or Ioduret of Zinc. 
German. Iodzink, Zinkiodiir. 

This preparation is made by boiling together iodine and zinc 
in atomic proportions, or rather with an excess of zinc, in a flask 
of water, to dryness, and subliming the residue. Iodide of zinc 
is thus procured in beautiful, colourless, prismatic crystals. 1 It is 
very deliquescent, and cannot easily be retained in the solid form. 
When heated in open vessels, it is resolved into iodine and oxide 
of zinc. It is very liable to undergo spontaneous decomposition, 
and, to prevent this, Dr. A. T. Thomson proposes that a syrup 
should be made of it, on the same plan as the syrup of iodide of 
iron. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 

Iodide of zinc has a caustic taste, and when applied to a de- 
nuded surface gives rise to considerable smarting. Dr. Ure 2 re- 
commends an ointment, formed of a dram to an ounce of lard, in 
cases where the external use of iodide of potassium is indicated. 
Proutet advises it as a collyrium in scrofulous ophthalmia, of the 
strength of fifteen grains to six fluidounces of distilled water; 
and it has been employed to form an astringent injection, in the 
proportion of one or two grains to an ounce of water, in gonor- 
rhoea. Dr. J. J. Ross 3 used a solution of from 10 to 30 grains to 
the fluidounceof water, with much advantage, in enlarged tonsils. 
It was applied by means of a sponge tied to a quill. After the 
use of the solution for some time, he applied the iodide, rendered 
liquid by deliquescence, by means of a camel's hair brush. 



A double iodide of zinc and morphta ; French, Iodure double 
de zinc et de morphine, is described by M. Bouchardat. 4 It is ob- 
tained by boiling a gramme (gr. 15.44,) of iodide of iodhydrate 
of morphia, with 59 grammes (nearly f gij.) of water, and 10 
grammes (3iiss.) of zinc, after they have acted upon each other 
for some days. The boiling liquor is filtered; and a salt, is ob- 
tained, which crystallizes readily in needles arranged in beautiful 
radiated groups. The salt is the iodide of zinc and morphia, which 
is very soluble in water and in alcohol. The compound is con- 
sidered to combine the properties of morphia and the salts of zinc. 
M. Bouchardat has prescribed it as an anodyne and anti-spasmodic. 
He makes about a grain and a half into eight pills, of which he 

1 Annales de Chimie, xci. 

* Dictionary of Chemistry, 2d edition, p. 516. 

* Cited in United States Dispensatory, 6th edition, p. 1267. Philad. 1845. 
4 Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 70. Paris, 1845. 



ZINCI VALERIANAS. 699 

gives one or two in the day, in gastralgia " and other nervous 

affections." 

For the Double Iodide of Zinc and Strychnia, see Strych- 
nia. 



CLXXVI. ZINCI VALERIANAS. 

Stnonymes. Zincum Valerianicum, Valerianate of Zinc. 

French. Valerianate de Zinc. 

German. Valeriansaures Zinkoxyd, B aid riansaur es Zink. 

This salt was first proposed by Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte. 
It has been much used by the Italian physicians, and has been 
more recently introduced into medical practice in France and 
elsewhere. 

METHOD OF PREPARING. 

Valerianate of zinc is prepared by saturating valerianic acid 
with the carbonate, or, still better, with perfectly pure oxide, of 
zinc recently precipitated. The action is assisted by heat ; and 
the hot solution is filtered, and allowed to crystallize on a gently 
heated sandbath. 1 It may also be prepared by double decomposi- 
tion from valerianate of baryta and sulphate of zinc? — or, after 
the formula of the Dublin college, by the double decomposition of 
valerianate of soda and sulphate of zinc. 2. 

The crystals form light pearly plates of a brilliant white colour. 
Cold water dissolves one-fiftieth of its weight of the salt, and boil- 
ing water one-fortieth. It is scarcely soluble in ether. One 
hundred parts of boiling alcohol dissolve six parts. 4 On these 
points, however, chemists are not in exact accordance. 

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY. 
The " physiological effects" of the valerianate of zinc, accord- 
ing to M. Devay, 5 are scarcely more marked than those of vale- 
rian or zinc taken separately. A dose of 15 centigrammes (gr. 
2.316) which would be sufficient to check a paroxysm of neural- 
gia, and to moderate an attack of violent hemicrania, produces on 
the healthy economy only slight headach, transient giddiness, and 
slight depravation of hearing. It has been chiefly prescribed in 
facial neuralgia and hemicrania, which have resisted the ordi- 

1 See a note on the preparation of the valerianate of zinc, by Wm. Procter, Jr., in the 
American Journal of Pharmacy, April, 1845; and Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therap. 
&c, pour 1845. p. 95. Paris, 1845. 

a Bouchardat, op. cit. p. 87. Paris, 1845; and in Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 
107. Paris, 1845. 

* The Pharmacopoeia of the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland, 1850. 
p. 169. Dublin, 1850. 

* Journal de Pharmacie, Aout, 1844: Chemical Gazette, Nov. 1,1844; and Lond. 
and Edinb. Monthly Journ. of Med. Science, Jan. 1845. 

1 Gazette Medicale de Paris, 29 Juin, 1844. 



700 ZINCI VALERIANAS. 

nary antispasmodics and antiperiodics, and M. Devay, in such cases, 
has found it eminently successful. Four cases of obstinate neu- 
ralgia are recorded by Mr. Joseph Bell, 1 which yielded to this 
remedy after the failure of other powerful agents. He gave it in 
half-grain doses every six hours. It has also been prescribed in 
other neuroses, — nervous headachy for example, by Boccacini and 
Heiberg. 3 In epilepsy ', M. Devay prescribed it, but had not given 
it for a sufficiently long period to be able to deduce any thing posi- 
tive in regard to its action. M. Cerulli 3 gave it in three cases of 
supra-orbitar and infra-orbitar neuralgia. It proved success- 
ful in doses of a grain and a half daily, taken at the moment of 
the accession of the paroxysm. Its effect does not seem, however, 
to have been energetic ; for, in one case, the cure was not complete 
under thirty days ; in another under forty, and in the third under 
fifty. It has been suggested, however, that notwithstanding its 
reputed brilliant success, it may be questioned, whether it be in 
reality a more efficacious remedy than the ordinary salts of zinc, 
and whether much of its success amongst a certain class be not in 
a great degree attributable to the rarity, and the high price of the 
drug. 4 That such is the case, Dr. Johnson says, is to a certain 
extent proved by the observations of Dr. Fario, an Italian phy- 
sician, cited and commented on in a French periodical. 5 Dr. 
Fario has employed it externally in certain affections of the eye, 
as blennorrhea of the eyelids, ulcers, or recent spots on the 
cornea, as well as in cases of chronic conjunctivitis, in which a 
mild astringent and sedative agent is indicated. 6 

MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The dose of valerianate of zinc given by M. Devay was 10 cen- 
tigrammes (gr. 1.54) in the day; but there is no reason, he says, 
why it should not be carried much higher — to 40 centigrammes 
(gr. 6.17) for example. The Italian physicians, who would seem 
to have obtained the most success from its administration, do not, 
however, give it in a larger dose than a grain and a half. It is 
best administered in the pilular form. For external use, as a col- 
lyrium, from two to four grains may be dissolved in two ounces of 
distilled w r ater. 

1 Cited in Ranking's Half-yearly Abstract, January to June, 1846, p. 173. 
* Aschenhrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 281, Erlangen, 1848. 

3 Gazette Medicale de Paris, Jan. 1844. 

4 Dr. Geo. Johnson, in Ranking 1 , op. cit. p. 348. 

8 Gazette Medicale de Paris, Jan. 1844. 8 Aschenbrenner, op. cit. S. 282. 



SUPPLEMENT. 



CLXXVII. Ac"idum Chro'micum, Chromic acid, Peroxide of Chro- 
mium: French, Acidechromique; German, Chromsdure. Chromic 
acid nearly pure may be obtained by the following process. One hun- 
dred measures of a cold saturated solution of bichromate of potassa are 
mixed with one hundred and fifty measures of oil of vitriol, and the 
whole is suffered to cool. The chromic acid crystallizes in brilliant 
crimson-red prisms. The mother liquor is poured off, and the crys- 
tals are placed to drain upon a tile closely covered by a glass or bell 
jar. 1 They are of a ruby-red colour, prismatic and deliquescent, of 
a sour, acrid, and metallic taste, soluble in water, — the solution being 
constantly reduced by contact with organic matter. 

It is in consequence of chromic acid being a powerful oxygenizing 
agent, — yielding half its oxygen readily to organic substances, and be- 
ing reduced to sesquioxide, — that Dr. Ure 3 has employed it as an es- 
charotic. It is, he says, exceedingly convenient of application, as it 
consists of a thick crystalline pap, which, when rightly managed, does 
not spread beyond the prescribed limits : and its erodent operation 
terminates with its passing into the state of inert pulverulent sesqui- 
oxide. In a case of external hemorrhoids, the acid was applied twice 
at an interval of two days. It caused acute burning pain both times, 
destruction to a considerable amount of the diseased texture, conso- 
lidation of the remainder, and permanent relief. The troublesome 
sores produced on the hands and arms of dyers, who use bichromate 
of potassa, are ascribed by Dr. Ducatel, 3 of Baltimore, to the action, 
of the free chromic acid. 

CLXXVIII. Ac"idtjm Ni'tricum, Nitric acid; French, Jlcide nz- 
trique; German, S alp eters dure. Nitric acid, of the specific gravity 
1.500, destroys instantaneously the vitality of the surface to which it is 
applied. The depth of the slough which is to follow may be regulated, 
in some degree, by the quantity of acid laid on the part; and its extent, 
laterally, may be confined with sufficient precision to the limits of its 
first application by instantly smearing the whole over with olive oil, 
which neutralizes its farther corrosive powers by combining and 
forming with it a new, but no longer corrosive, compound. The se- 
paration of the slough after the application of nitric acid leaves a healthy 
suppurating surface, which contracts and heals over very quickly. 

1 Warrington, Proceedings of Chem. Soc. i. 18, cited in Fownes's Elementary Che- 
mistry, Amer. edit. p. 245. Philad. 1845. 

3 London Medical Gazette, March 21, 1845, p. 787. 
3 Manual of Practical Toxicology. Baltimore, 1833, 
45 



702 SUPPLEMENT. — ADANSONIA DIGITATA. 

Such is the testimony of the late Dr. Houston, of Dublin, 1 in regard 
to the action of nitric acid as an escharotic. He has proposed it as 
such in certain forms of hemorrhoidal affections, and especially in that 
which he terms "vascular tumour" and which he regards as an af- 
fection of the mucous and submucous tissue exclusively, having usual- 
ly for its basis a knuckle or bunch of varicose veins ; but it may also 
be a distinct and independent growth, the result of some other irrita- 
tion in the region, but giving rise ultimately to the formation of a va- 
ricose condition of the part. In such cases, he has found the appli- 
cation of nitric acid, s. g. 1.500, of eminent service. It combines, he 
affirms, all the advantages possessed by excision or ligature, without 
any of the disadvantages. He directs the application to be made in 
the following manner: — Let the patient strain as in the night chair, 
so as to bring the tumours fully into view : and while they are so down 
let him either lean over the back of a chair, or lie down in the bent 
posture, on the side on which the disease exists, with the nates over 
the edge of the bed. Let a piece of wood, cut into the shape of a dress- 
ing-case spatula, be dipped in the acid ; and then, with as much of the 
acid adhering to it as it will carry without dripping, let it be rubbed 
on the tumour to the desired extent. The due effect of the acid on 
the part is shown by its becoming of a grayish white colour. If a 
superficial slough be all that is required, a single application may be 
enough ; if a more deep one, then two or three applications may be 
required ; and if a still more deep one, two or three applications 
of the wood dipped in the acid may be made in quick succession, 
which being finished the part may be well smeared over with olive 
oil. The prolapsed parts should then be pushed back within the 
sphincter, the patient put to bed, and an opiate administered. The 
pain is sharp and burning at first, but it goes off in two or three hours, 
and does not return again in the same form. In no case has he heard 
of serious consequences from the use of the remedy; and the symp- 
toms usually following its application are so mild as not absolutely to 
require confinement to bed more than a few hours. On the third or 
fourth day, Dr. Houston recommends that a cathartic draught should 
be given ; when the bowels will be found to yield to the medicine, 
generally without either pain or prolapsus of the rectum. In a sub- 
sequent communication, 2 he urges, that the only case which the nitric 
acid will serve is the internal bleeding pile ;■ — "that soft, red, straw- 
berry-like elevation of the mucous membrane," for which he uses the 
term, " vascular tumour." 

The safety and efficacy of this mode of practice have been con- 
firmed by the testimony of Mr. Cusack, of Dublin. 

CLXXIX. Adansoxia Digitata, Baobab Tree. The bark of this 
tree is anative of Senegal; of the Natural Order, Bomb ace se : Sexual 
System, Monadelphia Polyandria. It has been brought forward as a 
valuable antiperiodic by Duchassaing, who thinks it a fit substitute for 
cinchona. It is mucilaginous, and has scarcely any taste or smell. It 

1 Dublin Journal of Medical Science, March, 1843. 
3 Ibid. Sept. 1844, p. 32. 



SUPPLEMENT. — APIS MELLIFICA. 703 

is recommended by M. Duchassaing in decoction ; half an ounce of 
the bark being boiled in a pint of water until the liquid is reduced to 
two-thirds. From the quantity of mucilage it contains, it is apt to un- 
dergo decomposition. This may be prevented by adding a small quan- 
tity of sulphuric acid, which precipitates the mucilage, or by the addi- 
tion of spirit. In a great many cases in which it was prescribed by 
him, it rendered eminent service. 1 Its employment was suggested by 
the negroes, who make constant use of it in the marsh fevers of the 
country. M. Saint-Pierre 3 has prescribed it in the last two years in a 
locality in Burgundy, where intermittents are endemic. He was only 
able, however, to give it in seven cases, owing to his not being pos- 
sessed of a sufficient quantity of the remedy; but they all terminated 
favourably. According to him, " the taste of the decoction is in no 
respect disagreeable, and its action is unaccompanied by any of the 
inconveniences that may follow the action of the sulphate of quinia." 

CLXXX. ApisMELLiF'iGA,Jl.Domestica, Bee, Honey Bee; French, 
Jibeille mellifiqiie,Jl. Domestique ; German, Biene, Honi g-biene. 
The bee appears to have been employed in medicine in the middle 
ages in cases of alopecia. It was dried or grilled and reduced to pow- 
der ; 3 and in this form was mixed, in the dose of half a dram, with ex- 
tract of juniper, and extolled as an excellent diuretic. " No one ven- 
tures at the present day," says M. H. Cloquet, 4 " to propose such a 
remedial agent ; for although the Materia Medica has still need of an 
extensive reform, both in its agents and language, it no longer admits 
such absurdities ; and scarcely dare we add, that the distilled ivater 
of bees has been also recommended, and in the same cases, — that an in- 
fusion of them in diuretic wine or in cenogala was all-powerful in 
dropsy and calculous affections, and cured ischuria ; that the remains 
of those found dead in honey strengthened the eyes and the ears, and 
was applied with success in cancerous ulcers of the lips. All these 
follies and a thousand others which Pliny and Galen first published, 
have been repeated by Houiller, Alexander Benedictine, and a crowd 
of other authors of the middle age of medicine, who have given us 
their reveries in the place of theories founded on experience, and have 
contributed to perpetuate errors rather than dissipate them. The 
belief that the prolonged use of those insects might produce sterility; 
that by immediately crushing them upon a wound all its consequences 
might be obviated, and that they were capable of inciting to love, was 
not less ridiculous." 5 

Yet the employment of the bee as a therapeutical agent has been 
revived. Dr. F. H. Gordon, 6 of Wilson County, Tennessee, affirms, 
that he succeeded in removing the strangury, which was a common 
attendant on an epidemic metritis by an infusion of the bee, made as 

1 Pharmaceutical Journal, cited in American Journal of Pharmacy, Oct. 1848, p. 328„ 

a Archives Generates de Medecine, Aofit, 1850, p. 535. 

3 Schroderi Dilucidati Zoologia ; and the second volume of the works of Ettmuller; fol. 
Latin, p. 304. Lyons, 1690; cited in Faune des Medecins, par H. Cloquet, i. 93. 
Paris, 1822. * Op. cit. 

s See, also, Merat and De Lens, art. Abeille, Diet, de Mat. Med. et de Therap. 

s Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery, Nov, 1845, p. 392, 



704 SUPPLEMENT. — BISMUTHI VALERIANAS. 

follows: — "Sweep forty to sixty bees into a pan of water, so as to 
make them manageable: put the whole into a teacup: pour one gill 
of boiling water on them, and cover the cup securely. When it has 
remained twenty minutes, pour off the infusion, and let the patient 
take the whole at a draught." This remedy, he asserts, relieved the 
strangury in from two to fifteen minutes with great certainty. He 
refers to other practitioners, who have " given the remedy numerous 
fair trials," and, so far as he has learned, all estimate it highly. He 
has tried it repeatedly in retention of urine from inflammation of the 
bladder, and from the effects of cantharides, and found it to be more 
prompt and certain than any other remedy; and he says, "there 
can be no question that 'bee tea' will prove a valuable accession to 
our Materia Medica. How far it may be found useful in ischuria 
and dysuria from every variety of cause remains to be tested; and 
its known value affords abundant encouragement for farther investi- 
gation." Dr. Gordon affirms that it was introduced into medicine 
some years ago by an old woman in the habitual practice of mid- 
wifery, in the County of Smith, Tennessee; but it is doubtless one of 
those cases in which a remedy formerly in use has been abandoned 
by the profession, but retained by the people. 

Since the publication of Dr. Gordon's communication, the infusion 
has been used by others. Dr. Flint, of Buffalo, 1 states, that it had 
been recently tried in that city with immediate relief, in a case in 
which the introduction of the catheter had been attempted without 
success; and that it was subsequently repeated daily, with the same 
results, until the occasion for its administration ceased. 

Dr. Gordon considers the infusion to act as a narcotic; and that its 
properties are probably owing to the virus ejected with the sting. 
The tea, when recently made, has a smell identical with that of the 
incensed bee, and is then efficacious; but if the infusion be permitted 
to stand and cool, and especially to remain uncovered, the character- 
istic odour and taste disappear, and it is correspondingly inefficient. 
Hence, he infers, the virus is volatile, and requires care to prevent its 
escape. " Whether," he adds, " this valuable virus may not be col- 
lected and concentrated, or combined with some chemical element, 
so as to render it portable and convenient, is a matter of interest, and 
well worth the attention of the chemist." 

CLXXXI. Bismtj'tiii Valeria'nas, Bismuthum Valerianicum, 

German, V aler i a n s a u r e s Wismut h — is formed by mixing a 
neutral solution of nitrate of bismuth with, valerianate of soda, washing 
the precipitate with water, and drying with a gentle heat. It forms 
a white powder, which is insoluble in water; and has been recom- 
mended by Righini 2 in gastrodynia, chronic gasfralgia, and especially 
in neuralgia and nervous palpitation. 

The dose is from half a grain to two grains, three or four times a 
day, in the form of powder or pill. 

1 Buffalo Journal, cited in New York Journal of Medicine, Sept. 1S46, p. 2G5. 

2 Aschenbrenner, Die neueven Arzneimittel, u, s. w. S. 51. Erlangen, 1848. 



SUPPLEMENT. CARBONIS TMCHLORIDUM. 705 

CLXXXII. Cadmi'i Sulphas, Sulphas Melini sen Klaprothii, Cad- 
mium seii Klaprothium sen Melinum Sulphuricum, Sulphas Cad- 
?nicus, Sulphate of Cadmium; French, Sulfate de Cadmium; German, 
Schwefelsaures Cadmium, Sch wefelsaures Klaprothium, 
is obtained by dissolving carbonate of cadmium in dilute sulphuric 
acid, and evaporating the neutral liquid so that it may crystallize. The 
crystals are colourless, rectangular prisms, which effloresce in the air, 
and are readily soluble in water. 

Sulphate of cadmium, which wajs referred to in a former edition of 
this work, 1 has been almost exclusively prescribed of late in different 
diseases of the eyes. Rosenbaum, 3 Kopp, 3 Gr*afe, Ansiaux, Radius 4 
and others, 5 employed it successfully in specks of the cornea. In 
chronic ophthalmia, accompanied by a scrofulous, syphilitic or other 
dyserasia, it was used with advantage by Daynac and Giordano; and 
by Lincke, 6 it was prescribed as an injection in torpid chronic in- 
flammation and blennorrhcea of the meatus auditorius, membrana 
tympani and middle ear, being thrown both into the meatus and the 
Eustachian tube. 

It does not appear to differ materially in its medicinal properties 
from sulphate of zinc 

To form a collyrium, from one to eight grains may be dissolved in 
an ounce of water. As an eye ointment, Radius used it in the quan- 
tity of from one to two grains to 9iv. or gj. of lard. As an injection 
in otorrhcea, Lincke employed it in the strength of from gj. to gss. in 
Jiv. of infusion of roses. 

CLXXXIII. Careo'nis Trtchlo'ribum, Carbonis Sesquichloridum, 
Carboneum Trichloratum, Trichloretum Carbonei^Carbonicum Chlo- 
ratum, Ter chloride or Sesquichloride of Carbon ; French, Trichlorure 
ou Sesquichlorure de Carbon; German, Dreifach Chlorkohlen- 
stofT, KohlenstofTtrichlorid , is formed by the action of chlorine 
or chlorohydric ether, under the influence of sunlight. It is in needle- 
shaped crystals, pulverizable, colourless or white; tasteless, and of a 
peculiar camphoraceous aromatic odour. It is very sparingly solu- 
ble in water; soluble in alcohol, and still more so in ether; and dis- 
solves in fixed and volatile oils. It may be obtained, likewise, by 
the action of chlorine, on the Dutch liquid or chloride of olefiant gas. 

Terchloride of carbon has been employed by Dr. King with advan- 
tage in cholera morbus, and it is affirmed by Dr. Jones Lamprey, 7 
that it was originally used as a remedy in the treatment of cholera by 
a physician of Calcutta. It had been also prescribed, in 1843, in 

1 Third edit, preface, p. iv., Philada. 1841. 

3 Herat & De Lens, Dictionnaire Universel de Mat. Med. i. 320. Bruxelles, 1838. 
3 Dierbach, Die neuesten Entdeckungen in der Mat. Med. i. 541. Heidelb. unci 
Leipz. 1837. 

* Auserlesene Heilformeln, S. 123. Leipz. 1836. 

6 Riecke, Nacfctrage zur ersten Auflage der neuerra Arzneimittel, S. 27, Stuttgart, 
11840; Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 54. Erlangen, 1848; 
and Pereira, The Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit. i. 722. Lend. 1849. 

e Vollstandiges Recept-Taschenbuch, L 311. Leipz. 1840. 

* Medical Times, Jan. 6, 1849. 



706 SUPPLEMENT. — COJTIA. 

London, as an excitant and antiseptic. Mr. Tuson had found it effec- 
tual in correcting thefcetor of foul ulcers. 1 M. Troschel, chief phy- 
sician to a cholera hospital in Berlin, having read the observations of 
Dr. King, determined upon submitting it to trial in cholera, and he 
was encouraged to this course by the results of experiments made by 
the Russian physicians in St. Petersburg. The substance being, at 
first, of high price, and obtainable only in small quantity, M. Troschei 
administered it in the moderate dose of about four grains, repeating it 
every half hour, or every two or three hours, according to circum- 
stances; and he affirms, that in many cases he succeeded in breaking 
and shortening the asphyxial period, and establishing reaction. 3 M. 
Manget also appears to have found it of great advantage under the 
same circumstances; and he had numerous opportunities for testing 
its efficacy as physician to the Bureau de Bienfaisance of the fifth 
arrondissement of Paris, where cholera made great ravages. He gave- 
it in the same dose, in a spoonful of syrup of gum. M. Manget re- 
gards it as one of the most powerful diaphoretics we possess. 3 

Like many other anticholeric remedies, its merits have doubtless 
been greatly exaggerated. 

CLXXXIY. Coni'a, Caniinum, Conicinum, Cicutinum, Coneine 7 
Conine, Conicine, Cicutine; French, Coneine; German, Coniin. 
The active principle of conium or hemlock was discovered and care- 
fully examined by Geiger, in 1831; but it had not attracted much at- 
tention from therapeutists. It is most easily obtained, according to Dr. 
Christison, 4 by cautiously distilling from a muriate of lime bath a mix- 
ture of strong solution of potassa with the alcoholic extract of the 
unripe fruit. The alkaloid passes over with the water, and floats 
upon it like an oil. It contains some water, w T hich may be removed 
by chloride of calcium, and also a little ammonia, which is separated 
by keeping it for a few hours in vacuo. It is a colourless oleaginous 
fluid, of an intense, peculiar, suffocating odour; and an extremely 
acrid benumbing taste; is sparingly soluble in water; very soluble in 
alcohol and ether, and in fixed and volatile oils. It is a most ener- 
getic poison, appearing to act on the nervous centres — the spinal cord 
particularly — like hemlock, but unlike strychnia, which irritates the 
spinal marrow, and induces violent and permanent spasms of the 
muscles. 5 A few drops kill a small animal in a few minutes — the effects 
being gradual paralysis, slight convulsive tremors, and death from 
suspension of the respiration, without any apparent alteration in the 
blood, or depression of the heart's action. The salts of conia, from 
being more soluble, are even more energetic than it. 6 

AVhen conia is administered in medicinal doses, it acts as a sedative 
on the nervous centres ; and may cause incoherence and even deli- 
rium ; the movements are enfeebled, and paralysis may succeed; the 
pulsations of the heart are less strong and less frequent, and the re- 

1 Medical Times, Dec. 2, 1848. * Dr. Lamprey, op. cit. 

3 Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p. 50. 

4 Dispensatory, Amer. edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 410. Philad. 1848. 

* Richard, Elements d'Histoire Naturelle Medicale, iii. 184. Paris, 1849. 

s Christison, op. cit; and A Treatise on Poisons, Amer. edit. p. 655. Philad. I84tk 



SUPPLEMENT. — COTYLEDON UMBILICUS. 707 

spiratory organs feel the influence of this state of nervous stupor. 
According to Nega, 1 the phenomena that indicate the narcotic influ- 
ence succeed each other in the following order : — feebleness, paraly- 
sis of the voluntary muscles, anaesthesia, general indisposition, vomit- 
ing, paralysis of the stomach, diminished frequency and force of the 
pulsations of the heart, stupor, vertigo and syncope. 

The diseases in which Nega employed it with benefit were hyper- 
esthesia, neuralgia, and spasmodic affections.- — He instances parti- 
cularly, hypersesthesia of the fifth and tenth pairs of nerves, and the 
accidents resulting from them, otalgia, odontalgia, tic douloureux of 
the face, photophobia and spasms of the eyelids, for which it had been 
recommended by Fronmiiller, and has since been given by Spengler, 2 
sthenic nervous affections of the larynx, brachial, intercostal, and, 
particularly, sciatic neuralgia; and, in short, all diseases in which 
pain is a symptom, or a complication of any gravity; and it is af- 
firmed that, like conium, it renders ulcers of a malignant nature less 
painful, and of a better appearance; aids in the resolution of scrofu- 
lous tumours, and prolongs the first stage of the development of 
tubercles, and he found it of service in hooping-cough. In inter- 
mittent fever, it produced no result. Such, however, was not the 
result of the observations of Wertheim, 3 of Vienna, who appears 
to have obtained excellent effects from it in that disease, when the 
pulse was full and hard, indicating an inflammatory state. On the 
other hand, when it was feeble and accelerated, and the fever was 
asthenic, he prescribed leukolein, described hereafter. 

Conia may be given either in watery, alcoholic or ethereal solution, 
or united with dilute acids. Wertheim always prescribed it in 
watery solution, — one sixty-fourth or one thirty-secondth to one-six- 
teenth of a grain in six ounces of distilled water, of which two spoon- 
fuls [cuillerees a bouches) were given every two hours. Fronmiiller 
dissolved throe or four drops in a scruple of alcohol; and added half 
an ounce of distilled water. Of this, from fifteen to thirty drops were 
given three times a day. It has also been used endermically — in the 
dose of two drops mixed with acetic acid — and in enemata, to the 
€xtent o[ three drops. 4 

CLXXXV. Cotyle'don Umbili'cus, Cotyledon Umbilicus Veneris, 
Navelwort, Venus* s Navelwort ; French, Nombrilde Venus; Family, 
Oassulaceee; Sexual System, Pentandria Pentagynia. This plant, 
which grows in Europe on old walls and rocks, has been long used 
in medicine, but was almost unknown to practitioners of the present 
•day, when its employment was revived in a new direction. The 
leaves are emollient, and have been applied externally to hemorrhoids 
and to inflamed parts. Of late, the inspissated juice has been brought 

£ Zeitschrift fur Klinische Medicin. H. 1. Breslau, 1850; cited in Archives Gene- 
rales de Med. Juin, 1850, p. 224. 

9 Cited by Von Gorup-Besanez, in Canstatt und Eisenmann's Jahresbericht, u. s. w. 
im Jahre 1849, v. 171. Erlang. 1850. 

3 Archives Generates de Med. loc. cit.; Gazette Medicale de Paris, 1849, p. 748, and 
Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p. 177. 

4 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S, 89, Erlangen, 1848. 



708 SUPPLEMENT. — FEL BOVINUM. 

forward to swell the uncertain crowd of antiepileptic remedies, by 
Mr. Salter 1 and Dr. Bullar. "Encore un remede contre Fepilepsiel" 
exclaims M. Bouchardat. 2 The juice was first used with advantage; 
and afterwards an extract was prepared from it, which exerted the 
same effects. Dr. Bullar 3 urges its protracted use. He has pre- 
scribed it in a considerable number of cases — several of which were 
of a very hopeless kind, — and in all there was a' marked diminution 
in the violence and frequency of the attacks. In many cases he 
thought it was "certainly" nervo-tonic, — the improved nervous tone 
being shown by quieter sleep, fewer dreams, better spirits, more 
ability to take exercise, and a consciousness of general improvement. 
He is not aware that it has any other action on the body. 

The juice is obtained by bruising the leaves and leaf-stalks in a 
mortar, and expressing it from the bruised mass through a cloth. 
One tea-spoonful of this is given twice a day. Of the extract, Dr. 
Bullar has prescribed five grains twice, and occasionally, thrice, a day. 

As in the case of artemisia, 4 it is to be feared, that the virtues of 
cotyledon umbilicus have been exaggerated. Dr. Ranking 5 is properly 
of opinion, that the cases given in illustration are too few in number 
to be worthy of much confidence; and he is " disposed to agree with 
Dr. Marshall Hall, thai there is no * medicine specially adapted to 
the cure of epilepsy; and that the only rational treatment consists in 
a judicious employment of hygienic measures, including diet, exer- 
cise,' " &c. It was not necessary to affiliate this view on Dr. Hall, 
as most intelligent practitioners had arrived at the same conclusion, 
and not a few had promulgated it to the world. In a note from the 
author's friend, Dr. Francis G. Smith, dated, Philadelphia, Jan. 9, 
1851, he states, that he had used the extract in two cases, — the one, 
that of a female approaching puberty; — the other, that of a young 
man twenty-five or twenty-six years of age ; but in neither case was 
the slightest benefit perceptible: — the young lady, indeed, became 
worse whilst taking it; "for whilst there was no diminution in the 
frequency or severity of the paroxysms, she became desponding in 
the highest degree — in this last respect the case resembling some re- 
ported by the English practitioners." Dr. Smith gave the extract in 
doses of five grains three times a day. The author has never used it. 

CLXXXVI. Fel Bovi'nidi, Felbovis, Felfauri, Bills taurina, Ox 
gall, Ox bile; French, Bile ou Fiel cle Bceuf; German, Ochsen- 
galle, Rindsgalle. Ox-gall is by no means of modern intro- 
duction. It, as well as the bile of many other animals, has been 
employed in medicine in all ages; 6 but as its administration appears 
to have been somewhat revived, it may be worthy of a passing 
notice. It has long entered into many officinal pharmacopoeias and 

1 Medical Gazette, March 2, 1849. 

2 Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p. 59. 

■ Provincial Med. and Surg. Journ. May 23, 1849. ■ Page 111. 

* The Half- Yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, No. 9, from Jan. to June, 1849; 
Amer. edit. p. 200. 

B H. Cloquet, Faune des Medecins, ii. 365. Paris, 1822; and C. Clay, cited in 
Medico-Chirur. Rev. July, 1842, p. 279. 



SUPPLEMENT. — FEL BOVINUM. 709 

formularies of the continent of Europe ; and has been regarded as a 
stomachic and anthelmintic. The Fel tauri inspissatum, Extractum 
Bilis seu Fellis, is referred by Jourdan 1 to no fewer than seventeen 
pharmacopoeias; and the Globuli carminativi seu Pilulse bilis are in 
the pharmacopoeias of Manheim and Wirtemberg. 

Ox-gall is a greenish-yellow fluid, more or less thick and viscid, of 
a peculiar nauseous smell, and a bitter disagreeable taste. The 
chemical characters of bile, respecting which, as Simon 2 has remarked, 
there is no subject in the whole domain of animal chemistry that is 
more perplexing and intricate, have been given — so far as known — 
in another work. 3 Its uses in the economy have been inquired into 
in the same.* The author has there remarked, that as to the mode 
in which the biliary fluid acts on the chyme, we have not much more 
than conjecture to guide us ; and that it is more than doubtful, whether 
it has the property of soliciting the peristaltic action of the intestines 
so as to produce the evacuation of their contents. It was natural, 
however, that it should be regarded as a plausible remedy for cases 
in which a deficiency of bile is presumed to exist, although it may 
be by no means easy to discriminate them ; and that therefore it should 
be given in cases of intestinal torpor, which have so often been hy- 
pothetically regarded as dependent upon a deficiency of secretion 
from the liver. Its bitterness, and alkalinity, too, suggested its em- 
ployment as a tonic, and antacid. 

Of late years, ox-gall has been strongly advised in various diseases, 
and often on very loose physiological and pathological notions. 5 
Jaundice, it is known, when not owing to organic disease of the 
biliary apparatus, generally terminates spontaneously in health. Dr. 
Johnson 6 ascribes the cure of several cases to inspissated ox-gall given 
in the dose of five grains, gradually increased to ten, three times a 
day ; and he explains the action of the remedy on the principle, that 
ox-bile is the best substitute which can be found for the human secre- 
tion; as if jaundice necessarily consisted in a deficient secretion of 
that fluid ! 

Many years ago, ox-gall was employed by Dr. Copland, 7 who 
speaks highly of its therapeutical properties, both when given in 
clysters, and when combined with aloes, taraxacum, [?] soap, extract 
of gentian, &c, in restoring the healthy functions of the bowels, and 
digestive organs generally. One of the strongest advocates for its use 
is Dr. Charles Clay, 8 of Manchester. He was first led to test its 
powers to relieve pain in cancer, from noticing the fact that Dr. Pea- 
cock, of Darlington, had observed, when the system was impregnated 
with bile in cancerous affections, that the pain was remarkably re- 
lieved.^) In a case of cancerous ulcer, that had destroyed the greater 
portion of the nostrils, he ordered, as a forlorn hope, a mixture com- 

1 Pharmacopee Universelle, i. 268. Paris, 1 828. 

3 Animal Chemistry, Sydenham edition, i. 49. Lond. 1845. 

3 Human Physiology, 7th edit. ii. 318. Philad. 1850. 4 Vol. i. p. 611. 

5 Lincke, Vollstandiges Recept-Taschenbucli, i. 594. Leipz. 1840. 

6 London Lancet, Dec. 19, 1840, p. 447. 

7 Art, Constipation, in Diet, of Practical Medicine, 

8 Op. cit., cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, vi, 94. Lond. 1843. 



710 SUPPLEMENT. — FEL BOVINUM. 

posed of inspissated ox-gall, two drams ; oil of caraway, ten minims ; 
carbonate of magnesia, enough to form a mass, — to be divided into 
thirty-six pills. Of these two were given three times a day. Marked 
relief was afforded after the pills had been taken for one day ; and in 
four the pain had ceased. He states, that before giving it in this case, 
the evacuations were peculiarly white; and the bowels very much 
constipated with acid eructations. Dr. Clay, likewise, refers to its 
beneficial influence in dyspepsia. In all the cases reported by him, 
he considered " deficiency in quality or quantity of bilious secretion 
was the prominent and prevailing accompaniment," and he regards 
the ox-gall to be "not a cathartic," but " a direct solvent to the 
accumulated hardened faecal mass, the consequence of deficiency of 
quality or quantity of bile in the alimentary canal!" 

Dr. Clay observed, also, that inspissated gall has a remarkable ten- 
dency to counteract the constipating effects of opium. He recom- 
mends it, moreover, in all cases of atrophy, w T hether of children or of 
adults. In acidity of the stomach in children, he says, it affords 
u most decided, effectual, and immediate relief." Its action on the 
system, is not, as before remarked, cathartic, but is a mere solvent of 
the material contained within the intestinal canal, producing no excite- 
ment to propel, but facilitating excretion by liquidizing the mass. It 
is also, he says, tonic; and in children, to a moderate extent, diuretic: 
but less so in the adult. 

The views of Dr. Clay are, in the main, concurred in by Dr. R. H. 
Allnatt, 1 especially those in regard to the use of ox-gall in constipa- 
tion and its effects in obviating the constipating tendency of opium. 
The latter gentleman 2 gave it in a case of constipation during preg- 
nancy, in the form of enema, which succeeded in relieving the bowels, 
after warm water enemata had failed. A dram of inspissated ox-gall 
was dissolved in about a pint of warm water. The relief was in- 
stantaneous : — a mass of scybala being expelled, which had evidently 
lain impacted in the colon. Dr. Chapman 3 also has found it benefi- 
cial as "a laxative" in constipation. 

The preparation used by Dr. Clay and Dr. Allnatt is simply the 
recent gall of the ox slowly evaporated to the consistence of an ex- 
tract — the Fel tauri inspissatum, Extraction Bilis seu Fellis ; 
French, Extrait de Bile ou deFiel: Germ. Eingedickteh Galle. 
This may be made into pills. One gall-bladder of a moderate-sized 
ox, according to Dr. Clay, will afford as much extract as will make 
one hundred four grain pills, and it is an article both cheap and easy 
to procure. 

Dr. Lane 4 desiccates the gall and makes it into pills. To desiccate 
it he allows it to remain at the same temperature used in forming the 
inspissated article, until there remains a dry, bright green, friable, pu- 
rulent, slightly aromatic mass, in which state the substance loses none 
of its medicinal virtues; its deliquescent character is nearly lost. It 
can be easily preserved in closely stopped bottles, and is readily made 

1 London Lancet, June 7, 1845, p. 635 ; and Lond. Med. Gaz. June 20, 1S45, p. 343. 

2 London Medical Gazette, Feb. (i, 1S46, p. 253. 

3 Lectures on the more Important Diseases of the Thoracic and Abdominal Viscera, p. 
301. Philad. 1844. * London Lancet, July 5, 1845, p. 27. 



\ 
SUPPLEMENT. — FERRI ET ALUMINA SULPHAS. 711 

into pills, particularly with any spirituous fluid or essential oil. M. 
Blanch 1 has tried both the inspissated and the desiccated ox-gall, and 
very decidedly deposes in favour of the latter as the more efficacious, 
and less nauseous. The pills, too, he says, do not run together as 
when made of the inspissated article. 

As an addition to simple clysters it has been recommended to weak, 
emaciated, nervous individuals, who are subject to pains in the 
bowels. 2 

The dose of ox-gall is gss. to gi. in the day, made into pills. 

CLXXXVII. Inspissated Bile of the Swine, Bilis Porcina, has 
been used in the same cases as the bile of the ox, by Dr. Mettauer, 3 of 
Virginia, who thinks its employment as a therapeutical agent original 
with him. It has, however, been long used in medicine ! so long ago as 
the time of Pliny, 4 who extolled it in diseases of the spleen. "At the 
present day," says M. H. Cloquet, 5 " it is, we may say, out of use, and 
will never probably resume any share of favour." It is said to contain 
neither picromel nor any nitrogenized matter; but in addition to seve- 
ral salts is formed principally of resin and soda. It differs, conse- 
quently, considerably from the bile of man, and that of the ox: yet, 
according to Dr. Mettauer, it seems to be adapted for cases of diseases 
in which the biliary secretion is defective. "We were induced to 
resort to it first," he says, "in the low depressing states of continued 
fever, with the design of acting especially on the gastro-intestinal mu- 
cous membrane, which, we believed, became disorganized in such 
cases in a great measure from the want of the biliary influences, and 
in these cases it always acted with decided benefit. It served to sub- 
stitute the action of the bile. Simply heating the bile over a sand- 
bath until it became dry and pulverizable was our mode of preparing 
it. It is a valuable agent in dyspepsia, and in many chronic affections 
attended with defective biliary secretion. In chlorosis, amenorrhoea, 
some forms of dysmenorrhoea, and constipation, we have also em- 
ployed it with decided advantage. Dr. Mettauer gave it with benefit 
in the adynamic stage of fever above referred to — two or three grains 
of the inspissated, or more properly desiccated, bile, being associated 
with one of ipecacuanha, and two of carbonate of potassa. "This 
compound," he says, "seemed to act with decided effect, as a sup- 
porting and secerning remedy upon the mucous membrane of the sto- 
mach and intestines, and as a diaphoretic at the same time." It was 
especially valuable in cases attended with a denuded raw tongue, which 
always becomes more healthy after its administration. In such a com- 
bination, however, it is obviously impracticable to test the precise 
agency of the bile. 

CLXXXVIII. Ferri et Alumina Sulphas, Sulphate of Iron and 
•Alumina. This salt has been introduced by Sir James Murray, 6 of 

* Cited in Braithwaite's Retrospect, xii. 93, Amer. edit. New York, 1846. 
Ann. Therap. Juin, 1848; cited in Schmidt's Jahrbucher, u. s. w. No. 5, S. 160. 
Jahrgang 1849. 3 American Journal of the Med. Sciences, July, 1843, p. 52. 

4 Hist. Nat. xxviii. 13. 

5 Faune des Medecins, ii. 377. Paris, 1822. See, also, Merat and De Lens, Diet, 
de Mat. Med. &c, art. Sus. 6 Dublin Medical Press, Mar. 14, 1849. 



712 SUPPLEMENT. — HJCMOSPASIA. 

Dublin, as a valuable addition to the class of astringent remedies. The 
bisulphate of iron and alumina — as he terms it — is readily made by- 
treating bicarbonated solution of soft iron and carbonated solution of 
pure Washed alumina with sulphuric acid after separating the arsenic 
and other ingredients, which are too often found in the vitriolic acid 
of commerce. 

Sir James considers this salt to be a superior astringent in the treat- 
ment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera morbus; leucorrhcea, 
and the colliquative diarrhoea and sweats of the consumptive. It is 
also a valuable anthelmintic; destroying the parasites, and correcting 
the morbid condition of the alimentary canal, which favours their gene- 
ration. Occasional cathartics are needed during its administration as 
an anthelmintic. Applied externally it is a powerful styptic, and may 
be used in epistaxis, and in hemorrhage from leech bites. It has been 
found, too, an excellent gargle in relaxation of the uvula and fauces, 
in the cynanche of scarlatina; and in diphtheritis. It forms, like- 
wise, a good collyrium; abates salivation, and improves the appear- 
ance, and corrects the fcetor of foul ox flabby ulcers. Injections of 
the salt are good astringents in excessive hemorrhage from outlets 
with which they can be made to come in contact. 

The dose is from five to ten grains in any aromatic water, or in 
molasses. 

CLXXXIX. ELemospa'sia ; French, Himospasie. This is a mode 
of revulsion which has been strongly urged of late years by M. Junod, 
for his essays on which he has twice received the Monthyon prize. 
It has been properly described as a means for producing a powerful 
derivation of the blood from one part of the body, by removing the 
atmospheric pressure from a large extent of surface, as from one or 
both extremities. It is, as the author has expressed it elsewhere, 1 dry 
cupping on a large scale. 

An air pump bath has been employed, in which the atmospheric 
pressure is diminished over a greater or less surface of the body, and 
the application of vapour has been associated with this, constituting 
the air pump vapour bath, which has been used in gout, paralysis, 
and other affections. In 1832, Sir James Murray, 2 gave a description 
of an apparatus for abstracting: part of the atmospheric pressure from 
almost the entire surface of the body. For the purpose of insulating 
the patient's body from the external air, a small oval bath of tin, zinc 
or copper, was employed by him, — its lip furnished with a groove to 
contain luting for connecting- the lid or cover. In this lid is an aper- 
ture to pass over the patient's head, and around this opening is fitted 
a margin of air-tight cloth, which applies itself so as to embrace the top 
of the chest, and the back of the neck. The patient sits upon a seat, 
with his head uncovered, the body and limbs only being enclosed. 
When the bath is thus adjusted it is to be partially rarefied, either by 
the condensation of a little hot air or steam, or by a few strokes of a 
suction pump. 3 

1 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. 4th edit. ii. 254. Philad. 1850. 

* London Medical and Surgical Journal, July 14, 1842. 

s Observations on the Medical and Surgical Agency of the Air-pump, p. 41 . Dub. 1836. 



SUPPLEMENT.— H^MOSTASIS, 713 

At a meeting of the south-western branch of the Provincial Medical 
and Surgical Association held at Plymouth in 1844, Dr. Marsden 1 ex- 
hibited M. Junod's apparatus for exhausting the air over a large sur- 
face, or for his " System of Dry Cupping," as it has been termed. It 
is made of copper, in the shape of a boot, and is applied as one, hav- 
ing an Indian rubber tip to tie around the thigh, and render it air-tight. 
The air is then exhausted with a syringe. By the application of this 
apparatus, the leg may be distended to double its ordinary size : the 
pulse is at first quickened, but is gradually reduced both in frequency 
and strength, and even syncope may supervene. Very little pain at- 
tends the operation. After the removal of the apparatus, the blood 
gradually returns to its course, and in a couple of hours the swelling 
of the leg subsides. Experience has proved that sixty operations on 
the same leg, with one or two days' interval, may be attended with no 
injurious effects on the nervous system. Dr. Marsden described an 
establishment under the superintendence of M. Bonnard, of Paris, en- 
tirely devoted to the application of this instrument. He referred to 
the success which had attended its employment by M. Cerise, and de- 
tailed the histories of several cases in which he had himself wit- 
nessed beneficial results, — as of amaurosis, deafness, sore throat, 
chlorosis, amenorrhoea, croup, phthisis, &c. In 1835 M. Magendie 
greatly extolled it in cases in which it is important to attract the 
blood from the internal parts towards the surface of the body with- 
out causing any loss of the vital fluid; — and its effects certainly en- 
title it to great attention. It has been objected, that when the appa- 
ratus is removed, a violent reaction will ensue, and the blood be 
propelled with greater force than ever to the seat of the disease ; but 
the results of experience do not confirm this ; " for as the hsemospastic 
injection or plethora takes place chiefly in the capillary vessels, the 
turgescence induced by it is found to subside very slowly and gradu- 
ally." 3 The effects of haemospasia resemble those of heemostasis; the 
diminished pressure, induced over a greater or less surface, must not 
only affect the circulation, but induce a new action in the nervous 
system, and hence act as an energetic revellent. 

CXC. H^mos'tasis, French, Hemostase, Hemostasia Germ. 
Stockung des Blutes in den Gefdssen, has been long used 
to signify "stagnation of blood," and also any agency which arrests the 
flow of blood, but it has been applied by Dr. Thos. Buckler of Balti- 
more, 3 to a particular mode of arresting the flow of blood in the super- 
ficial vessels, which he brings forward as a novel therapeutical agency. 

It has been long the custom at the commencement of the cold stage 
of intermittents, to apply ligatures — as the tourniquet, 4 — to the extremi- 
ties ; and this unquestionably has appeared, in many cases, to give oc- 
casion to a subsequent mild hot stage, and abridged duration of the 
whole paroxysm. As to the mode in which the ligature of vessels acts 

1 Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, July 10, 1844, p. 224. 
a Gazette Medicale, cited in Med. Chir. Rev. Jan. 1844, p. 281. 

3 Maryland Medical and Surgical Journal, March, 1843, p, 265. 

4 Kellie, Annals of Medicine, vols. i. and ii. 



714 SUPPLEMENT. — HiEMOSTASIS. 

under such circumstances, there has been difference of sentiment. By 
some, as by Dr. Kellie, it has been supposed, that the obstruction to 
the circulation in the veins of the extremities causes an accumulation 
of blood in these vessels, and a consequent increase in the action of 
the heart; but the true modus operandi is probably that suggested by 
Dr. Mackintosh ;' the tourniquet or ligature, by confining the blood 
in the extremities, " prevents so much at least of the congestion in in- 
ternal organs ;" and in this manner exerts an analogous effect to the 
withdrawal of the same quantity of fluid from the vessels. A case de- 
scribed by Sir Geo. Lefevre, and referred to elsewhere, 3 — in which a 
disposition to syncope in the erect attitude, appeared to be owing to 
varicose veins of the lower extremities robbing the brain of its usual 
quantity of blood, and which was prevented by the application of ap- 
propriate bandages, — is confirmatory of this view of the subject. 

Dr. Buckler applies his ligatures upon one or more of the ex- 
tremities, according to the effect which he desires to induce. If a 
bandage, he remarks, be applied around a limb sufficiently tight to 
arrest completely the venous circulation, and at the same time allow 
the arteries to pulsate, the blood within the distended vein is cut off, 
as it were, from the general circulation ; a depletory effect is in this 
manner induced, and if the arrest of the venous circulation be prac- 
tised on all the extremities at once, the skin becomes relaxed ; the 
force of action of the heart and arteries is weakened ; and if the liga- 
tures be applied when the heart and arteries have been deprived of a 
portion of their ordinary amount of blood, owing either to anaemia or 
to bleeding, so that the vessels are partially empty, it is found, accord- 
ing to Dr. Buckler, that the exhalants of the skin pour out the most 
copious perspiration, — that the patient complains of a feeling of light- 
ness in the head ; of weakness and sickness of the stomach ; and if 
the carotids be pressed upon, they are found to be scarcely pulsating, 
and all the phenomena of syncope supervene. 

An agent possessed of such powers at once suggested itself as a 
valuable remedy in the phlegmasia more especially ; and it has been 
so urged upon the attention of the profession by Dr. Buckler. He 
considers it capable of exerting, under given conditions, a more power- 
ful control over the circulation than the lancet, antimony or digitalis, — 
controlling the action of the heart, without exhausting the vital forces. 
or giving rise to any other inconvenience. 

Many cases are brought forward by Dr. Buckler, in elucidation of 
the beneficial action of haemostasis and its power of sedation. He 
suggests, also, another application of it, — bandaging the extremities 
from the fingers to the toes, in cases where an individual has lost so 
much blood, that there is only enough left in his system to supply the 
organs essential to life — the heart, brain, and lungs,*— and to the ex- 
tremities of ansemic females in protracted labour, where, owing to the 
pressure of the uterus on the iliac veins, so much is cut off from the 
central circulation, as to deprive the brain of its normal supply, and 
thus render the pains weak, feeble, and inefficient. 

1 Principles of Pathology and Practice of Physic, 2d Amer. edit, by Morton, i. 155. 
Philad. 1837. 
a The author's General Therapeutics and Mat Med. 4 th edit. ii. 177. Philad. 1850. 



SUPPLEMENT. — HYDRARGYRI ET QUINIA, &C. 715 

. CXCI. Hura Brasilien'sis, Assacou, £ssacu or Ussacii, is a 
poisonous tree of Brazil, belonging to the family Euphorbiacese, 
the juice of which, and the decoction of its bark, cannot be employed 
without danger, in a high dose. The juice is anthelmintic, and at 
Santarem, in Brazil, the bark is given in elephantiasis, and at Para, 
the natives regard it as a specific in lepra. The physicians of Brazil 
administer the extract of assacou in pills, in the dose of a sixth of a 
grain to a grain in the day, gradually augmenting it still farther. They 
have also prescribed it as a drink in the form of infusion — a scruple 
of the bark to a quart (pinte) of water; and in baths. When given 
in too large a dose it excites vomiting. 

The bark — Casca cle Jissacu — is hard, thick, of a grayish colour, and 
inodorous: the epidermis is covered with a lichen of the genus lecanora.' 
It had not been subjected to investigation until recently, when having 
been taken by a leper to Saint-Marie-de Beleni, Para, it was examined 
by a commission of medical men appointed by the authorities of the 
country, who reported upon it favourably as a remedy in lepra. The 
results were communicated by Dr. Malcher, through the French consul 
at Saint-Marie-de Belem, to the Academie de Medecine, of Paris; to 
which body M. Gibert reported, that the active properties of assacou, 
and its marked effects on the solids and fluids, and especially on the 
diseased skin, and the acrid emetic and cathartic properties it possesses, 
prove it to be a powerful remedy, and encourage hopes that it has the 
remedial powers ascribed to it by the Brazilians. 

M. Bouchardat 2 is of opinion, that if introduced into the pharma- 
cies, it may render great service to therapeutics. 

CXCII. Hydrar'gyri et Qui'ni^e Protochlo'ridum. A combina- 
tion of mild chloride of mercury and quinia, has been prepared by Mr. 
M'Dermott, which has been found beneficial in some obstinate skin 
diseases that had resisted other remedies. The bichloride employed 
in the combination is said to perform the part of an acid, — the alka- 
loid quinia forms the base; hence a double salt, a protochloride of 
mercury and quinia, is obtained — not mechanically, but chemically 
combined. On subjecting it to the strictest analysis, no trace of the 
bichloride could be detected. 3 Several cases are reported by Mr. 
Hamilton, which had been treated at the Richmond Hospital, Dublin. 
A grain of the protochloride was given three times a day. In a case 
of lupus superjicialis of the arm of a labourer, aged forty, a rather pro- 
fuse salivation set in when twenty-one grains had been taken. A 
great improvement, however, had occurred in the local disease. The 
medicine was omitted for a few days, and then resumed in the dose 
of a grain night and morning. Pie was cured, — nothing but a simple 
dressing having been applied to the ulcers. The disease had existed 
twelve months before the treatment was commenced. 

1 Merat and Gibert, Journal de Pharmacie, xiv. 422. 

a Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1849, p. 71; and Ibid, pour 1850, p. 26. 

3 Dublin Medical Press, No. 275, 



716 SUPPLEMENT. — LETJKOLEINUM. 

CXCIIT. Ibe'ris Ama'ra, Bitter Candytuft; French, Passerage; of 
the /"«//?//// Crucifera?, is found plentifully in the gardens of Great Britain, 
where it is cultivated for its brilliant milk-white flowers. According 
to Dr. Silvester, 1 it was known to the ancients, and is mentioned by 
Pliny, Aetius, Paulus of JEgina, and Oribasius, by whom it is ex- 
tolled as an excellent internal and external remedy in various diseases. 
It may admit, however, of question, whether the chapter in Aetius, 
headed " De Iberide sive Cardamine quae et Lepidium vocatur," 2 refers 
to the plant in question. Mr. Adams regards the Lepidium of Paulus 
to be Lepidium Jatifolium or Peppenvort. 

The leaves, stem, and root of Iberis amara, appear to possess si- 
milar properties ; but from convenience and greater relative strength, 
the seeds were chiefly employed. Dr. Williams, of St. Thomas's 
Hospital, London, appears to have brought to light the properties of 
the plant, in a course of therapeutical researches at that hospital. He 
observed its good effects in asthma, bronchitis, dropsy, and more es- 
pecially in hypertrophy of the heart. It did not seem to diminish 
the velocity of the heart's action like digitalis, but controlled the vio- 
lence and sharp action of the organ, and softened the pulse: hence its 
great value in hypertrophy with dropsy. Dr. Silvester had prescribed 
it for ten years in numerous cases of the diseases above mentioned, 
"always with some benefit, and sometimes with almost magical effi- 
cacy." Its properties appeared to him to be analogous to those of 
digitalis and belladonna. It occasionally caused sickness, giddiness, 
or diarrhoea; but its control over the abnormous action of the heart 
was equally evinced, whether these effects were present or absent. 

Iberis amara was prescribed in powder in the dose of from one to 
three grains, generally mixed with bitartrate of potassa, which con- 
cealed the nauseous taste, and secured a perfect trituration and division 
of the tough seed. 

CXCIY. Leukolei/num, Chinoleinum, Leukol, Leucoleine, I^euko- 
leine, Leucolein, Chinoleine, Chinolein, Chinolin. This substance has 
not been found ready formed in nature. A. Hoffmann obtained it as 
the product of the dry distillation of coal, mixed with picolin,anilin, and 
other substances, in mineral tar. Subsequently, it was procured by 
Gerhardt and Bromier, by heating quinia, cinchonia, and strychnia 
with as concentrated a ley of potassa as could be made. In what- 
soever manner obtained, it is heavier than water; of an oleaginous 
consistence; and, in the state of purity, is completely colourless, and 
limpid as water. Its specific gravity is 1.081; and it is slightly 
soluble in water, and miscible in all proportions with alcohol, ether, 
and essential oils. 3 Wertheim prescribed it internally in combination 
with sulphuric acid — the pure leucolein being dissolved in a very small 
quantity of pure sulphuric acid. Externally, he applied a solution of 
pure leucolein in a small quantity of alcohol, diluted with a considera- 

1 Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal, July 28, 1847. 

a The Seven Books of Paulus iEgineta, translated, &c., by Francis Adams. Sy- 
denham Soc edit hi. 212. Lond. 1847. 
3 Fownes, Elementary Chemistry, 3d Amer. edit, by R, Bridges, p. 437. Philad. 1850. 



SUPPLEMENT. — LITHLZE CARBONAS. 717 

ble quantity of water. The most evident effect produced by leucolein 
is on the pulse, which, like conia, it depresses. Wertheim affirms, 
however, that conia acts in this manner when the pulse is full and 
hard; and when the fever has a sthenic character; — leucolein on the 
contrary, when the pulse is feeble and accelerated, and the fever 
assumes an asthenic form. 1 

Like conia, it has been given in intermittents as a substitute for 
the sulphate of quinia; but observations thus far made are inadequate 
to fix its therapeutical value. 3 

CXCV. Lith'i^e Car'bonas, Lithium Carbonicum, Carbonate of 
Lithia; French, Carbonate de Lithine; German, Kohlensaures 
Lithon oder Lithion. This substance has been found in various 
mineral waters, as those of Toplitz, Franzensbad, Marienbad, Karls- 
bad, some of which have proved serviceable in calculous affections. 
This fact suggested to Mr. Ure, 3 as it had done to Lipowitz, to inves- 
tigate the solvent powers of carbonate of lithia with reference to 
lithic or uric acid and its compounds, at the ordinary temperature of 
the human body; and he found that its solvent power is more than 
double that of carbonate l of potassa or borate of soda, and about eight 
times that of bicarbonate of soda, which is the active ingredient in 
the Vichy water. An experiment was made on a human urinary cal- 
culus, composed of uric acid with alternate layers of oxalate of lime. 
It was allowed to stand for four hours in two ounces of the natural 
Vichy water, from the Hopital spring, which contained three grains 
and a half of carbonate of soda ; when it was found to have parted with 
two-tenths of a grain of uric acid ; whilst a portion of the same calcu- 
lus, placed under precisely similar circumstances, at the same time, 
in a solution of gr. 1.6 of carbonate of lithia to two ounces of distilled 
water, afforded nine-tenths of a grain of uric acid; thus demonstrating 
its superior solvent agency. Mr. Ure is of opinion, that of all the 
various menstrua hitherto recommended, none appears to promise 
more favourably than the carbonate of lithia, from the promptitude 
and energy with which, in dilute solution, it attacks calculi of the uric 
acid description; and he adds: "If by means of injection we can re- 
duce a stone at the rate of a grain or more an hour, we shall not 
merely diminish the positive -bulk of the calculus, but farther loosen 
its cohesion, disintegrate it, so to speak, causing it to crumble down 
and be washed away in the stream of the urine." 

The extreme scarcity of the carbonate of lithia has prevented it 
from being much employed in practice. It may be obtained by- 
adding a strong solution of carbonate of ammonia to a solution of 
either sulphate of lithia or chloride of lithium; or by decomposing 
sulphate of lithia by acetate of baryta, and calcining the acetate 
of lithia formed, which is thus converted into the carbonate. 
As usually met with, it is a white powder, like carbonate of mag- 
nesia; has a slight alkaline taste; and is soluble both in hat 

1 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1850, p. 177. 
9 See Conia, p. 706. 

3 Pharmaceutical Journal, iii. 2, cited in Medical Examiner, Oct. 28, 1843, p. !?50c 
46 



718 SUPPLEMENT. — MANGANESII SULPHAS. 

and cold water, but insoluble in alcohol. About 100 parts of cold 
water dissolve one part. 

It has been suggested as an internal remedy in lithuria; 1 and, ac- 
cording to Aschenbrenner, 2 may be given in the dose of from five to 
ten grains in the day. 

CXCVI. Lupuli'na, Lupulinum, Lupulin, Lupulinic glands; 
French, Lupuline; German, H o p f e n m e h 1, H o p f e n s t a u b. Of this 
substance, presumed to possess all the virtues ascribed to the hop, the 
author has spoken in another work. 3 As a bitter tonic he has made 
favourable mention of it, but as a hypnotic both it and hops have 
disappointed him. It is introduced here, however, in consequence of 
its having been recently brought forward in a new relation. Some 
years ago, Dr. Wm. Byrd Page 4 introduced it to a limited extent into 
the Blockley Hospital, as a preventive of nocturnal erections in dif- 
ferent forms of acute venereal disease. It was successful in the pre- 
vention of chordee ; and by preventing erection in acute gonorrhoea, it 
exercised a soothing influence on the inflamed urethra, and facilitated 
the operation of curative agents; relieved the troublesome perineal 
pain in chronic gonorrhoea, and during the treatment of stricture by 
the bougie; prevented the occurrence of erections during treatment of 
chancres of the male organ, which interfere so much with the process 
of cure ; and after the operation for phimosis had an excellent effect in 
the same manner. In spermatorrhoea it prevented the occurrence of 
nocturnal emissions so long as the patient was freely under its in- 
fluence. Dr. Page refers to Dr. F. G. Smith, and Dr. Edward 
Hartshorne, in confirmation of its antaphrodisiacal virtues. The dose 
he prescribes is from five to ten grains, to be repeated as occasion 
may require. The latter dose rarely requires a repetition during the 
night. It may be given in powder or pill. It causes no headach, 
constipation, nervousness, or any other unpleasant consequence. 

CXCVII. Mangane'sii Sulphas, Manganum sulphuricum oxydu- 
latum, Sulphas Man ganesii seuMa?iganosus, Sulphate of 'manganese; 
French, Sulfate de manganese; German, Schwefelsaures Man- 
ganoxy dul. The salts of manganese have been employed chiefly 
as external remedies in cutaneous diseases; but they have almost 
fallen into disuse. " The sulphate of manganese" — say MM. Merat 
and de Lens, 5 " appears to have been used externally, under the form 
of ointment, in the treatment of cutaneous diseases ; but on this head, 
as on the whole therapeutical history of the preparations of the metal 
in question," [manganese,] " we may say, that we have many more 
assertions than proofs ; many more chimerical views, based upon the 
large quantity of oxygen, which the oxide of manganese is supposed 
to be able to furnish to the living economy, than well observed facts 
or truly practical deductions." 

1 Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit. p. 571. Lond. 1849, 

a Die neueren Arzneimittel. u. s. w. S. 178. Erlangen, 1848. . 

3 General Therapeutics and Mat. Med. 4th edit. i. 378. Philad." 1850. 

* Medical Examiner, May, 1849, p. 284. 

■ Diet, de Mat Med. &c, art. Manganese. 



SUPPLEMENT. — MANGANESII SULPHAS. 719 

By the Germans, this salt— which may be obtained by dissolving 
carbonate of manganese in diluted sulphuric acid, filtering and eva- 
porating the solution so as to yield crystals — has been given internally 
in syphilitic affections, and in chronic cutaneous diseases, in the dose 
of two or three grains [!] in watery solution. It has been used also 
externally in itch, in the form of ointment, made of a dram of the 
salt to an ounce of fresh unsalted butter — a piece of the size of a bean 
being rubbed on the affected part four times a day. 1 Dr. A. Ure, a 
who has proposed many articles as therapeutical agents on chemical 
considerations chiefly, but few of which will probably stand the test 
of accurate therapeutical observation, has recommended the sulphate 
of manganese as a cholagogue cathartic. If a dram, he says, be dis- 
solved in about half a pint of water, and swallowed before breakfast, 
it will generally occasion, after the lapse of an hour or so, one or more 
liquid evacuations. With the view of testing whether bile was thus 
discharged to any amount, a portion of loose feculent matter was di- 
gested with strong alcohol, in order to separate the mucus, and thrown 
upon a filter; a limpid olive-coloured solution was obtained, which, 
after evaporation in a water bath to the consistence of honey, yielded, 
on the addition of boiling chlorohydric acid, a notable quantity of bi- 
liary resin, together with a little fatty matter, — affording unequivocal 
proof of the excretion of bile. He does not show, however, that the 
quantity was greater than when other or no agents were administered ; 
but he infers, that the salt is "essentially cholagogue in the strict sense 
of the word." Its action is said to be prompt, and soon over; and it 
is recommended by Dr.Ure as a valuable cathartic in gout, in which, 
he says, there is generally a deficient action of the liver. [?] 

The communication of Dr. Ure attracted the attention of Dr. Gool- 
dens 3 to this salt, who instituted some trials to test its virtues. When 
taken upon an empty stomach, in the dose of one or two drams, he 
found it invariably induced vomiting in less than three hours, gene- 
rally within one hour, and the matter vomited consisted of a very 
large quantity of yellow bile. After a meal, the same effect took 
place, but not invariably. It very rarely acted as a cathartic alone ; 
and after it had been given for several days he was often obliged to 
have recourse to other cathartics. After the first dose, it seldom acts 
as an emetic. The evacuations, which are sometimes dark-coloured, 
soon become yellow and loaded with healthy bile ; but if it be con- 
tinued for four or five days, they become lighter, and ultimately show 
a total absence of bile, "appearing like jaundiced stools of the colour 
of parchment; but there is no jaundice either in the skin or urine. If 
the medicine be discontinued, the yellow colour of the stools returns." 

The dose, according to Dr. Thomson, 4 may be from half an ounce 
to an ounce as a cathartic; but Dr. Ure has always found a much 
smaller quantity suffice. Like other saline cathartics, it acts most 
efficiently when dissolved in a considerable quantity of water. 

' Kapp,in Hufeland's Journal der Pract. Heilkund. Bd. xix. St. 1, S. 176; and Bd. x. 
St. 4, S. 178: cited by Osann, in Encyclopad. Worterb. der Medicin. Wissenschafl. 
xxii. 358. Berlin, 1840. tt Lond. Med. Gazette, Nov. 8, 1844, p. 190. 

3 London Medical Gazette, Feb. 14, 1845, p. 646. 

* Chemistry of Inorganic Bodies, ii. 587, cited by Dr. Ure. 



720 SUPPLEMENT. — NAPHTHALINA, 

Of late, the preparations of manganese have been brought forward 
byM. Hannon' and M. Petrequin, either as adjuvants or succedanea to 
the preparations of iron. As asuccedaneum for iron the peroxide of man- 
ganese had been employed by M. Gendrin. It would appear, too, 
that a formulary, printed at Leipzig in 1847, under the title Vade- 
mecum Clinicum, by Dr. J. Kovasy, contains formulae for the em- 
ployment of the oxide of manganese in chlorosis and amenorrhcea, 
and according to M. Ducoux, the mineral waters of Cransac, which 
are well-known to be efficacious in anaemia, chlorosis, &c, contain a 
considerable amount of sulphate of magnesia and sulphate of iron. 
M. Hannon has recommended manganese most extravagantly as an 
almost infallible specific (?) in anaemia, whatever may be its origin. 
M. Ptjteequin more judiciously suggests it as a succedaneum for iron 
in chlorosis, where the latter fails or loses its influence ; or where the 
disease removed by iron returns. It; would appear, however, that in 
only one of the four cases published by him was the salt of manga- 
nese, the subcarbonate, used alone ; in the other three, the manganese 
was associated with iron. 3 

Kapp has used it externally in the form of ointment composed of 
gj. of the sulphate to ^ij. of lard. 

CXCVIII. Naphthali'na, Naphthalinum, Naphthalan, Naph- 
thalin; French, Naphthaline; German, Naphthalin. In the dis- 
tillation of coal-tar, when the last portion of the volatile oily product 
is collected apart, and left to stand, a quantity of solid crystalline 
matter separates, which is principally composed of naphthalin. This 
substance forms large, colourless, transparent, brilliant, crystalline plates, 
which exhale a faint and peculiar odour, compared to that of the nar- 
cissus. It is insoluble in cold water, but soluble in it to a slight degree 
at a boiling temperature. Alcohol and ether dissolve it readily, 3 

When applied to the tongue, naphthalin causes a peculiar hot and 
pricking sensation, which extends down the throat and bronchial tubes,, 
exciting a spasm of the latter, and ultimately inducing cough "of a 
kind very efficacious in clearing the air cells and canals of accumula- 
tions of mucus. It is, therefore, a remedy highly suitable in the asth- 
matic coughs of old people, and others, who, from debility, are unable 
to expel the matters which clog the pulmonary membrane." 4 

According to M. Rossignon, 5 naphthalin possesses many of the 
physical and medical properties of camphor; for which it may be 
substituted. With weak alcohol it forms a tincture, which has all 
the properties of camphorated spirit at one half the price. 

1 Etudes surla Manganese, &c. Bruxelles, 1849; cited in Canstatt und Eisenmann's 
Jahresbericht, u. s. w. im Jahre 1849. S. 163. Erlang. 1850. See, on some pharma- 
reutical preparations of manganese, W. Procter, Jr. in American Journal of Pharmacy, 
Oct. 1850, p. 297. 

- Gazette Medicale de Paris, Sept. 1849, and Archives Generates de Med., Janvier, 
1 850, p. 97. 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1844, p. 46. Paris, 1844. 

* London Lancet, July 8, 1843, p. 515. 

* Bouchardat, op. cit. pour 1843, p. 04. Paris, 1843. 



SUPPLEMENT. — OLEUM CADINUM. 721 

M. Emory, 1 of the Hopital Saint Louis, Paris, had his attention 
directed to the different products of tar as remedial agents in skin dis- 
eases, from the successful employment of tar in these diseases, and its 
unpleasant odour. Of these the concrete naphthalin appeared to him 
to be the best. He employed it in 14 cases. In two, one of psoria- 
sis gyrata, and another of lepra vulgaris, it failed; but in 12 it proved 
more serviceable; of these, two were lepra vulgaris, and ten psoriasis. 

The dose is from 8 to 30 grains, given in emulsion or syrup, and 
repeated pro re natd. M. Dupasquier employs a looch, a syrup, and 
lozenges. The ointment of M. Emory consists of two parts of naph- 
thalin to 30 parts of lard. 3 

CXCIX. Oleum Cadinum, Juniperi oleum empyreumaticum ; 
French, Huile de Cade ou de Genevrier; German, Brenzliches 
Wachholder-Oel, Cade-Oel. This oil is obtained by the com- 
bustion of the wood of Juniperus phcenicea and J. oxycedrus ; French, 
Cade, Oxycedre. A sort of liquid tar results, which is of a blackish 
colour, fetid, and has been employed in France by farriers in the itch 
and ulcers of horses, as well as in the itch of sheep. It would appear, 
however, that the oil of turpentine has been very generally substituted 
for it, and has received the name of huile de cade. 3 The true oil has 
been long employed in toothache, and M. Serres 4 states, that he has seen 
the most excruciating pain relieved by the introduction of a drop into the 
cavity of a carious tooth. It is also a popular domestic remedy in cases 
of worms, in the dose of from 20 drops to a dessert spoonful, accord- 
ing to the age of the child. It is rubbed, too, on the upper lip, the 
interior of the nostrils, temples and neck, in order that it may enter 
the lungs with the air of inspiration. 

It has been long prescribed by Alibert and Cartheuser as an anti- 
scrofulous and antiscorbutic remedy, given internally ; and was em- 
ployed with advantage in chronic ophthalmia by Van Wij ; and by 
Rosenstein in scabies and eczema. 5 

Of late, M. Serres has revived its use in scabies, and now employs 
it altogether in that disease; three or four frictions with it being ge- 
nerally sufficient in recent cases. It is affirmed, too, by him, that va- 
rious cutaneous affections, — eczematous, papular, lichenoid, &c. — 
are cured by its application every other day. A pellicle appears to 
be formed by it, which falls off on the ninth or tenth day, leaving the 
diseased surface healed or in the way of cure. It is in scrofulous oph- 
thalmia, however, that M. Serres has observed the best effects— in 
those obstinate cases that had resisted other means. In infants, he 
applies it on the forehead, temples, or cheeks, and on the outer surface 
of the eyelids; and at times he adds the introduction of a drop into 
each nostril. He has used it too with advantage in tinea, otorrhcea, 

1 Cited in London and Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Jan. 1843, 
p. 68. 

3 Bouchardat, op. cit., and Nouveau Formulaire Magistral, p. 122. Paris, 1845. 
* Merat and De Lens, Diet. Univ. de Mat. Med. ii. 489. Bruxelles, 1838. 

4 Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therapeutique pour 1847, p. 65. 

1 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 162. Erlangen, 1848. 



722 SUPPLEMENT. — PLUMBI CHLORIDUM. 

pruritus ani, &c.' It effectually destroys, according to M. Sully, the 
parasites which infest the hairy scalp in tinea; and he affirms, that 
it occasionally cures this loathsome and obstinate disease almost mi- 
raculously. 

As a remedy in chronic cutaneous diseases it has been extolled also 
by M. Devergie, 2 who has found it most successful, however, in ec- 
zema, both in the simple and impetiginous form. In squamous af- 
fections and in lupus he has also used it; but beyond this, he thinks, 
"there is uncertainty or deception." 

M. Sully 3 prescribes the following ointment in tinea: 
R. Olei cadin. ^iss. 
Essent. anis. gtt. v. 
Adipis Jij. M. 

CC. Piscid'ia Erythri'na, Jamaica Dogwood. Dr. Hamilton, 4 
during a visit to the Antilles, was struck with the powerfully narcotic ef- 
fects produced on fish by the bark of the root of this tree. Inferring 
that it might be useful as a medicine, he prepared a tincture, made by 
macerating the bark of the roots, gathered during the period of inflores- 
cence, and before the appearance of the leaves, in four times "its weight 
by measure" of rectified spirit for 24 hours, and filtering. Of this 
mixture he took, when much afflicted with toothache, a fluidram in a 
tumblerful of cold water, drank it off, and watched its effects, which 
were anodyne and hypnotic; and on awaking from sleep, his pain had 
wholly disappeared. He subsequently used it as a topical applica- 
tion to carious teeth, introducing it on a dossil of cotton into the dis- 
eased cavity ; and after a single application, he never heard of a re- 
turn of pain in that tooth. 

The formula for Dr. Hamilton's tincture is one ounce of the bark 
to four fluidounces of alcohol. Dose, f 3j. and less, in a glass of 
water. 

CCI. Plumbi Chlo'ridtjm, Chloride of Lead; French, Chlorure 
de Plomb ; German, Chlorblei, Hornblei. Chloride of lead is 
formed when oxide of lead is digested in muriatic acid. It also falls 
as a white precipitate when a salt of lead is added to any soluble 
chloride. In the London Pharmacopoeia it is directed to be formed 
as follows: — Take of acetate of lead, 19 ounces; boiling distilled 
water, three pints, (imperial measure ;) chloride of sodium, six ounces. 
Dissolve separately the acetate of lead and chloride of sodium — the 
former in three pints of distilled water, the latter in one pint. Mix 
the solutions; wash the precipitate after it has become cool with dis- 
tilled water, and dry it. The chloride crystallizes in long, flattened 
acicular crystals, which are anhydrous. Its solubility in water is va- 
riously stated. Generally, it is said to dissolve in 135 times its weight 
of cold water, and to be more soluble in hot. 5 By the London Col- 

* Bouchardat, Annuaire de Therap. pour 1849, p. 1'22. 

- Ibid, pour 1850, p. 65. 3 Ibid, pour 1849, p. 122. 

4 Pharmaceutical Journal. Auq. 1, 1844; cited in Med. Chir. Rev., Oct 1844. 
1 Graham's Elements of Chemistry, Amer. edit. p. 409. Philad. 1843; Fownes's Ele- 
mentary Chemistry, American edit. p. '242. Philad. 1845. 



SUPPLEMENT. — PLUMBI NITRAS. 723 

lege, it is said to be soluble in 30 parts of water at 60°, and in 22 
parts at 212°. 1 It was admitted into the London Pharmacopoeia as 
one of the substances employed in the preparation of the muriate of 
morphia. 

Mr. Tuson, 2 has employed chloride of lead in cancerous ulcerations, 
both in the form of lotion and ointment, with some success. As a lo- 
tion, it is of use, he says, in producing a healthy surface of the sore, 
removing foetor, and relieving pain ; and when the ulcer has not been 
extensive, it has healed under its application. In "painful neuralgic 
tumours" it proved very beneficial in relieving the pain. When ap- 
plied to any great extent by rubbing it over the part in the form of 
ointment, it has produced a numbness of the arm ; and from the obser- 
vations which Mr. Tuson made, on watching the effect of the applica- 
tion, he was induced to think, that the pain was removed by paralyzing 
the nerves of the adjacent parts. From what he has seen of the effect 
of the remedy he is inclined to believe, that combined with other 
applications and assisted by internal treatment, it may be of very con- 
siderable service in certain cancerous affections. 

CCII. Pltjmbi Nitras, Plumbum nitricum, Nitras plumbicus, 
Nitrum saturninum, Nitrate of Lead; French, Nitrate de Plomb; 
German, Salpetersaures Bleioxyd. This salt is officinal in the 
Edinburgh college; and is directed to be prepared as follows: — Take 
of litharge, ^vss., diluted nitric acid, a pint. Dissolve the acid to 
saturation with the aid of a gentle heat. Filter, and set the liquid 
aside to crystallize. Concentrate the residual liquor to obtain more 
crystals. It forms beautiful tetraedral and octaedral crystals, nearly 
opake, white, and of adamantine lustre, which are permanent in the 
air, and soluble in somewhat more than four parts of water. 3 

Hitherto, nitrate of lead has not been much used in Great Britain 
or this country, in medical practice; and it was introduced into the 
Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia merely as the best salt of lead from which 
to prepare the iodide. It has the same constitutional and local action 
as the other soluble salts of lead. The property, however, which it 
possesses, of coagulating albumen, and of decomposing the compounds 
of chlorine, and the sulphohydrates, renders it a valuable antibromic; 
and it has been prescribed as an excitant antiseptic to wounds. In 
1773, it was in use as an antiepileptic, and was especially recom- 
mended by Osterdyk-Schacht and Gessner. 4 Dr. Pereira 5 states, 
that in active haemoptysis he has sometimes prescribed a pill of sugar 
of lead and opium, and a mixture containing nitric acid. Nitrate of 
lead would thus be formed in the stomach. With this combination 

1 The Dispensatory of the United States of America, by Wood and Bache, 6th edit, 
p. 1075. Philad. 1845. 

a London Lancet, Jan. 13, 1844, p. 502; and The Structure and Functions of the 
Female Breast, p. 426. Lond. 1846. 

* Christison, Dispensatory, Amer. edit, by R. E. Griffith, p. 739. Philad. 1848. 

4 Dierbach, Die neuesten Entdeckungen in der Mat. Med. 3er Band, lste Abtheil. 
S. 610. Heidelb. und Leipz. 1845. 

* Elements of Mat. Med. and Therap. 3d edit. i. 745. Lond. 1849. 



724 SUPPLEMENT. — POTASS^E NITRAS. 

he has succeeded in getting the system under the influence of lead in 
a much shorter time than by the sugar of lead only. 

Its main use, until of late, has been as an application to wounds, 
ulcers, cancerous affections, chronic cutaneous diseases, chaps, &c. 
According to Volz, it is the active constituent of a secret remedy by 
Liebert, of Paris, for cracked nipples. 1 Volz employed it with ad- 
vantage in these and similar cases, in the quantity of ten grains to the 
ounce of water. 

The most recent circumstance of interest connected with the nitrate 
of lead, owing to which it is introduced here, is, that it is the admitted 
basis of " Ledoyen's disinfecting fluid" which attained so much 
celebrity a few years ago, that the British government directed expe- 
riments to be instituted with it for disinfecting the subjects of spread- 
ing diseases, as well as infected localities. It is a solution of one 
dram of nitrate of lead in a fluidounce of water; and it certainly de- 
stroys the unpleasant odour of animal and vegetable substances that 
are evolving sulphuretted hydrogen and hydro-sulphates of ammonia; 
but there is no evidence that it has any destructive power over the 
emanations that give occasion to disease. 2 Dr. Stratton 3 is of opinion, 
from observation of the effects of the two fluids, that the Ledoyen is 
inferior to the Burnett fluid.* He affirms, too, that it is liable to 
exert a depressing influence when applied to the body, or used in the 
room in cases of typhus ; and two cases of lead colic, arising from its 
application to ulcers, have been recorded. 5 

By Lemaitre de Rabodanges the nitrate of lead has been employed 
both as a destroyer of putrid odours, and for the preservation of ani- 
mal substances, — of the dead body, for example, 6 as in embalming ; 
yet its antiseptic power has been denied. 7 The commission, consist- 
ing of Dr. Southwood Smith, Mr. Toynbee and Mr. Grainger, to 
whom, in connexion with the discoverer, the fluid was submitted for 
examination by Lord Morpeth, reported, that it does not possess any 
peculiar power in preserving the dead body from decomposition, 
whilst they admit its efficacy as an antibromic. 8 

CCIII. Potass,e Nitras, Nitrate ofpotassa, Nitre; French, Nitrate 
depotasse; German, Salpetersaures Kali. This salt is noticed here 
in consequence of the revival of its use in large doses, within the last 
twenty years. As a general rule, nitrate of potassa is a dangerous 
and rapid irritant poison in the dose of an ounce; yet there are cases 
in which this and even a larger quantity have been borne with im- 
punity, 9 especially when dissolved in a large quantity of water. 

As long ago as the year 1764, Dr. Brocklesby, a celebrated British 

1 Dierbach, op. cit. 2er Band, S. 1224. Heidelb. und Leipzig, 1843. 

* British Amer. Journal of Med. and Phys. Sciences, December, 1847, and the author's 
General Therapeutics and Mat Med., 4th edit. ii. 371. Philad. 1850. 

3 Edinb, Med. and Surg. Journal, Oct 1848, p. 293. * See page 691. 

5 Brit. Amer. Journal, March, 1848. 6 Pereira, op. cit. 

1 Academie des Sciences, 8 Juin, 1840; cited by Pereira; and Aschenbrenner, Die 
neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 230. Erlangen, 1848. 

8 Amer. Journal of Pharmacy, November, 1847, p. 269. 

9 Christison, Treatise on Poisons, Amer. edit p. 189. Philad. 1845. 



SUPPLEMENT. — POTASSiE NITRAS. 725 

army physician, urged the value of this salt, in large doses, in acute 
rheumatism, — as much as ten drams being given during the day and 
night. The practice was followed by others, — and, in 1833, Messrs. 
Gendrin and Martin Solon revived it in Paris; sixteen cases are re- 
corded, the average period of treatment of which was eight days. 
The mean quantity given in one day was an ounce in three quarts of 
water, — the total average quantity, eleven ounces They recommend, 
that it should be begun in the quantity of two drams and a half to a 
quart of fluid. 

Twelve successful cases are also recorded by M. Aran. 1 The 
mean dose was thirty-six grains in three pints of fluid, and the ave- 
rage total quantity, 374 grains. The mean duration of the disease 
was also eight days. 3 Dr. Henry Bennet, who was clinical clerk and 
house physician under M. Gendrin, at La Pitie, states, that for nearly 
three years, which he spent there, all the cases of acute rheumatism 
which came into the wards were treated with nitre, in doses varying 
from six to twelve, or sixteen drams in the twenty-four hours, ac- 
cording to the age, sex, or constitution of the patient; so that Dr. 
Bennet thinks he must have seen treated at La Pitie, in this manner, 
at least seventy or eighty persons. The salt was always administered 
dissolved in a large quantity of barley water, sweetened with sugar, 
— the proportion being about half an ounce to a pint and a half or two 
pints of fluid. This was the only beverage allowed the patient. The 
secretions of the skin and kidneys were generally augmented, and 
sometimes those of the intestinal canal ; but the principal action of 
the nitrate appeared to be sedative, the pulse generally falling rapidly, 
both as regarded frequency and strength — or, in other words, the salt 
seemed to act as a contrastimuiant. Neither M. Gendrin, nor M. 
Martin Solon, nor Dr. Bennet, observed any renal inflammation in- 
duced by it, as had been stated by some. Dr. Bennet 3 states, that he 
has not only administered an ounce or more of nitre in the twenty- 
four hours, for many days consecutively in acute rheumatism, but 
also in puerperal fever and other inflammatory diseases, with, he 
thinks, marked benefit, and without observing any toxical phenomena; 
and in a subsequent communication 4 he asks, whether nitre, thus ad- 
ministered, may not prove a valuable sedative in febrile and inflam- 
matory diseases. In chronic rheumatism he found it of little avail. 
Dr. W. R. Basham 5 gave it in acute rheumatism in the quantity of 
one, two and three ounces, largely diluted — in two quarts of water — 
in the twenty-four hours. 

The testimonies in favour of large doses of nitrate of potassa in 
acute rheumatism are certainly not few; but, as the author has re- 
marked elsewhere, 6 it must be borne in mind, that the disease is self- 
limited in many instances, or, in other words, appears to run a defi- 

1 Journal des Connaissances Medico-Chirurg. 1841, or Gazette Medicale, Mars, 1841. 
8 Cowan, Provincial Med. and Surg. Journal, May 20, 1843, p. 144. 
s London Lancet, Feb. 10, 1844, p. 638. * Ibid. June 15, 1844, p. 374. 

* Proceedings of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society, Nov. 14, 1848; cited 
in Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Jan. 1849, p, 184. 
6 General Therapeutics and Mat, Med. 3d edit. ii. 212. Philad. 1850. 



726 SUPPLEMENT. SANICULA MARLLANDICA. 

nite course, greatly uninfluenced by medicine. The action of seda- 
tion, ascribed to it, may result indirectly from its revellent operation 
on the stomach; but farther observations are needed to establish the 
fact of such action, before we attempt to explain the modus operandi. 
It may be proper to add, that Dr. Young, 1 of Chester, Pa., has 
found that nitrate of potassa, given in ten grain doses, every three 
hours, to the adult, had an excellent effect in incontinence of urine. 
It succeeded in several cases, in which the tincture of cantharides had 
failed. To a boy between nine and ten years of age, " who rarely in 
his life had escaped wetting the bed one or more nights in the week," 
Dr. Young ordered ten grains three times a day for a week. During 
this time he escaped. It was now omitted for three days, and then 
directed to be given four days in the week, omitting it three. It was 
thus continued five weeks, when it was entirely abandoned. The 
boy had no incontinence from the time of taking the nitre, nor whilst 
he was under Dr. Young's notice, for more than a year after. Dr. 
Young supposes, that the modus operandi of the nitre in these cases 
may consist in increasing the irritating properties of the urine, so as 
to make it more stimulating to the bladder or its sphincter. If so, he 
suggests, whether other preparations of potassa and soda may not 
succeed, in cases in which the nitrate fails. M. Delcour, however, 
who speaks favourably of the nitrate, as recommended by Dr. Young, 
thinks it acts rather by diminishing the excitation of the bladder. 3 
Here, again, farther experience is desirable. 

The fumes produced by the deflagration of nitrate of potassa with 
paper have been inhaled with advantage in asthma. For this pur- 
pose bibulous paper may be dipped in a saturated solution of nitre, 
and afterwards dried ; in this way is obtained what is called touch 
paper. The fumes may be inhaled either by setting fire to the paper 
on a plate, or rolled up and placed in a candlestick, and permitting 
the fumes to escape into the room ; or by smoking the paper in a 
tobacco pipe. The beneficial effects are generally experienced in ten 
or fifteen minutes. 3 

CCIV. Sanic'ula Mariland'ica, Sanicle, Maryland Sanicle, Black 
Snakeroot; French, Sanicle du Maryland. This plant — of the um- 
belliferous family — is indigenous, and common in woods and copses. 4 
Dr. Stephen W. Williams 5 says, " it is supposed to be astringent, 
partially tonic and diuretic, and it has been used with success in 
dropsy; and in decoction in dysentery, leucorrhcea and hemorrhages. 
It is also pulmonary and balsamic." The Indians — it is affirmed — 
and, after their example, physicians of the country, employed it " in 

1 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, April, 1843, p. 371. 

9 Journal de Medecine de Bruxelles, cited in Medical Times, Jan. 4, 1845, p. 303. 

* Lond. Med. Gazette, Sept 4, 1846, p. 431 ; and Pereira, Elements of Mat. Med. 
and Therap. 3d edit i. 514. Philad. 1849. 

4 Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States, p. 156. Boston and 
Cambridge, 1848. 

* Report on the Indigenous Medical Botany of Massachusetts, in Transactions of 
Amer. Med. Association, ii. 871. Philada. 1849. 



SUPPLEMENT. — SODiE HYPOSULPHIS. 727 

syphilis and diseases of the lungs."* It is introduced here, however, 
in consequence of its having been highly recommended by J. B. Za- 
briskii 2 — [in some of the French works metamorphosed into Labriski,] 
— in cases of chorea. The root is fibrous, aromatic, and possesses 
the active matter of the plant. Dilute alcohol extracts the active 
principle in some degree; but the best form of administering it, 
according to Dr. Zabriskii, is the powder of the dried root. He 
regards it as highly tonic, and states, that it is used in popular prac- 
tice as a favourite remedy in intermittent fever. 

In chorea he gives it to- children eight or ten years of age in the 
dose of half a dram three times a day. 

CCV. SoDiE Hyposulph'is, Hyposulphite of Soda; French, 
Hyposvlfite de Sonde. There are several modes of preparing this 
salt, which is largely used for photographic purposes. One of the 
best is to form neutral sulphite of soda, by passing a stream of well 
washed sulphurous acid gas into a strong solution of carbonate of 
soda, and then to digest the solution with sulphur at a gentle heat for 
several days. By careful evaporation at a moderate temperature, the 
salt is obtained in large and regular crystals, which are very soluble 
in water. 3 

It is said to have been administered with constant success by phy- 
sicians of Paris, who are the most versed in the treatment of cuta- 
neous diseases. It was first employed by MM. Chaussier, and Biett, 
under the name sulfite sulfure de sonde, but it had fallen into neglect 
when its use was revived by M. Quesneville, and the results have 
been entirely conformable to those obtained by MM. Chaussier and 
Biett. It is highly extolled by them in chronic cutaneous, and in 
scrofulous affections, and is said to be a most efficacious auxiliary to 
external sulphurous preparations. 4 

The best mode of exhibiting it is in syrup, the formula for which 
i3 given below, — Hyposulphite of soda, 45 grammes, (about gxiss.;) 
Distilled Water, 255 grammes, (about f ^viij.;) Sugar, in coarse pow- 
der, 1000 grammes, (about ftij.) Dissolve the hyposulphite in the 
distilled water when cold; and form into a syrup at the ordinary 
temperature. 

Thirty parts of the syrup contain one part of the hyposulphite. 
From 30 to 125 grammes, (one ounce to four,) may be given in the 
twenty-four hours. 

R. Sodee hyposulph. gxiss. (45 grammes.) 
Aq. destillat. f ^viij. (255 grammes.) 
Sacchar. in pulv. crass. Oij. (1000 grammes.) 

fiat syrupus. 

Emile Mouchon.* 

1 Merat and De Lens, Diet. Universel de Mat. Med. iv. 142. Bruxelles, 1838. 

2 Amer. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1846, p, 374. 

* French Codex for 1839, and Fownes's Elementary Chemistry, p. 198. Phila. 1845. 

« Abeille Medicale, 1844, p. 210, and Juin, 1845, p. 151. 

5 Journal de Pharmacie du Midi, cited in Abeille Medicates, Septembre, 1845, p. 237. 



728 



SUPPLEMENT. — SUCCUS LIMONIS. 



CCVI. Sod.e Phosphas, Phosphate of Soda; French, Phos- 
phate de Sonde; German, Phosphorsaures Natron. This salt 
has been long known under the name of " tasteless purging salt" 
and a formula for its preparation is given in the Pharmacopoeia of the 
United States. It has been urged as a remedy in lithuria, under 
similar views to those that suggested the employment of phosphate of 
ammonia. If sufficiently diluted, according to Dr. Golding Bird, 1 it 
is sure to enter the circulation, and be excreted by the kidneys, thus 
furnishing to the urine an energetic solvent of uric acid, as Liebig 
has shown it to be. It is true, he says, that this indication can gene- 
rally be fulfilled by the pure alkalies and their carbonates; " but they 
too often exert the injurious effect of materially interfering with the 
digestive organs, and thus directly affecting the integrity of those 
functions most intimately connected with the production of the mor- 
bid deposit." The phosphate of soda, according to Dr. Bird, may be 
given in doses of £)j. to ^ss. thrice a day in broth or gruel, without 
any other apparent effect than that of slightly relaxing the bowels, 
and the urine becomes charged with the salt. We may thus, he says, 
hope to obtain uric acid in solution, and gain time for the enjoyment 
of those remedies which are best adapted for the treatment of the uric 
acid diathesis; "for it must never be forgotten, that in merely giving 
a remedy to hold a urinary deposite dissolved, we are merely treat- 
ing an effect and not a cause." Dr. Bird states, that he has adminis- 
tered the salt in two very chronic cases of uric acid gravel, and in 
one with the effect of rapidly causing a disappearance of the deposit. 
The triple salt, ammonia-phosphate of soda, he thinks, might per- 
haps be a more active remedy than the simple phosphate, but its dis- 
agreeable flavour constitutes one objection to its employment. Dr. 
Buckler suggests the phosphate of ammonia in preference to the 
phosphate of soda; the urate of soda formed by the latter in the blood 
being insoluble; whilst, when phosphate of ammonia is given, "a 
double reaction and decomposition take place, and two new salts are 
formed, both of which are readily soluble and capable of being 
evolved." 2 — -(See Ammonle Phosphas.) 

CCVII. Succus Limo'xis, Lemon juice; French, Sue de 
Limon; German, Citron ens a ft. This familiar article has been 
brought forward by Dr. Owen Rees on chemical considerations, to 
swell the catalogue of undoubted cures of acute rheumatism. 2 Dr. 
Rees first had recourse to it in rheumatic gout, from a belief that the 
vegetable acids — probably owing to the excessive quantity of oxygen 
entering into their composition — contribute to effect the transforma- 
tion of the tissues generally, and because lemon juice was the most 
palatable form in which such class of remedies could be applied. 
Moreover, it appeared to him probable that the supercitrate con- 
tained in the juice, although in small quantity, was a form of alkaline 

1 London Medical Gazette, Aug. 23, 1844, p. 669; and Urinary Deposits, &c, 
Amer. edit. Philad. 1845. 
3 American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Jan. 1846, p. 120. 
* See Cimicifuga, page 214, and Colchicum, page 228. 



SUPPLEMENT. — SUMBULI RADIX. 729 

salt likely to contribute to the alkalinity of the blood in its trans- 
formations; as the examination of the urine shows that such organic 
compounds become converted into carbonates. He seems to regard 
retained uric acid as the materies morbi in rheumatism ; and thinks 
that the citric acid of the lemon juice yields oxygen, which, with the 
elements of water, converts uric acid into urea and carbonic acid; — - 
an hypothesis which is by no means admitted. 1 

In his earliest communication, Dr. Rees 3 reported several prominent 
cases of cure; and stated that the early relief from pain was such, 
that had any one unacquainted with the remedy in use watched the 
progress of the cases, they would almost inevitably have concluded 
ihat sedatives had been resorted to. Subsequently, he published a 
pamphlet, 3 in which he gives eight cases illustrative of the practice. 
The forms of rheumatic disease in which the greatest benefit was de- 
rived were acute rheumatism and rheumatic gout. In pure gout, 
with highly inflammatory symptoms, more advantage was obtained 
than in the chronic forms of the disease. In doses of half an ounce 
to an ounce, three times a day, it appeared to exert a marked 
sedative influence on the circulation. In the cases of rheumatism 
related by Dr. Rees, the urine was never rendered alkaline by the 
use of the lemon juice; and in one case, in which the urine was 
alkaline before treatment, it became acid after the juice was employed. 
Dr. Ranking* speaks favourably of the article; and others have 
afforded similar testimony. 5 

Additional evidence is however needed, before this article — which 
every gouty individual is, from experience, afraid of — can be re- 
garded as an appropriate remedial agent in arthritic affections ; as 
Mr. Dakymple, however, has remarked, " should it stand the test of 
time and hospital practice, and we be able to avoid either half poi- 
soning our patients with colchicum, stupifying them with opium, or 
enervating them with mercury, a great boon will be conferred on the 
suffering multitudes of this variable climate," — (that of England,) 

CCVIII. Sitm'bttli Radtx, Sumbul root, Jatamansi; German? 
Sumbulwurzel, Moschuswurzel, Spicanard. A root 
introduced into notice of late years — the mother plant undetermined, 
but presumed to belong to the Umbelliferae Family, and allied to 
Archangelica officinalis. 6 According to Erdmann and Von Lede- 
bour, and the English botanist, Mr. Robert Brown, it comes from 
Bucharia; whilst Guibourt says it is obtained from Siberia. 7 It ap- 

1 British and Foreign Medico-Ohirurgical Review, Oct. 1 849, p. 530. 
3 London Medical Gazette, Jan. 26, 1849. 

3 The Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases by Lemon Juice, with Illustrative Cases, 
from Hospital Practice. Lond. 1849. 

4 The Half-yearly Abstract of the Med. Sciences, No. 1 1 , Jan. to July, 1850. Amer. 
edit., p. 19; and No. 12, July to Dec. 1850, p. 33; Amer. edit. Phila. 1851. 

6 Lond. Med. Gaz. June 15, 1849, and Mr. D. Dalrymple, Lancet, Sept. 1850. 
8 Aschenbrenner, Die neueren Arzneimittel, u. s. w. S. 256. Erlangen, 1848. 
1 Dierbach, Die neuesten Entdeckungen in der Materia Medica, 3er Band, 2te 
Abth. S. 1153. Heidelb. und Leipz. 1847. 



730 SUPPLEMENT. — SUMBULI RADIX. 

pears in commerce either uncut or in slices from one to four inches 
in diameter, and from half an inch to two inches thick; having a 
strong, musky odour, and a strong, bitter calamus-like taste. When 
examined by Reinsch, it was found to contain an odorous ethereal 
oil, which did not smell of musk; a colourless balsam, and two 
peculiar acids, (Sumbulamsaure and Sumbulolsaure;) 
aromatic resin, bitter principle, &c. According to Schnitzlein and A. 
Frickinger, 1 a soft resin oozes from the wood and concretes, which 
possesses the characteristic smell of the root in a high degree, and 
has a taste between that of musk and calamus. It is soluble in alco- 
hol, and is in great part thrown down in a milky form by the addi- 
tion of water. 

Sumbul is said to have been used in dropsy and atrophy; but it has 
recently been brought forward in Germany as a gentle excitant of the 
nervous system, and through it of all the organic actions. Thielmann 
prescribed it in the nervous stadium of typhoid fever; and in chorea, 
delirium tremens, flatulence of the stomach as a consequence of 
tonic spasms, in anaesthesia of the nerves of the bladder, enuresis, 
ischuria renalis spastica, diarrhoea and cholera morbus; and he sug- 
gests that it may be found a valuable prophylactic and curative agent 
in cholera. He prescribed it also in a case of violent vomiting in 
the convalescent stage of typhus; in diabetes insipidus; and in 
tubercular phthisis; and it seemed to him to improve the condition 
of a patient in the last period oi prof use suppuration from caries with 
hectic fever. It has been prescribed, indeed, in the most heterogene- 
ous cases; 3 and there is too much reason to believe that effects have 
been assigned to it to which it is little or not at all entitled. It 
was given by Dupuis, 3 of Mainz, in cardialgia, colic, disordered 
digestion in pregnancy, and in convalescence; and Von Kieter, 4 of 
Kasan, prescribed it generally with advantage in cholera typhus and 
in the later periods of cholera. Recently, it has been introduced into 
England, by Dr. Granville, of London, with a title to his essay on it 
which is sufficient to cast distrust on his testimony, — "The Sumbul; a 
new Asiatic remedy of great power against nervous disorders, spasms of 
the stomach, cramp, hysterical affections, paralysis of the limbs and 
epilepsy; with an account of its physical, chemical and medicinal cha- 
racters, and specific [f] property of checking the progress of collapse- 
cholera, as first ascertained in Russia!" In this, Dr. Granville gives 
a history of the article, and of its various applications to the treat- 
ment of disease. 5 " We do not find," says Dr. Ranking, 6 " that Dr. 
Granville's observations have been confirmed. Should there be any 
thing in the medicine, it will doubtless soon be known." 

1 Dierbach, Die neuesten Entdeckungen in der Materia Medica, 3er Band, 2te 
Abth. S. 1156. 

a Aschenbrenner, Ibid. S. 257. 

3 Schmidt's Jahrbucher, Jam-gang 1849, S. 294. 4 Ibid. 

* A full notice of Dr. Granville's pamphlet is contained in Edinburgh Medical and 
Surgical Journal, for Oct. 1850, p. 459. 

8 The Half-yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, No. 12, July to December, 1850, 
Amer. edit. p. 184. Philada. 1851. 



SUPPLEMENT. — SUMBULI RADIX, 731 

It has been given as an antispasmodic in epilepsy, by Dr. Todd; 1 
but the results have not been published. 

It is prescribed in powder, in the dose of half a scruple and more, 
several times a day ; in infusion — half an ounce of the root to six. 
ounces of water — dose, a table-spoonful. — In decoction, in water or 
hock, half an ounce of the root to eight ounces of water or wine, 
boiled down to six ounces; dose, a table-spoonful; and in infuso- 
decoctum — half an ounce of the root being infused in five ounces of 
boiling water ; digested for a quarter of an hour in a closed vessel ; 
strained ; and the residue boiled for a quarter of an hour in sufficient 
water to leave three ounces. The strained liquors must then be 
mixed, and given like the infusion and decoction. A tincture of it is 
also prepared, like the tinctura Valerianae ; dose — fifteen to twenty- 
five drops ; and an extract, the dose of which is from five to ten 



Cited, from London Lancet, in Med. Examiner, July, 1850, p. 437, 



INDEX 

OF 

DISEASES AND THEIR REMEDIES. 

{For Index of Remedies, see the commencement of the volume.) 



Abdomen, inflammation of the (hy- 
drarg. cyanur. 416.) 

Abortion, hemorrhage from (ma- 
tico, 510.) 

Abrasions (collodion, 234, 235.) 

Abscess, mammary (compressio, 
241.) 

Abscesses, large, (chlorin aq. 194; 
iodinum, 482.) 
Suppurating (creasoton, 265.) 

Absorbents, inflammation of the 
(iodinum, 482.) 

Acidity of the stomach (argilla, 102, 
fel bovinum, 710.) 

Acne (acid, hydrocyan. 33, 36; sul- 
phur, iodid. 674.) 
Indurata (sulphur, iodid. 674.) 
Rosacea (acid, hydrocyan. 33. 

creasoton, 271.) 
Vulgaris (collodion, 234.) 

Adiposis (ballota lanata, 131; iodi- 
num, 476.) 

After pains (ergota, 322; sulphuris 
carburetum, 671.) 

Air passages, diseases of the (chlo- 
rinum, 184.) 
[nflamed, (iodin, 485.) 

Albuminuria, (acid, gallic. 22 ; acid, 
tannic. 41; benzoate of ammo- 
nia, 19; urea, 677.) 

Alopecia, (glycerin, 402.) 

Amaurosis (acid, hydrocyan. 34; acu- 
punctur. 56 ; ammoniated coun- 
ter-irritants, 250; electro-mag- 
netism, 296, 298; electro-punc- 
tura, 304; galvanismus, 392, 
396; haemospasia, 712; nux vo- 
mica, 541; strychnia, 658, 662.) 
Incomplete (electro. punct. 304.) 

Amblyopia (strychnia, 658.) 

Amenorrhoea (artemisia, 111; auri 
prseparat. 119; brominum, 144; 
caincse radix, 149; calendula, 



151 ; electro-magnetism, 
47 



296 



Amenorrhoea 

ergota, 323; galvanismus, 392; 
heemospasis, 713; ferr. proto- 
carbonas, 373; ferr. iodid. 354; 
iodinum, 469; manganes prse- 
par. 720; potassii bromid, 
586; potassii iodohydrargyras, 
594; strychnia, 661; sulphuris 
carburetum, 594.) 

Anaemia (ferripulvis, 335; ferri iodi- 
dum, 356; ferri subcarbonas, 
379.) 
during parturition (Hsemostasis, 
714.) 

Anaemic habits (ferri subcarbonas, 
379.) 

Anaesthesia, local (nux vomica, 542; 
sulphuris carburetum, 671; 
sumbuli, 730.) 

Anasarca (acid, hydrocyan. 32; com- 
pressio, 237; acupunct.56; col- 
chicum, 229; ferri citras, 343; 
ferri iodid. 356; urea, 677.) 

Anchylosis spuria (iodin. 462.) 

Aneurism (acnpunct. 57; electro- 
puncture, 307.) 

Angiectasis (zinci chlorid. 689.) 

Angina pectoris (galvanism, 394 ; 
magnes. 499.) 

Anthrax (iodinum, 482.) 

Malignant (chlorin. aq. 192.) 

Aphonia (chlorin, 185; cubeb. 283; 
galvanism, 392; ol. tiglii, 564; 
strychnia, 658.) 

Aphthae, asthenic (chlorin. aq. 194.) 

Aphthous sores (liq. ferr.persesqui- 
nit. 363.) 
Ulceration (creasoton, 280.) 

Apncea, see Asphyxia. 

Apoplexy (ol. tiglii, 566.) 

Arsenic, poisoning by (ferri oxidum 
hydratum, 367.) 

Arthritis (brominum, 144; compres- 
sio, 238; morphia? acetas, 524.) 



734 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Arthrocace (ol. jecinor. aselli. 552.) 
Ascarides vermiformes (ferri ferro- 
cyanuretum, 348; fuligo ; 387.) 
Ascites (acupunct. 56; caincae radix, 
148; compressio, 237; electro- 
punctur. 307; euphorb. ol. 334; 
ferri iodid. 356; ferri subcarb. 
378; iodinum, 463, 479; potas- 
sii bromidum, 587.) 
Asphyxia (acupunct. 56; electro- 
magnetism, 302; galvano-punc- 
tur. 305; soda chlorinata, 645; 
sulphuris carburetum, 671.) 
Neonatorum (electro-magnetism, 
302.) 
Asthenia, chronic (potassae chloras, 

583.) 
Asthma (aether. 70; bignonia catal- 
pa, 137; chloroform, 198, 199, 
203; creasoton, 278; galvanism, 
392; iberis amara, 716; naph- 
thalin, 720; ol. tiglii, 564; po- 
tassae nitras, 726; quinia sul- 
phas, 623.) 
Humoral (colchicum, 229; sulphur 

iodid. 675.) 
Nervous (magnes. 499.) 
Pulverulentum (acid, hydrocy. 

32.) 
Spasmodic (acid, hydrocyan. 32; 
iodinum, 463; ol. tiglii, 564.) 
Atheromatous cysts (electro-punc- 

tura, 307.) 
Atony from venereal excesses, (com- 
pressio, 241.) 
Atrophy (brucia, 146; ol. jecinor. 
aselli, 552; sumbul, 730.) 
Of children (oleum jecoris aselli, 

552.) 
Partial (nux vomica, 540.) 
Bed-sores (collodion, 236; creasotum, 

266.) 
Biles (iodinum, 482; ammoniated 
counter-irritants, 250; ol. jecor. 
aselli, 555.) 
Bites of serpents (cainca, 149.) 
Black eye (calx chlorin. 156.) 
Bladder, atony of the (diosma, 295.) 
Catarrh of the(acidnm benzoicum, 
18; cort. adstring. Brazil. 253.) 
Diseases of the (diosma, 294.) 
Inflammation of the (fuligo, 386.) 
Irritation of the (acid, benzoic. 19.) 
Paralysis of the (diosma, 295.) 
Bleeding from leech bites (collodion. 

235^ creasoton, 263.) 
Blennorrhagia, acute (morphia, 523.) 



Blennorrhea (acid, hydrocyan. 34; 
acidum tannicum,45; calx chlo- 
rin. 159; chimaphila, 180; cort. 
adstring. Brazil. 253; cubeba, 
283, 287; diosma, 295; iodin.472; 
ferr. iodid. 358; monesia, 515; 
piperina, 575; salicina, 640; 
zinci chloridum, 691.) 
Of the bladder (diosma, 295.) 
Of the eye (calcis chlorid. 158.) 
See Gonorrhoea. 

Blepharitis glandulosa (hydrargyri 
cyanu return, 416.) 

Blotches, syphilitic (argent, praepa- 
rat.93; hydra rg. iodid. rubr.423.) 

Boils, see Biles. 

Bones, diseased (iodinum, 474.) 
Pains in the (zinci ferrohydrocy- 

anas, 696; iodin. 474.) 
Tumours of the (auri praepar. 1 19 ; 
potass, iodid. 602.) 

Bowel complaints (iodinum, 485.) 

Bowels, painful affections of the 
(acid, hydrocyan. 32; fel bovi- 
num, 710.) 
Irregular action of the (electro- 
magnetism, 298.) 

Brain, chronic affections of the 
(ammoniated counter-irritants, 
250.) 

Breast, cancer of the (arsenic, iodid. 
107.) 

Bronchia, dilatation of the (chlorin. 
184.) 
Inflammation of the (ammoniated 
counter-irritants, 250.) 

Bronchial affections (colchicum, 
229.) 

Bronchitis (acid, hydrocyan. 31; 
chloroform, 204; iberis amara, 
716; iodinum, 460; lactucarium, 
498; mannita, 504; spiritus 
pyro-aceticus, 648; strychnia, 
661.) 
Chronic (aq. picea, 91; Chlorin. 
184; cimicifuga, 214; colchi- 
cum, 229; creasoton, 274; ferri 
citras, 343; galeopsis, 390; ju- 
glans regia, 494; monesia, 513: 
salicina, 640; spiritus pyro- 
aceticus, 648; strychnia, 658.) 
Convalescence from( man nit. 504.) 
Summer (nux vomica, 542.) 

Bronchocele (ferr. iodid. 354.) See 
Goitre. 

Bronchorrhcea (creasoton, 275; mo- 
nesia, 513.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



735 



Brow-ague (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250.) 
Bruises (glycerin, 402.) 
Bubo (chlorin. aq. 194; iodinum, 
456, 482; veratria, 685.) 
Ulcerated (creasoton, 269.) 
Burns (calcis chlorin. 156. 163 ; col- 
lodion, 234; creasoton, 265, 
281; fuligo, 386; iodinum, 484; 
glycerina, 402; sodse chlorid. 
645;sulphuriscarburetum,671.) 
Severe (compressio, 238.) 
Bursse, inflammation of the (iodi- 
num, 485-) 
Enlarged (iodinum, 478.) 
Cachexia (acid. acet. empyr. 14; 
chlorin. 187; fuligo, 385; iodide 
of iodhydrate of quinia, 611.) 
Marsh (quinise sulphas, 624.) 
Mercurial (auri prsepar. 119; jug- 

lans, 494.) See Dyscrasy. 
Tuberculous (ol.jecor. aselli, 554.) 
Calculous diathesis (acidum ben- 
zoicum, 18.) 
Pains (diosma, 294.) 
Calculus (chimaphila, 180; lithise 
carbonas, 717.) 
Biliary (chloroform, 204.) 
Expulsion of fragments of (ergo- 

ta, 326.) 
Phosphatic (acid. lact. 38.) 
Uric acid (ammonise phosphas, 

7 7-) 

Vesical (chimaphila, 180.) 
Cancer (acid. acet. empyr. 15; aur. 
nitrico-muriat. 127; auri prse- 
par. 119; calcis chlorid. 155; ca- 
lendula, 150; electro-punctura, 
307; fel bovinum, 708; ferr. 
arseniat. 337; ferr. subearb. 
376; ferr. iodid. 354; fuligo, 388.) 
Of the breast (arsenici iodidum, 
107; calendnla, 1£ 
268; fuligo, 385.) 
Of the face (calx chlorin. 155; 

creasoton, 268; fuligo, 385.) 
Of the integuments (calendula, 

151.) 
Of the lip (creasoton, 268.) 
Of the nose (fuligo, 385.) 
Open (carbo animalis, 174: chlo- 
roform, 199.) 
Of the pylorus (chloroform, 198.) 
Of the skin (creasoton, 268.) 
Of the tongue (iodin. 471.) 
Of the uterus (acidum hydrocy- 
auri nitromurias, 



Cancer of the uterus 

127; calendula, 150; cannabis, 
171 ; creasoton, 268 ; ferri sub- 
earb. 376 ; morphiae acetas, 526.) 

Cancerous tumour (auri nitro-mu- 
rias, 127.) 
Ulcers (acid, hydrocyan. 36 ; acid, 
tannic. 42; calendula, 151 ; calx 
chlorin. 155 ; carbo animalis, 
175; chloriniaq. 194; fel bovin. 
708; ferri subearb. 376; plumbi 
chlorid. 723; potass, iodid. 601; 
zinci chlorid. 689, 693.) 
Of the face (creasoton, 268.) 

Cancrum oris (acid. acet. empyr. 15; 
calcis chlorin. 156 ; chlorin. aq. 
194; creasoton, 267; potassse 
chloras, 583; potassii iodidum, 
599.) 

Carbuncle, sloughing (creasoton, 
267.) 

Carbunculus malignus (aq. chlorin. 
192, 194.) 

Carcinoma of the face (auri chlorid. 
121.) 

Cardialgia (argenti oxidum, 99; ar- 
temisia, 111; calendula, 151; 
creasotum, 276; nux vomica, 
542; quiniae sulphas, 624; sum- 
bul, 730; zinci ferrohydrocy- 
anas, 695.) 

Carditis (ammoniated counter-irri- 
tants, 250.) 

Caries of bones (acid. acet. empyr. 
15; juglans, 493; ol. jecor. 
aselli, 555.) 
Of the fibula, &c. (creasoton, 268.) 
Scrophulosa (ol. jecoris aselli, 
552; creasoton, 267, 280; iodin, 
457.) < 
Syphilitica (iodinum, 488.) 
Of the teeth (calcis chlorid. 157; 
creasotum, 279; monesia, 515.) 

Catalepsy (strychnia, 660.) 

Catamenia, obstruction of the. See 
Amenorrhcea. 

Cataract (atropia, 114.) 

Disintegrated (carbo animalis, 

175.) 
Incipient (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250.) 

Catarrh, chronic (acid, hydrocyan. 
31 ; aq. tannicum, 41; aq. picea, 
90, 91; chimaphila, 180; chlo- 
rin. 184, 187; emetia, 390; ga- 
leopsis grandiflora, 390; iodin. 
459.) 



736 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Catarrh, pulmonary (galeopsis, 312; 
mannitum, 504.) 

Catarrhus urethrae (cubebae, 284.) 
Vesicae (acid, benzoic, 18; aq. pi- 
cea, 92; caincae radix, 149 ; cu- 
bebae, 284; diosraa, 295; matico, 
509.) 

Cellular membrane, sloughing of the 
(iodinum, 482.) 

Cephalalgia (acupunct. 57.) 
Chronic (artemisia, 111.) 
Intense (potassii cyanuretum, 

591.) 

Intermittent (quinia? sulphas,629. ) 

Nervous (acid, hydrocyan. 33; 

chloroform, 203; zinci ferrocy- 

an. 696; zinci valerianas, 700.) 

Periodical (zinci ferrohydrocyan. 

696.) 
Syphilitic (hydrarg. cyanur. 416.) 
See Headach. 

Cerumen, defective (acid. acet. em- 
pyr. 16; creasoton ; 273; glyce- 
rin, 401.) 

Chalkstones (acidum benzoicum, 
18.) 

Chancre (acidum tannicum, 43; 
argenti preeparat. 41 6; collodion, 
235; creasoton, 269', 280; hy- 
drarg. cyanur. 416; iodinum, 
484.) 
Phagedenic (iodinum, 484.) 

Chaps (collodion, 234 ; glycerin, 402; 
ol. jecin. aselli, 556.) 

Chest, diseases of the (chlorin. 184.) 
Affections of the (fuligo, 387.) 
Neuralgic affections of the (gal- 
vanism, 394.) 

Chilblains (calx chlorin, 156, 164; 
creasotum, 266, 281; iodinum, 
483.) 
Ulcerated (monesia, 515.) 

Chlorosis (artemisia, 111; ferri ci- 
tras, 343 ; ferri pulvis, 335 ; ferr. 
iodid. 354; ferr. protocarbonas, 
373; ferr. lactas, 360; ferri tan- 
nas, 380; ferri valerianas, 381; 
haemospasia. 713; mangane- 
sium, 720; paullinia, 570.) 

Cholera (cannabis indica, 170, 172; 
carbonis trichloridum, 705; 
chloroform, 204; creasotum, 
276; diosma, 295; guaco, 408; 
morphiae acetas, 524 ; ferri 
nitras, 363; iodin.468; nux vo- 
mica, 542 ; quiniae sulphas, 625 ; 
strychnia ; 660; sumbul, 730.) 



Cholera morbus(artemisia,l 1 1; chlo- 
roform, 204; carbonis trichlori- 
dum, 705; ferri et alumin. 
sulph. 712; sumbul, 730.) 
Infantum (argilla pura, 102 ; fu- 
ligo, 385; monesia, 514.) 

Chordee (iodinum, 485; lupulina, 
718.) 

Chorea (acid, hydrocyan. 32; can- 
nabis indica, 170; chloroform, 
203 ; cimicifuga, 2 13 ; ferri sub- 
carb. 378; ferri ferrocyanur. 
346; ferri iodidum, 355; iodi- 
num, 467; nux vomica, 542; 
ol. jecor. aselli, 556; potassii 
cyanuretum, 592; sanicula ma- 
rilandica, 726; strychnia, 659; 
sumbul, 730; veratria, 683; zin- 
ci chlorid. 690; zinci ferrohy- 
drocyanas, 696.) 

Colic (fuligo, 385; sumbul, 730.) 
Flatulent (aether, 70; chloroform, 

199, 203.) 
Hysterical (ol. sinapis, 561.) 
Nephritic (aether, 70; chloroform, 
203.) 

Colica pictonum (aether, 70; nux 
vomica, 541.) 

Coma (strychnia, 658; ol. tiglii, 
566.) 

Concretions, tophaceous, (nux vo- 
mica, 542; acid, benzoic. 18.) 

Condylomata (argent, praeparat. 93 ; 
creasoton, 269; Hydrarg. deuto- 
iodid. 423.) 

Congestions (electro-magnetism, 
302 ; electro-puncture, 307.) 
In the head (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250.) 

Conjunctivitis (collodion, 236; lac- 
tucarium, 497; zinci valerianas, 
700.) 
Scrofulous (hydrargyri cyanure- 
tum, 416; potassii iodidum, 
603 ) 

Constipation (aq. picea, 91; colchi- 
cum, 230 ; electro-magnetism, 
298; fel bovinum, 710; galva- 
nism, 399; mannit. 504; nux 
vomica, 542; ol. tiglii, 566; 
strychnia, 661 ; veratria, 685.) 

Consumption, see Phthisis. 

Contagion (calx chlorin. 160; chlo- 
rin, 188; plumbi nitras, 724; 
zinci chlorid. 691.) 

Contractions, muscular, (acupunct. 
56.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



737 



Contusions (acupunct. 57; creaso- 
ton, 266; iodinum, 484.) 
Convalescence (berberina, 137.) 

Tedious (paullinia, 570.) 
Convulsions (aether sulphuric. 69; 
cimicifuga, 213; ammoniated 
counter-irritants, 250 ; auri 
praspar. 116; magnes. 499; 
moxa, 533; compression of ar- 
teries, 242; potass, cyanur. 
592.) 

During dentition (chlorin. aq. 
191.) 

Hysterical (compressio, 242 ; 
electro-magnetism, 298; indi- 
gum, 433.) 

Parturient (chloroform, 205; er- 
gota, 322; ether, 72.) 
Convulsive affections (acupunct. 56.) 

Diseases of childhood (artemisia, 
111.) 
Cornea, granulations on the (fuligo, 
386) 

Inflamed (collodion, 236.) 

Obscurity of the (calx chlorin, 
158.) 

Opacity of the (acid, hydrocyan. 
34; hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 423; 
iodinum, 485; ol. jecor. aselli, 
553, 556; zinci ferrocyanuret. 
696.) 

Sparks on the (iodinum, 485.) 

Specks on the (cadmii sulphas, 
705; fuligo, 386.) 

Scrofulous ulcers of the (ol. jecor. 
aselli, 556.) 

Spots on the (fuligo, 386; zinci 
valerianas, 700.) 

Ulcers of the (argenti oxidum, 
100; ol. jecor. aselli, 553; zinci 
ferrocyanuret. 696; zinci vale- 
rianas, 700.) 
Coryza (cubebae, 283.) 
Cough (chloroform, 199; potassii 
iodidum, 603; cimicifuga, 214; 
lactucarium, 498.) 

Asthmatic (naphthalin, 720.) 

Nervous (acid, tannic. 41.) 

Spasmodic (chloroform, 198; chon- 
drus, 211; lactucarium, 198.) 

Spasmodic, dry (fucus crispus, 
211.) 
Coxalgia (iodinum, 476.) 
Coxarthrocace (ol. jecor. aselli, 556.) 
Cramp (ammoniated counter-irri- 
tants, 250 ; magnes, 499 ; Sum- 
bul. 730.) 



Cramp of the stomach (mix vomica, 
545; zinci ferrohydrocyanas, 
695.) 
Writers' (electro -magnetismus, 
iv.) 

Croup (haemospasia, 713; iodinum, 

485; quinise sulphas, 624.) 

Hysteric (creasoton, 271, 278.) 

Crusta lactea (creasoton. 271.) 

Cutaneous diseases (acid, hydro- 
cyan. 33; anthrakokali, 80; 
arsenias ammonias, 105; aqua 
picea. 89; arsenic, iodidum, 
107 ; auri chlorid. 121 ; auri 
cyanidum, 125; calx chlorin. 
157; chlorin. 187; chlorin. jaq. 
194; creasoton, 270; ferr. car- 
bur. 339; fuligo, 385; fuligokali, 
389; glycerina, 400; hydrarg. 
deuto -iodid. 422; hydrargyri- 
protonitras, 427; hydrarg. deuto- 
nitras, 428; hyd.et arsen. iodid. 
431; hyd. et quinise protochlo- 
ridum, 715; iodidum ammoniae, 
490; iodid. sulph. 674; iodinum, 
468; juglans, 494 ; manganesii 
sulphas, 719; naphthalin, 721; 
oleum cadinum, 722; ol. jecor. 
aselli, 555; potassae chloras, 583; 
potassii cyanuret. 592; quinise 
arsenis, 607; soda chlorin. 645; 
sodas hyposulphis, 727; sulphur 
iodid. 674.) 
Syphilitic (hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 
592.) 

Cynanche (chlorin. aq. 193; cort. 
adstring. Brazil. 253.) 
Tonsillaris, see Sore Throat. 
Of scarlatina (ferri et aluminae 
sulphas, 712.) 

Cyst, serous, &c. (electro-punctura, 
307; iodinum, 478.) 

Dacryocystitis (iodinum, 477.) 

Dartrous eruption (hydrarg. iodid. 
rubr. 423; iodinum, 477.) 

Deafness (acid. acet. empyr. 15; 
creasoton, 273; cubeba, 283; 
electro-magnetism, 296; elec- 
tro-punctura, 296; galvanism, 
392 ; glycerin, 401 ; haemospasia, 
713; injections of air. &c, in, 
437 ^ sulphuris carburetum, 
671.) 
Erethitic, nervous (injections of 

vapour of acetic ether, 437.) 
Nervous, torpid (injections of va- 
pour of ether, 437.) 



738 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Debility (ferr. iodid. 356; nux vom- 
ica. 539; piperina, 575.) 
General (quiniaB et cinchonas tan- 

nas, 635.) 
Nervous Cacid. tannic, 41 ; quiniae 
* sulphas, 630.) 

Paralysis (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250.) 

Decubitus gangraenosus (plumb, tan- 
nas. 581.) 

Delirium tremens (aether sulphuric. 
69; animal magnetism, 399; 
ol. tiglii, 565 ; chloroform, 203 ; 
sumbul, 730.) 

Dentition (chlorin. aq. 191.) 

Depositions, morbid (electro-punc- 
ture, 308.) 

Diabetes insipidus (sumbul, 730.) 
Mellitus (creasoton, 277; acid, 
tannic. 40; ferri iodidum, 355; 
urea, 677.) 

Diarrhoea (acid. acet. empyr. 15: 
acid, tannic. 44; aq. picea, 91; 
argilla, 101: artemisia, 111; 
carbo animalis, 174; chondrus. 
211; ferri et alumini sulph. 712; 
fuligo, 385; indigum, 432; liq. 
ferr. persesquinit. 363; monesia, 
514; nux vomica. 542; paulli- 
nia, 570; Spiritus pyroaceticus, 
648; strychnia. 660; sumbul, 
730; veratria, 685.) 
Bloody (acid, gallic, 21.) 
Choleric (nux vomica, 542.) 
Chronic (acid, tannic. 41 ; argent, 
chlorid. 95; argent, oxid. 100; 
emetia, 312; ferr. cyanuret. 347; 
ferri iodid. 363 : ferri et alumin. 
sulphas, 712; matico, 509 ; mor- 
phia? acetas, 526; nux vomica. 
542.) 
Of phthisis (ferri nitras. 363; mo- 
nesia, 514.) 
Of infants (iodinum. 485.) 

Diathesis phthisica (chlorin. aq. 
194.) 

Digestive function, torpor of the 
(cainca, 148; chimaphila, 180; 
gentiana chirayita, 399 ; hippo- 
castanum. 410; monesia, 514.) 

Diplopia (acupunct. 57.) 

Discharges from the meatus audi- 
torius(acid.acet.empyreum.l5.) 
Mucous ( cortex adstringens Brazil. 
253; creasoton, 270; hippocas- 
tanum. 410; ferri et alumina? 
sulph. 712; fuligo, 385.) 



Discharges from the nose and ear 
(iodinum, 458, 472.) 
Offensive (acid. acet. empyr. 15.) 
From the vagina (fuligo, 386.) 
Disinfection (chlorin. 188; chlorin. 

aq. 194; zinci chlorid, 691.) 
Districhiasis (collodion, 236.) 
Dropsy (acid, hydrocyan. 32; acid, 
acet. empyr. 15; aur. chlorid. 
121 ; auri et sodii chlorid, 124 ; 
auri praeparat. 119; ballota la- 
nata, 131; benzoate of ammo- 
nia, 19; caincee radix, 148; 
chimaphila, 180; chlorin. aq. 
194; cimicifuga, 213; colchi- 
cum, 229; compressio, 237; 
electro-punctura. 307; ferr. iodid. 
356; hippocastanum, 411 ; ibe- 
ris, 716 ; iodinum, 480 ; ol. sina- 
pis. 463; ol. tiglii, 563; potassii 
iodohydrargyras, 594 ; sumbuli 
radix. 730; urea, 677; veratria, 
684, 636.) 
After intermiltents (quiniae sul- 
phas, 623; ferri iodid. 363.) 
Of the bursae (iodin, 465.) 
Encysted (acupunct. 58.) 
Of the joints (electro-punct. 307.) 
Of the ovary (compressio, 237 ; 

iodin. 479.) 
Of the pericardium (electro-punc- 
ture, 307.) 
After scarlatina (colchicum, 229 ; 
iodin. 464 ; potassii iodid. 597 ) 
Drunkenness(sulphuris carburetum. 

671.) 
Dumbness (galvanism. 392.) 
Dyscrasy (ferr. iodid. 356 ; sufphu- 
ris carburetum, 671.) 
After intermittents (ferr. cyanur. 
347.) See Cachexia. 
Dysentery (aq. brocchieri, 89; ar- 
genti chloridum, 95; argilla, 100; 
artemisia, 111 ; calx chlorinata; 
154; chondrus, 211; eau hemas- 
tatique de Tisserand, 89: er- 
gota, 323; ferr. cyanur. 347; 
ferri et aluminae sulphas, 712; 
fuligo, 385; nux vomica, 542; 
paullinia, 570; strychnia, 660.) 
Camp (creasotum, 277.) 
Chronic (creasotum, 277.) 
Putrid (chlorin. aq. 193.) 
Dysmenorrhcea (aether. 70; chloro- 
form, 204; ergota,323 ; electro- 
magnetism, 300; potassii iodo- 
hydrargyras, 594; veratria, 684.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



739 



Dyspepsia (acid. lact. 41 j acid, tan- 
nic. 41 j argil, 102; berberina, 
137; carbo animalis, 174; chi- 
maphila, 180; diosma, 294 ; fel 
bovinum, 710 ; ferr. iodid. 354; 
fuligo, 387; gentiana chirayita, 
399; hippocastanum, 410; ma- 
tias, 505 ; nux vomica, 542; ol. 
sinapis, 561 ; piperina, 574 ; po- 
tassii iodohydrargyras, 593; qui- 
nias sulphas, 618 ; salicina, 640 ; 
strychnia, 659; sumbul, 730.) 

Dysphagia (artemisia, 111.) 

Spasmodic (acid, hydrocyan. 32.) 

Dyspnoea (galvanism, 392 ; potass, 
cyanur. 592.) 

Dysuria (acidum benzoicum, 18; 
apis mellifica, 704 ; chimaphila, 
180.) 

Ear affections (cadmii sulphas, 705. ) 
Middle, affections of the mucous 
membrane of the (iodinum, 477.) 
Pain in the (morphia, 523.) 

Eclampsia infantum (artemisia, 
111.) 

Ectropion (collodion, 236.) 

Eczema (auri chlorid. 121; bromi- 
num, 144; ferri arsenias, 337; 
juglans, 494; ol. cadinum, 72; 
ol. jecoris aselli, 556; sulphur. 
iodid. 675.) 

Effused fluid (electro- magnetism, 
302.) 

Effusions, rheumatic (electro-mag- 
netism, iv.) 

Elephantiasis (ferri arsenias, 337; 
iodinum, 469 ; hura Brasiliens. 
715.) 

Emaciation (chondrus, 211.) 

Empyema (iodinum, 480.) 

Engorgements, visceral (ferr. iodid. 
356.) 

Enlargements, glandular, scrofulous 
(potassii iodohydrargyras, 593.) 

Enteralgia (acid, hydrocyan. 32.) 

Enteritis (acid, hydrocyan, 31.) 
Chronic (monesia, 514.) 

Entropion (collodion, 236.) 

Ephelis (hydrarg. et arsen. iodid, 
431.) 

Epilepsy (acid, hydrocyan. 32; acu- 
punct.57; ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250; argenti chlori- 
dum, 95; artemisia, 108; com- 
pression of arteries, 242; conia, 
708; creasoton, 277; ferr. cya- 
nur. 346; galvanism, 393; gra- 



Epilepsy 

natum, 407 ; indigum, 432 ; iodi- 
num, 467; magnes. 499; nux 
vomica, 542; monesia, 515; 
platinum, 577; Sumbul, 730; 
strychnia, 660; iodide of zinc 
and strychnia, 666; zinci vale- 
rianas, 700; zinci chlorid. 690; 
zinci ferrohydrocyanas, 695.) 

Epistaxis (argento oxidum, 100; 
cort. adstring. Brazil. 253; crea- 
soton, 263; ergota, 325; matico, 
510; ferri etalumini sulph.712; 
monesia, 515.) 

Erectile tumours (collodion, 235 ; 
electro-punctura, 307 ; ol. tiglii, 
565.) 

Erections, nocturnal (lupulina, 718.) 

Erethism, morbid (creasotum, 278; 
potassse chloras, 582.) 

Ergotism, 316. 

Erysipelas (argilla, 101 ; chlorin. aq. 
193; colchicum, 229 ; compres- 
sio, 238; creasoton, 270; iodin. 
481; ol. jecoris aselli, 596; zinci. 
chlorid. 692.) 
Of the face (cort. adstring. Brazil. 
253.) 

Erythema, chronic (collodion, 234.) 

Eustachian tube, obstructed (injec- 
tions of air, &c. 437.) 

Exanthemata, febrile (chlorin. aq. 
192.) 

Exanthematous diseases (cort. ad- 
string. Brazil. 253.) 

Excitability (acid, tannic. 41.) 

Excoriation from lying (creasoton 
266.) 
Of the skin (oleum jecoris aselli 

556.) 
Syphilitic (aurum metallicum 
129.) 

Excrescences, adventitious (iodi 
num, 485 ) 
Syphilitic (aurum metallicum 
129.) 

Exostosis (fuligo, 385.) 

Expectoration, excessive (acidum 
gallicum, 22.) 
Of phthisis (argenti oxidum, 100; 

iodin. 461.) 
Fetid (calx chlorinata, 154.) 

Eye, black (calcis chlorid. 156.) 
Cancer of the (morphia, 523.) 
Diseases of the (cadmii sulphas, 
705; iodinum, 458; potass, cy- 
anuret. 59.) 



740 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Eye, painful affections of the (mor- 
phia, 523 ) 
Strumousulcerationsof the (aether 
sulphuric. 71.) 
Eyelid, inflammation of the (crea- 
soton, 272; ol. jecoris aselli, 
553; zinci ferrocyanuret. 696 ; 
zinci valerianas, 700.) 
Granular (auri chlorid, 121; calx 
chlorin, 158; iodin, 485; ol. je- 
coris aselli, 553.) 
I Perverted states of the (collodion, 

236.) 
Fainting, hysteric (sulphnris carbu- 

retum, 671.) 
Fauces, ulcerated, (iodinum, 485.) 
Febrile affections (chlorin. aq. 193; 
colchicum, 227; potass, nitras, 
725.) 
Diseases (morphia, 520.) 
Feigned diseases (aether sulphuri- 

cus, 71; chloroform, 204.) 
Fetid discharges (aluminae sales, 

76.) 
Fever, brain (compression of arte- 
ries, 242.) 
Congestive (quinise sulphas, 621.) 
Of Edinburgh (calx chlorinata, 

154.) 
Gastric (artemisia, 111; chlorin. 

aq. 193.) 
Hectic (acid. hydrocyan. 31; 

chlorin. aq. 194.) 
Intermittent, see intermittent. 
Irritative (chlorin. aq. 191.) 
Masked (salicina, 640.) 
Malignant (quiniae sulphas, 620.) 
Nervous (chlorin. aq. 192.) 
Paroxysmal (quiniae sulphas, 620.) 
Pernicious, (quiniae sulphas, 620.) 
Petechial (aq. chlorin. 192.) 
Putrid (acid. acet. empyr. 15; 

chlorin, aq. 192.) 
Puerperal (potass, nitras, 725.) 
Remittent, see Remittent. 
Summer (quiniae sulphas, 630.) 
Typhoid, see Typhoid. 
Typhous (sodae chloridum, 644.) 
Yellow (guaco, 409 ; quin. sulphas, 
621.) See Typhus. 
Fissures of the anus (acid, tannic. 
42, 44; monesia, 515.) 
Of the nipple (collodion, 235.) 
Of the lips (glycerin, 402.) 
Of the skin (creasoton, 266; ol. 
jecor. aselli, 556.) 



Fistulae (acid, hydrocyan. 33; calcis 

chlorid. 155; galvanism, 395; 

ol. jecoris aselli, 559; potass. 

iodid. 602.) 

Fistulous openings (iodinum, 485.) 

Flatulence (creasoton, 277; juglans 

regia, 494; sumbul, 730.) 
Fluor albus, see Leucorrhcea. 
Fluxes (acid, gallic. 22.) 
Foetor oris (calx chlorin. 154, 161, 
162; chlorin. aq. 194; chloro- 
form, 199; creasotum, 279.) 
Follicular affections of the skin 

(collodion, 234.) 
Fractures, ununited (acupuncture, 

59; iodinum, 485. 
Freckles (hydrargyri deutonitras. 

428.) 

Frost bites (calx chlorin. 157, 163.) 

Gangrenous, (zinci chlorid. 692.) 

Fungoid disease (chloroform, 198.) 

Fungous tumour (creasoton, 268; 

galvanism, 395; zinci chlorid. 

689.) 

Fungus of the neck of the uterus 

(aur. nitrico. muriat. 127.) 
Furunculous swellings (aq. chlorin. 

192.) 
Ganglion (acupunct. 59 ; hydrarg. 
iodid. rubr. 423; iodinum, 485.) 
Ganglionic system, disorder of the 

(ferr. cyanur. 348.) 
Gangrene (acid. acet. empyr. 14; 
calcis chlorid. 156; soda chlo- 
rinata, 645.) 
Hospital (calx chlorin. 154, 156, 

163; creasoton, 267.) 
Of the lungs (chlorin. 185.) 
Of the scrotum (calx chlorin. 156.) 
Gangrenous sloughs (monesia, 515.) 
Gastralgia (bismulhi valerianas,704 : 
cinchona, 217; morphias acetas, 
524; strychnia, 661; zinci iodid. 
698) 
Gastricism (carbo animalis, 174; 

mannitum, 504.) 
Gastritis (codeia, 222.) 
Gastrodynia (acid, hydrocyan. 32; 
acupunct. 57; argenti oxidum, 
99; bismuthi valerianas, 704; 
creasoton, 276; nux vomica, 
542; ol. sinapis, 561.) 
Gastromalacia (acid. acet. empyr. 

15; chlorin. aq. 193.) 
Genital organs, atony of the (cube- 
bae, 282; cort. adstring. Brazil. 
253 ; nux vomica, 539.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



741 



Genital organs, catarrh of the (cortex 

adstringens, 253.) 
Glanders, chronic (creasoton, 278.) 
Glands, enlarged (carbon', sesqui- 
iodid. 177; iodinum. 457, 459; 
plumbi iodid. 580. 

Induration of the (fuligo, 385; 
hydrarg. deuto-iodid. 422, 424.) 

Mammary, enlarged ( veratria, 
685.) 

Meibomian,copious secretion from 
the (calx chlorin. 158.) 

Mesenteric, enlarged (iodinum, 
456.) 

Of the neck, inflamed (hydrarg. 
iodid. rubr. 423.) 

Scrofulous swellings of the (calx 
chlorin. 157; chlorin. aq. 194; 
iodide of chloride of mercury, 
492; iodinum, 457, 483.) 

Submaxillary, enlarged, (carbo 
animalis, 175; iodinum, 456.) 

Tumefied, strumous (hydrarg. 
iodid. 419 ; potassii hydrargyro- 
iodid. 594.) 
Glandular affections (auri chlorid. 
121; fuligo, 385; iodinum, 455; 
veratria, 685.) 
Gleet (calx chlorin. 159; creasoton, 
269; cubebse, 284; ergota, 330; 
nux vomica, 544; potassii iodi- 
dum, 599.) 

Old (tanninum, 144; strychnia, 
661.) 
Goitre (brominum, 144; calcis chlo- 
rin. 164; electro-punctura, 307; 
hydrarg. deuto-iodid. 423; io- 
dinum, 454, 475; potassii bro- 
mid. 586; potass, iodid. 600.) 

Scirrhous (carbo animalis, 174, 
176; sulphuris carburetum, 671 ; 
veratria, 685.) 
Gonorrhoea (acidum tannicum, 41; 
argenti preeparat. 93; auri prse- 
par. 118; calcis chlorin. 154, 
159, 161, 162; chlorin. aq. 
194; colchicum, 229; creaso- 
ton, 269; cubebse, 282; diosma, 
295; ergota, 323; ferri iodid. 
358; hydrargyri deuto-nitras. 
428; iodin. 471; lupulina, 718; 
matico, 509; platinum, 576; 
zinci chlorid. 693; zinci iodid. 
698.) See blennorrhcea. 
Gout (aconit. 49; acupunct. 56; am- 
nion, phosphas, 77; ammoniated 
counter-irritants, 250; ballota 

48 



Gout 

lanata, 131; benzoate of ammo- 
nia, 226, 231; colchicum, 131; 
compression of arteries, 242 ; 
creasoton, 275 ; glycerin, 402 ; 
hsemospasia, 712; iodinum, 475; 
magnes. 482; manganesii sul- 
phas, 719; moxa, 531; ol. tiglii, 
564; ol. jecinor. aselli, 549; 
spiritus pyroaceticus, 648; suc- 
cus limonis, 729; sulphuris car- 
buretum, 670; veratria, 683.) 
Atonic (creasotum, 276, 279; hip- 

pocastanum, 410.) 
Chronic (chimaphila, 180; colchi- 
cum, 228; diosma, 294 ; ol. tig- 
lii, 564; succus limonis, 728.) 
Irregular (strychnia, 659.) 
Rheumatic: (auri chloridum. 121.) 
Suppressed (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250.) 

Gouty diathesis (acidum benzoicum, 
18; veratria, 685.) 
Swellings of bones (iodin. 475; 
ol. jecoris aselli, 558; potass, 
iodid. 602.) 
Of the joints (iodinum, 475.) 

Gravel (diosma, 295.) 

Gravel, uric acid (amraon. phos- 
phas, 78; sodas phosphas, 728.) 
White (acid. lact. 38.) 

Growths, morbid (barii iodidum, 
132; electro-magnetism, 302; 
galvanism, 395.) 

Gums, affections of the (chloroform. 
199.) 
Sponginess of the (acid, tan- 
nic. 41, 44.) 

Gums, scorbutic ulcerations of the 
(creasoton, 267, 280; icdin. 
476; monesia, 515.) 

Gutta rosacea (fuligo, 385; sulph. 
iodid. 674.) 

Hsematemesis (argent, oxid. 100; 
creasoton, 265; ergota, 332; 
matico, 510.) 

Hsematocele (iodinum, 479.) 

Heernaturia (acidum gallicum, 21; 
creasoton, 265 ; diosma. 294 ; 
ergota, 323.) 

Haemoptysis (acidum gallicum, 21; 
chondrus, 212; aq. Brocchieri, 
89; argent, oxid. 100; cort. 
adstring. Brazil. 253; creaso- 
ton, 265 ; eau htmastatique de 
Tisserand, 89; ergota, 323; ga- 
leopsis, 391 ; lactucarium, 498 ; 



742 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Haemoptysis 

monesia, 513; plumbi nitras, 
723; tannin, 42.) 
Hair, thinness of the (glycerin, 402.) 
Heaclach, intermittent (bebeeria, 
35; quiniae sulphas, 632.) 

Rheumatic, (creasoton, 276.) 

Nervous (strychnia, 659; ammo- 
niated counter-irritants, 250; 
iodin. 467 ) See Cephalalgia. 
Hearing, defective, from otorrhcBa 

(cubebae, 233.) 
Heart, diseases of the, (acotiitia, 50 ; 
veratria, 685.) 

Enlargement of the (acid, hydro- 
cyanic, 32.) 

Hypertrophy of the (brominum, 
144; iodin. 470 ; potass, bromid. 
587; potass, iodid. 599.) 

Neuralgia of the (aconitia, 50.) 

Spasmodic affections of the. (acid, 
hydrocyan. 32.) 
Hectic fever (acid. hydroc)^an. 31; 

chlorin. aq. 194.) 
Helminthiasis (juglans, 494.) 
Hemicrania (acid, hydrocyan. 33; 
aether, sulph. 70; aconit. 51; 
compression of arteries, 242; 
ferri subcarb. 377; paullinia, 
570; potassii cyanuretum,592; 
zinci valerianas, 699.) 
Hemiplegia(electro-magnetism,296; 
nux vomica, 540 ; strychnia, 
657.) 

Rheumatica (electro - magnetis- 
mus, iy.) 
Hemorrhage (acid, hydrocyan. 31 ; 
aq. Binelli, 82; aq. Brocchieri, 
89; acid, tannicum, 40, 44; 
argilla, 101 ; cort. adstring. Bra- 
zil. 253 ; creasoton, 261; ergota, 
523, 332; ferr. iodid. 356; ferri 
etalumin. sulphas, 712; matico, 
507.) 

After abortion (creasoton, 265.) 

From arteries of the lower limbs 
(compression of the aorta, 243) 

Active (acid, hydrocyan. 31 ; er- 
gota, 330.) 

Capillary (creasoton. 264; mati- 
co, 505.) 

From the ljuitis (creasoton, 264.) 

Intestinal (aqua Brocchieri, 89; 
argenti oxyd. 100; creasoton, 
265; eau hemastalique de Tis- 
serand, 89; ferri nitras, 363; 
matico, 509.) 



Hemorrhage from leech-bites (crea- 
soton, 263; ferri et aluminae sul- 
phas, 712; matico, 508.) 
From the lungs. See Haemopty- 
sis. 
Passive (acid, gallic. 22.) 
Traumatic (creasoton, 265.) 
Uterine (acidum gallicum, 21; 
acid, tannic. 40, 43, 44; canna- 
bis indica, 171; creasoton, 264; 
argent, oxidum, 99 ; compres- 
sion of the aorta, 243 ; electro- 
magnetism, 299 ; ferr. iodid. 
355; haemostasis, 714; matico, 
510; monesia, 514; ergota, 322, 
332; ferri citras, 343.) 
From the vagina, and tongue 
(matico, 508.) 

Hemorrhagic diathesis (acid. tannic. 
41 ; matico, 508.) 

Hemorrhoids (acid, tannic. 41, 42; 
acid, chrom. 701; acid, nitric. 
702; cotyledon umbilicus, 707; 
matico, 509; monesia, 515.) 

Hepatic diseases. See Liver Affec- 
tions. 

Hernia humoralis. See Orchitis. 
Incarcerated (sulphuris carbure- 

tum, 671.) 
Reducible (iodinum, 479.) 

Herniary sacs (acupunct. 58.) 

Herpes (acid, hydrocyan. 33 ; aqua 
picea, 89; calcis chlorin. 157; 
chlorin. aq. 194, 195 ; creasoton, 
271; collodion. 234; ferr.carbur. 
339 ; fuligo, 385 ; hydrarg. cya- 
nur. 416; hydrarg. deuto-iodid. 
423; iodin. 468; juglans, 494 ; 
ol. jecinor. aselli, 555 ; potass, 
bromid. 587; potass, iodid. 598; 
sulphur, iodid. 674.) 
Circinnatus (ferri tannas, 380.) 
Exedens (creasoton, 271; potassii 

iodidum, 601.) 
Phagedenic (arsenic, iodat. 107; 

potassii iodidum, 603 ) 
Scrofulosus exedens (hydrargyri 
deuto-nitras, 428.) 

Herpetic ulcers (acid. acet. empyr. 
14; creasoton, 267.) 

Hiccough, spasmodic (aether, 70; 
compressio, 243; ferri nitras, 
363; man'nes. 499; quiniae 
sulphas. 624.) 

Hip-joint disease (moxa. 534.) 

Hoarseness (chondrus, 211; iodic 
acid, 491; ol. tiglii, 561.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



743 



Hooping-cough (acid, hydrocyan.31 
35 ; acid, tannic. 41 ; aether hy 
drocyan. 61; aether sulphur. 70 
argent, iodid. 98; conia, 707 
chloroform, 203 ; emetia, 312 
ferr. carb. 376; iodin. 463; ol. 
tiglii, 564 ; veratria, 684.) 

Hordeolum (hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 
424.) 

Hydrarthrosis ( electro - punctura, 
307; iodinum, 478.) 

Hydrocele (acupunct. 58; electro- 
magnetism, 302 ; electro-punc- 
ture, 307; chlorin. 187; iodinum, 
463, 477.) 

Hydrocephalus (compressio, 237; 
electro-punctura, 307; hydrar- 
gyri cyanuretum, 416; iodinum, 
464.) 

Hydrocyanic acid, poisoning by 
(chlorin. 186; chlorin aq. 190.) 

Hydropericardium (electro punc- 
tura, 307; iodinum, 479-) 

Hydrophobia (aether sulphuric. 69; 
cannabis indica, 170, 172; chlo- 
rin. aq. 194; chloroform, 203; 
compression of the arteries, 244; 
guaco, 408; morphias acetas, 
525.) 

Hydrothorax (acid, hydrocyan. 32; 
colchicum, 229; electro-punct. 
307; ferri iodid. 356; iodinum, 
463, 479.) 

Hygroma (iodinum, 465.) 

Hyperaemia (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 251.) See Inflamma- 
tion. 

Hyperesthesia (conia, 706.) 

Hyperemesis (acid, tannic. 42.) 

Hypertrophy (barii iodidum, 132; 
compressio, 237; ferr. bromid. 
338; ferr. iodid. 356.) 
Of the coats of the stomach 

(sulph. carburet. 671.) 
Of the heart (bromidum, 144; di- 
gitalina, 292; iberis amara, 716: 
iodin. 470; potass, bromid. 586; 
potass, iodid. 599, 600.) 
Of the mammas (iodinum, 456.) 
Of the spleen (iodin. 455; quiniae 

sulph. 605.) 
Of the thymus (iodin. 456.) 
Of the uterus (ergota, 325.) 
With dropsy (iberis, 716.) 

Hypochondriasis (auri pra3parat,116; 
chlorin. 187; quiniae sulphas, 625; 
strychnia, 659; veratriae, 683.) 



Hysteralgia (euphorb. ol. 334.) 
Hysteria (aether sulphuric. 70 ; cimi- 
cifuga, 213; creasoton, 278 
ergota, 324; ferri valerianas, 381 
fuligo, 387; granatum, 407; in 
digum, 434; lactucarium, 498 
strychnia, 659; sumbul, 730 
veratria, 683; zinci ferrohydro- 
cyanas, 695.) 
Hysteric croup (creasoton, 278.) 
Fainting (sulphuris carburetum, 

672.) 
Convulsions (electro-magnetism, 
298; indigum, 433.) 
Hysterics (ammoniated counter-ir- 
ritants, 250.) 
Ichthyosis (glycerina, 401.) 
Impetigo (acid, hydrocyan. 33, 36; 
arsen. iodid. 107 ; creasoton, 280 ; 
hydrarg. et arsen. iodid. 430; 
juglans regia, 494; oleum cadi- 
num, 722; ol. jecin.aselli,556.) 
Impotence (cubebae, 284; diosma, 
295 : iodinum, 481 ; nux vomi- 
ca, 541.) 
Incontinence of urine (diosma, 295; 
ergota, 326; galvanismus, 392; 
iodin. 468; nux vomica, 539, 
541; potassae nitras, 726.) 
Indigestion. See Dyspepsia. 
Indurations of the abdomen (arnica,. 
104.) 
Glandular, chronic (carbo anima- 
lis, 174; electro-punctura, 307; 
fuligo, 385; hydrarg. deuto-io- 
did. 424.) 
Of the liver (iodinum, 455 ) 
Of the mammae (calendula, 151.) 
Of the pancreas (carbo animalis, 

175; iodin. 456.) 
Of the spleen (iodinum, 455.) 
Of the stomach (calendula, 151.) 
Of the testes (iodinum, 456.) 
Chronic (calendula, 151.) 

Of the mammae (carbo 
animalis, 175.) 
Inflammation (acid, hydrocyan. 31; 
aconitia, 48 ; compression of ar- 
teries, 238; conia, 707.) 
Of the absorbents (iodinum, 482.) 
Of the air passages (iodinum, 

485.) 
Of the bursae (iodinum, 485.) 
Of the bronchia. See Bronchitis. 
Chronic (acid, hydrocyan. 31: 
barii iodidum, 132; iodic acid, 
491; ol. croton. 564.) 



714 



INDEX OK DISEASES. 



Inflammation, chronic, of the Eusta- 
chian tube (injections into the 
Eustachian tube, 436.) 

Of the lungs and 
stomach (ol. jecor. aselli, 554.) 
Of the cornea (collodion, 236.) 
Of the mouth and fauces (chlorin. 

aq. 196.) 
External (compressio, 238.) 
Of the heart. See Carditis. 
Internal (acid, hydrocyan. 31.) 
Of the joints (iodinum, 482.) 
Of the liver (chlorin. aq. 194.) 
Of the lungs (ammoniated coun- 
ter-irritants, 250.) See Pneu- 
monia. 
Of the mamma (iodinum, 482.) 
Of the pleura (ammoniated coun- 
ter-irritants, 250.) 
Scrofulous (iodinum, 488.) 
Synovial (compressio, 238.) 
Thoracic (acid, hydrocyan. 31.) 
Of the trachea (ammoniated coun- 
ter-irritants, 250.) 
Of the vagina (collodion, 235.) 
Inflammatory diseases (colchicum, 
226; compressio, 238; cort. ad- 
string. Brazil. 253; morphia, 
520; ol. sinapis, 561; potass. 
nitras, 725.) 
Insanity (aether sulphuric. 69; chloro- 
form, 203; quiniae sulphas, 625.) 
Integuments, lesions of the (creaso- 
ton, 266.) 
Intermittent (adansonia digitata 
703; aether, 70; argent, limat 
101; bebeeria, 135; cetrarina 
178; chlorin. aq. 193; chloro 
form, 199; cinchonia, 217; co 
| nia, 707 ; cubeba, 283 ; ferr. sub 
carb. 378 ; ferrocyanur. 347 
gentiana chirayita, 399; hippo 
castanum, 410; indigum, 432 
iodin. 465; matias, 505; nar 
cotina, 537; phloridzina, 572 
piperina, 574; quinia, 604; qui 
niae arsenias, 606; quiniae arse 
nis, 607; quinia, iodide of iodhy 
drate of, 611; quiniae lactas 
612; quiniae murias, 613; qui 
niae sulphas, 617, 623, 629 ; qui 
niae valerianas, 634; quiniae e 
cinchon. tannas, 636; quiniae sul 
phas impurus, 636; resina chi 
nae praepar. 636; salicina, 638 
6anicula marilandica, 726; soda 
chlorin. 644; strychnia, 661.) 



Intertrigo of children (collodion, 
234 ; creasoton, 266.) 

Intestines, atony of the (ferri ferro- 
cyanur. 347.) 
Ulceration of the (monesia, 514.) 

Iodina, 451. 

Iodine disease, 451. 

Iodine, stain from (potassii cyanu- 
retum, 591.) 

Iodism, 451. 

Iodkrankheit, 451. 

Iodosis, 451. 

Iralgia (quinia? sulphas, 629.) 

Iris, adhesion of to the lens (arte- 
misia, 115.) 

Iron, sparks of, removed from the 
eye (iodinum, 485.) 

Irritable habits (ferri subcarbonas, 
379.) 

Ischias (oleum sinapis, 561; veratria, 
682.) 

Ischuria (apis mellifica, 704; col- 
chicum, 229; sumbul, 730.) 

Issues, formation of (zinci chlorid. 
690.) 

Isthmitis, atonic (chloroform, 198; 
ferri et aluminae sulphas, 712.) 

Itch (calx chlorin. 157, 163 ; chlorin. 
aq. 194, 195; creasoton, 271; 
fuligo, 385; iodinum, 469; man- 
ganesii sulphas, 719 ; sapo mol- 
lis, 641 ; oleum cadinum, 721 ; 
zinci chlorid. 692.) 
Inveterate (hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 
422; ol. jecor. aselli, 555.) 

Itching (aquaamygdalarum concen- 
trata, 81.) 

Jaundice (fel bovinum, 709.) 
With liver disease (iodinum, 
456.) 

Joints, inflamed (iodinum, 482.) 
Anomalous pains of the (iodinum, 

482.) 
Chronic inflammation and En- 
largement of the (iodinum, 482.) 
False (iodinum, 476.) 
Rheumatic (iodin. 476; mor- 
phia, 521.) 
Swelled (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250; chimaphila, 181; 
calx chlorin. 157, 164; iodinum, 
458; veratria, 685.) 

Keratitis (collodion, 236.) 

Kidneys, diseases of the (diosma, 
295.) 
Bright's disease of the (acid, gal- 
lic. 22.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



745 



Kriebelkrankheit, 317. 

Labia pudendi. infiltration of (crea- 
sotum, 267.) 
Offensive affections of (creasoton, 
267.) 

Labour, premature, inducing (ergo- 
ta, 322, 329.) 
Tedious (cannabis indica, 172; 
electro-magnetism, 299.) 

Languor (acid, tannic. 41.) 

Laryngismus stridulus (asther, 70.) 

Larynx, chronic engorgements of 
the (iodinum, 463.) 
Nervous affections of the (conia, 

707.) 
Spasmodic affections of the (vera- 
tria, 684.) 

Leech-bites, hemorrhage from (crea- 
soton, 263; matico, 508) 

Lepra (arsen. iodid. 107; auri prae- 
parat. 119; carbon, sesqui-iodid. 
177; chlorin. 187; ferri arsenias, 
337; glycerina, 401; hura Bra- 
siliensis, 715; hyd. et arsen. 
iodid. 430; iodidum ammonii, 
490; naphthalin, 721; sulphur, 
iodid. 674.) 

Leucophlegmatia after intermit- 
tent (ferri ferrocyanu return, 
347) 

Leucorrhoea (acidum gallicum, 22; 
acid. tannicum, 41; argent, oxyd. 
100; chlorin. aq. 194; colchi- 
cum, 229; cort. adstring. Bra- 
zil. 253; creasoton, 269; ferri 
et alumin. sulph. 712; gentiana 
chirayita, 400; cubebee, 283; 
ergota, 323. 330; ferr. iodid. 355, 
358; iodinum, 471; juglans re- 
gia, 494; liq. ferr. persesquinit. 
363; matico, 509; monesia,514; 
platin. 576; potassii iodhydrar- 
gyras, 594; potassii iodidum, 
5S9; salicina, 640.) 

Lichen (ferri arsenias, 337; glycerin. 
402; potassii cyanuretum, 
592.) 
Leproides (ferr. earbur. 340.) 
Urticatus (hydrarg. et arsenic, 
iodid. 431.) 

Lipomatous cysts (electro-punctura, 
307.) 

Lips, chapped (glycerin. 402.) 

Litfiuria (acidum benzoicum, 18; 
ammon. phosphas, 78; leuco- 
lein, 717; lithiae carbonas, 717; 
sodse phosphas, 728.) 



Liver, affections of the (potassae 
chloras, 583; berberina, 137; 
chlorin. 187; iodin. 456.) 

Enlarged (iodinum, 456.) 

Induration of the (hydrarg. deuto- 
iodid. 424; iodinum, 455, 463.) 

Inflammation of the (chlorin. aq. 
194.) 

Obstruction of the (hydrarg. iodid. 
419.) 

Tubercles of the (iodinum, 463.) 
Lumbago (acupunct.57; ammoniated 
counter-irritants, 250, 251; chlo- 
roform, 199; emetia,311; iodin. 
475; veratria, 683.) 
Lungs, affections of the (cimicifuga, 
213; chlorinum, 184.) 

Gangrene of the (chlorin. 185.) 

And stomach, chronic inflamma- 
tion of the (ol. jecor. aselli, 
554.) 

Mucous affections of the (crea- 
sotum, 275.) 

Ulceration of the (chlorinum, 184 ; 
creasotum, 274.) 
Lupus (auri chlorid. 121; collodion, 
234; ferri arsenias, 337; ferri 
protocarb. 376; hydrarg. et ar- 
sen. iodid. 430 ; hydrarg. deuto- 
iodid. 425; hydrarg. deuto-ni- 
tras, 428; hydrarg. et quinise 
protochlorid. 715; iodin. 469, 
483; oleum cadinum, 722; ol. 
jecoris aselli, 555; zinci chlo- 
rid. 690.) 

Nou exedens (collodion. 234; sul- 
phur, iodid. 674.) 

Of the ala nasi (ferr. carb. praec. 
377.) 

Of the nose (creasoton, 268.) 
Luxations (diosma, 295.) 
Lymphatic glands, indurated (sul- 

phuris carburetum, 671.) 
Lymphatism (ferr. iodid. 355.) 
Malignant disease (ferri citras, 343.) 
Mammary tumour, chronic(iodinum, 
456; potassii iodidum, 602; ve- 
ratria, 685.) 
Mammae, hypertrophied (iodinum, 
456; potassii iodidum, 602.) 

Indurated {carbo animalis, 176; 
iodinum, 456.) 

Inflamed (iodinum, 482.) 

Painful tumours of the (potass, 
iodid. 602.) 
Mania (cannabis indica, 171.) 

Hydrophobic (chloroform, 203.) 



746 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Mastitis (collodion, 235; iodinum, 
482.) 

Measles (chlorin. aq. 193; iodin. 
467.) 

Melaena (matico, 509.) 

Melicerous cysts (electro-punctura, 
307.) 

Membranes, false (acid, tannic. 41.) 

Meningitis, tubercular (iodin. 464.) 

Menorrhagia (acidum gallicum, 21; 
argent, oxid. 100; cannabis in- 
dica, 171; cort. adstring. Bra- 
zil. 253; electro -magnetism, 
299 ; ferr. cyanur. 347 ; matico, 
509; monesia, 514.) 

Mental affections (auri prseparat. 
116; ol. tiglii, 505.) 

Mesenteric glands. See Glands, 
mesenteric. 

Metritis (acid, hydrocyan. 31.) 

Metrorrhagia (cort. adstring. Brazil, 
253; monesia, 514.) See He- 
morrhage, uterine. 

Miasmata, destroying (calx chlorin. 
157.) 

Milzbrandkarbunkel (chlorin. aq. 
192; zinci chlorid. 689.) 

Mortification, mildew, 316. 

Mouth, inflammation of the, chronic 
(chlorin. aq. 196.) 
Offensive conditions of the (calx 

chlorin. 157.) 
Ulcers in the (calx chlorinata. 
162.) 

Mucous membranes, irritability and 
tenderness of the (liquor ferri 
persesquinitrat. 363.) 
Inordinate secretion from (chima- 
phila, 180; ol. sinapis, 561.) 

Mutism, paralytic (electro-punctur. 
307.) 

Mydriasis (ergota, 325.) 

Naevi (collodion, 235; creasotum. 
273; ol. tiglii, 565; zinci chlo- 
rid. 689.) 

Necrosis (iodinum, 458; zinei chlo- 
rid. 689.) 

Nephralgia (chimapbila, 180; chlo- 
roform, 203.) 

Nephritis (acid, hydrocyan. 31.) 

Nervous coughs (tanninum, 41.) 
Diseases (acidum hydrocyani- 
cum, 32; ammoniated counter- 
irritants. 251; auri praeparat. 
116; cort. adstring. Brazil. 253: 
creasoton, 277; electro-punctur. 
307; ferr. carb. prsec. 377 ; ferr. 



Nervous diseases 

cyanur. 347; fuligo, 387; gal- 
vanism, 395; iodinum, 467; 
magnes. 499; morphia, 522; 
morphias acetas, 524; ol. sina- 
pis, 561 ; quiniee sulphas, 632; 
surnbul, 730; veratria, 682 ; 
zinci ferrohydrocyanas, 695.) 

Chronic (acid, hydrocyan. 32; liq. 
argent, muriat. ammoniat. 96.) 

Excitement (lactucarium, 497.) 
Neuralgia (acid, hydrocyan. 32, 33; 
aconitia, 49, 51; acupunctura. 
56; aether sulphuric. 70; am- 
moniated counter-irritants, 252; 
atropia, 115; chloroform, 199. 
203; bebeeria, 135; bismuthi 
valerianas, 704; cannabis indi- 
ca, 169; compression of arte- 
ries, 242; conia, 706; contra- 
irritatio, 249; creasoton, 277; 
delphinia, 289; electro-magnet. 
296, 298; electro -punct. 303; 
ferr. carb. preec. 376; ferr. ferro- 
cyanur. 347; galvanism, 392; 
glycerin, 402; iodin. 467; mag- 
nes. 499; morphia, 521; mor- 
phiae acetas, 524; morphiae bi- 
meeonas, 530; moxa, 534; nux 
vomica, 542; ol. sinapis, 561; 
ol. tiglii, 564; potass, cyanur. 
590; quiniee arsenis,607; strych- 
nia. 659; veratria, 682. 686; zinci 
ferrohydrocyanur. 696.) 

Of the abdomen (codeia, 222.) 

Of the arm (strychnia, 659.) 

Of the chest (galvanism. 394.) 

Faciei (acid, hydrocyan. 33; 
artemisia. 111; codeia, 222; 
compression of the arteries, 
242; conia, 707; creasotum. 
277; ferri ferrocyanar. 347; 
morphia, 522; nux vomica, 542: 
potassas chloras. 583; potassii 
eyanuretum, 590, 592.) See 
Tic Douloureux. 

Frontal (galvanism, 398; morphia, 
522.) 

Of the head (cannabis indica. 
171.) 

Of the heart (aconitia, 50; magnes. 
499.) 

Of the nervns pudendus superior T 
(compression of the arteries, 
242.) 

Obstinate (zinci valerianas, 
700.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



747 



Neuralgia of the orbitar nerves 
(compression of the arteries. 
242.) 
Pulmonary (magnes. 499.) 
Rheumatic (electro-magnetismus, 

iv.) 
Sciatic (morphia, 523; potassii 
cyanuret. 590.) 

Neuralgic tumours (plumbi chlorid. 
723.) 

Neuropathic diseases (iodinum, 
467.) 

Neuroses (aether sulphuric. 68; 
chloroform, 202; electro-mag- 
netism, 297; granatum, 407; 
ol. tiglii, 564; iodide of zinc 
and strychnia, 666 ; zinci chlo- 
rid. 690.) 

Nipples, excoriated (acid. acet. 
empyr. 13; acid, tannic. 42; 
calx chlorin. 156; collodion, 
234 ; creasoton, 266 ; glycerin, 
402; plumbi tannas, 581.) 

Nodes, gouty (sulphur, carb. 672.) 

Noli me tangere (iodinum, 483; 
zinci chloridum, 690.) 

Noma (chlorin. aq. 194.) 

Obstetrics (aether, 70; chloroform, 
205.) 

Odontalgia (chloroform, 199; am- 
moniated counter-irritants, 250; 
conia, 707; ol. sinapis, 561.) 
See Toothach. 
{Rheumatic (sulphuris carbure- 
tum, 672; ol. croton. 564.) 

Odour, offensive (calx chlorin. 157.) 

(Edema (creasoton, 272 ) 
Of the feet (acupunct. 56.) 
Meningum (iodin. 465.) 

(Esophagus, stricture of the (iodi- 
num, 476; sulphuris carbure- 
tum, 671.) 

Offensive evacuations, (calx chlorin. 
154.) 

Oligaemia (ferri iodidum, 356.) 

Ophthalmia (acid, hydrocyan. 34; 
acupunct. 56, 57; aether, 70; 
argent, oxid. 100; creasoton, 
272 ; ferri et aluminas sulphas. 
712; iodin. 468.) 
Catarrhal (calx chlorin. 158, 163; 

lactucarium, 497.) 
Chronic (cadmii sulphas, 705 ; 
calx chlorin. 158; iodinum 485; 
matico, 516; oleum cadinum, 
721.) 
Egyptian (acid, tannic. 42.) 



' Ophthalmia, neonatorum (calx chlo- 
rin. 158.) 

Purulent (calx chlorin. 158; mo- 
nesia, 515.) 

Rheumatic (zinci ferrohydrocyan. 
696.) 

Scrofulous (auri prseparat. 118; 
ami chlorid. 121; calx chlorin. 
163; hydrarg. et arsen. iodid. 
431; iodin. 458; oleum jecoris 
aselli, 553; potass, iodid. 602, 
603; quinise sulphas, 631; zinci 
iodid. 698.) 

Strumous (bebeeria, 135; creaso- 
ton, 272; fuligo, 386; hydrarg. 

. et arsenic, iodid. 431 ; iodin. 
485; juglans, 494; matias, 505; 
ol. cadinum, 721 ; potassii iodid. 
601 ; ol. jecor. aselli, 553.) 

Tarsi (acid. acet. empyr. 15; 

creasoton, 272; hydrarg. deuto- 

iodid. 424; zinci ferrohydrocy- 

anas, 696 ; zinci iodidum, 698.) 

Orchitis (chloroform, 199; compres- 

sio, 238; iodinum, 485.) 
Os uteri, ulcerations of the(collodion, 
235; creasotum, 268; iodinum, 
489.) 
Osteocopi. syphilitic (hydrarg. et 
arsenic, iodid. 432; iodin. 474; 
strychnia, 660; strychniae ace- 
tas, 665; zinci ferrocyanur. 
696.) 
Otalgia (conia, 706; ol. sinapis, 561; 

ol. tiglii, 564.) 
OtorrhoBa (cadmii sulphas, 705; 
creasoton, 265, 273 ; cubebse, 
283 ; juglans, 494 ; oleum cadi- 
num, 721; potassii bromid. 
586.) 
Otorrhoea, fetid (zinci chlorid. 693.) 
Ovaries, degenerated (iodin. 470.) 

Dropsy of the (iodin. 470.) 

Indurated (iodin. 470.) 

Inflammation of the (hydrarg. 

cyanur. 416.) 

Oz&ena (calx chlorin. 164; carbo 

animalis, 175; iodinum, 472.) 

Pain, anomalous, of hip and thigh 

(morphias bimeconas, 530.) 

Nervous and muscular (ammoni- 
ated counter-irritants, 249; 
moxa, 535.) 

Nocturnal, in the bones (hydrarg. 
et arsen. iodid. 432; iodinum, 
474 ; zinci ferro-hydrocyanas, 
696.) 



748 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Pain, rheumatic (cainca, 149 ; dios- 
ma, 295.) 
Severe (acid, hydro-cyan. 33, 34.) 
Pains, After (ergota, 332; sulphuris 
carburetum, 671.) 
Erratic (iodinum, 468.) 
Palpitations (acidum hydrocyani- 
cum, 32; bismuthi valerianas, 
704 ; creasotum, 278 ; emetia, 
307 ; magnes. 499 ; veratria, 
85.) 
Palsy, see Paralysis. 
Pancreas, induration of the (carbo 

animalis, 175; iodin. 471.) 
Pannus, cellular (ol. jecoris aselli, 
553.) 
Vascular (ol. jecoris aselli, 553.) 
Paralysis (acupunct. 57; arnica, 
103; brucia, 146; deiphinia, 
289; galvanism, 392; electro- 
punct. 303, 307; hsemospasia, 
712; iodinum, 467; nux vo- 
mica, 539 ; ol. sinapis, 561 ; 
ol. tiglii, 564; sumbul, 730; 
paullinia, 570; strychnia, 657; 
veratria, 683 ; zinci chlorid. 
690 ; zinci ferro-hydrocyanas, 
695.) 
Of the bladder (diosma, 295 ; 

ergota, 326; strychnia, 658.) 
Of the rectum (nux vomica, 541.) 
Of the upper eyelid (ol. tiglii, 

565; strychnia, 657.) 
Of the rectum (strychnia, 658.) 
Of the tongue (electro-puncture, 

304.) 
Of the facial nerve (electro-mag- 
netismus, iv. ; strychnia, 658.) 
Of the portio dura (ammoniated 

counter-irritants, 252.) 
Lead (brucia, 146.) 
Partial (electro-magnetism, iv., 
296; nux vomica, 541 ; strych- 
nia, 658 ; veratria, 683.) 
Rheumatic (electro-magnetism. 

296.) 
Of the forearm (electro-magne- 
tism, iv.) 
Succeeding to apoplexy (brucia, 
146; nux vomica, 540.) 
Paralytic debility (ammoniated 

counter-irritants, 250.) 
Paraplegia (ergota, 325 ; galvanism, 
394; strychnia, 657; strychniae 
iodas, 665.; 
Parasites (oleum cadinum, 722.) 
Paroxysmal diseases (ergota, 325.) 



Parturient efforts, defective (can- 
nabis indica, 172; cimicifuga, 
214; ergota, 312.) 

Pelvic tumours, painful (chloro- 
form, 199.) 

Pericarditis (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250.) 

Periodical diseases (ergota, 325 ; 
quiniae ferrocyanas, 609; quiniae 
sulphas, 620.) 

Periostitis (iodinum, 458.) 

Periosteum, diseased (iodin. 474.) 

Peritonitis from constipation (man- 
nita, 504.) 

Phagedena (chloroform, 198; crea- 
sotum, 280; iodinum, 473; 
zinci chloridum, 689.) 
Of the cheek (polassss chloras, 
583.) 

Phagedenic tuberculous diseases 
(arsenic, iodid. 107.) 

Phimosis (lupulina, 718.) 

Phlebitis (compressio, 238.) 

Phlegmasia (compressio, 238; hae- 
mostasis, 714.) 

Phlegmon iodinum, 481.) 

Phosphatic depositions (acid, lactis, 
38.) 

Photophobia (conia, 707.) 

Phthisis (acid, hydrocyan. 31,34; 
acid. acet. empyr. 15; acid, 
tannic. 41 ; aether, 71 ; aq. pi- 
cea, 89 ; argilla, 101 ; calx chlo- 
rin. 154; chlorin, 184; chcn- 
drus, 211; cimicifuga, 214; 
creasoton, 273; ferri iodidum, 
355; fucus crispus, 211; gale- 
opsis, 390; haemospasis, 713; 
iodic acid, 491; lactucarium, 
498; iodinum, 459, 462; mati- 
as, 505; monesia, 513; ol. tig- 
lii, 564; ol. jecor. aselli, 550, 
554; paullinia, 570; potassee 
chloras, 583; sumbul, 730; spi- 
ritus pyro-aceticus, 647.) 
Cough of (codeia, 222.) 
Mucosa (galeopsis, 390; iodinum, 

462.) 
Pituitosa (chimaphila, 180) 
Sweats of (acid, gallic. 22; bole- 
tus laricis, 138; acid, tannic. 
42; argenti. oxid. 100; galeop- 
sis, 390; iodin. 461.) 
Threatened (galeopsis, 390.) 

Pica (caincae radix, 149.) 

Pile, bleeding (acidum nitricum, 
702.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



749 



Pimples (ammoniated counter-irri- 
tants, 250.) 
Pitting from smallpox (calx chlorin. 
156; collodion, 236; iodin. 
466.) 
Pityriasis (glycerina, 401 ; hydrarg. 
et arsen. iodid.431 ; zinci chlo- 
rid. 689.) 
Placenta praevia (aether sulphuricus, 
72.) 
Retention of the (ergota, 322.) 
Plague (chlorin. aq. 194.) 

Prevention of (chlorin. aq. 194.) 
Pleuritis, see Inflammation of the 

Pleura. 
Pleurodyne (acupunct. 57.) 
Pneumonia (iodine, 462; mannita 
504.) 
Chronic (hydrarg. cyanuret. 416." 
Convalescence from (mannit 

504.) 
Purulent, infiltration after (moxa 
534.) 
Poisoning, by arsenic (ferri oxyd 
hydrat. 367.) 
By arseniate of copper (ferri oxi 

dum hydratum, 371.) 
By hydrocyanic acid (chlorin. aq 

194.) 
By opium (electro-magnetism 
302.) 
Polypi, cartilaginous (carbo anima 
lis, 174.) 
Mucous (carbo animalis, 174.) 
Uterine (ergota, 323.) 
Porrigo (acid. acet. empyr. 14; car- 
bon, sesqui-iodid. 177; fuligo, 
387; iodin. 468; juglans, 494; 
sulphur, iodid. 674; ol. jecor. 
aselli, 555; hydrargyri deuto- 
nitras, 428; hydrarg. et arsen- 
iodid. 431; oleum cadinum, 
721.) See Tinea. 
Decalvans (sulphur, iodid. 674.) 
Favosa (creasoton, 272; hydrarg. 
bromid, 413; iodinum, 468; 
potassii bromid. 587.) 
Scrofulous (auri praeparat. 118; 
monesia, 513.) See Tinea. 
Profluvia (aqua Binelli, 84.) 
Prolapsus arii (acid, tannic. 41 ; nux 
vomica, 541.) 
Uteri (electro-magnetism, 302.) 
Vaginas (creasoton, 272.) 
Prosopalgia (ol. sinapis, 561 ; po- 
tassae chloras, 583; veratria, 
682 ; zinci chlorid. 690.) 
49 



Prostate, disease of the (diosma, 
295.) 
Enlargement of the (carbo anima- 
lis, 176; iodinum, 456, 474.) 
Prostatic discharges (cubeba, 2S4.) 
Prurigo (colchicum, 229; glycerin, 
402; zinci chlorid. 692.) 
Senilis (aq. amygd. concentrata, 

81 

Pruritus (glycerin, 402 ; zinci chlo- 
rid. 692.) 
Pudendi muliebris (calx chlorin, 

158.) 
Vulvae (fuligo, 385; potassii cya- 
nuret. 591.) 

Psora, see Itch. 

Psoriasis (chlorin, 187; creasoton, 
271; ferri arsenias, 337; hy- 
drarg. iodid. 419; glycerina, 
401; hydrarg. et arsen. iodid. 
430; iodidum ammonii, 490; 
naphthalin, 720; sulphur, iodid. 
675.) 
Palmaris (fuligokali, 389.) 

Pulmonary complaints, chronic 
(iodinum, 460.) 

Pupil, dilatation of the, caused by 
belladonna (ergota, 325 ) 

Pustular eruptions (creasoton, 272; 
iodinum, 474.) 

Pustule maligne (zinci chlorid. 689.) 

Putrefaction, checking (calx chlo- 
rin, 160.) 

Putrescency, tendency to (quiniae 
et cinchoniae tannas, 636.) 

Pyrosis (argenti oxidum, 99; nux 
vomica, 542.) 

Ranula (iodinum, 483.) 

Rectum, catarrh of the (cort. ad- 
string. Brazil. 253.) 
Paralyzed (nux vomica, 541.) 
Ulcerated (moxa, 534,) 
Varicose condition of the (matico, 
510.) 

Remittent fever (bebeeria, 135; ferr. 
cyanur. 347; quiniae sulphas, 
621 ; quiniae valerianas, 634.) 

Retention of urine (ergota, 326.) 

Rhagades (ol. jecor. aselli, 556.) 

Rheumatic gout (colchicum, 228.) 

Rheumatic effusions (electro-mag- 
netismus, iv.) 
Pains (cainca, 149; emetia, 311; 

hydrarg. deuto-iodid. 424.) 
Swellings of the joints (iodinum, 
476, 485; potassii iodidum, 598; 
sulphuris carburetum, 671.) 



750 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Rheumatism (aconitia, 49; acu- 
punct. 56 ; ammoniae phosphas, 
77; ammoniated counter-irri- 
tants, 250; anthrakokali, 80; 
ballota lanata, 131; caincee 
radix, 149 ; cannabis indica, 
170; chlorin. 187; cimicifuga, 
213; colchicum, 226; com- 
pression 238; compression of 
arteries, 242; creasoton, 275; 
delphin. 289; electro-magne- 
tism, 296. 300; electro-punct. 
303; ergo'ta, 325; fuligo, 387; 
galvanism, 392; glycerin, 402; 
iodinum, 475; magnes. 499; 
morphiae acetas, 524; moxa, 
534; ol. tiglii, 564; ol. jecinor. 
aselli. 549; ol. sinapis, 561; 
ol. tiglii, 565; platinum, 576; 
potassae chloras, 583; potass, 
nitras, 725; potass. cyanur. 590; 
quiniae sulphas, 624; sp. pyro- 
aceticus, 648; succus limonis, 
728; sulphuris carburetum, 670; 
veratria, 683, 685.) 
Atonic (creasotum, 278.) 
Chronic (aconitia, 51 ; ammonias 
phosphas, 77, 78; anthrakokali, 
80.; chimaphila, 180; colchi' 
cum, 231; eubebae, 283; diosma 
294; electro-punctura, 307; fu 
ligo, 385; iodin. 475; morphia 
521; ol. sinapis, 561; potassi 
cyanuretum, 590; veratria, 683 
spiritus pyro-aceticus, 648.) 

Rickets (ferr. iodid. 354; fuligo, 385 
ol. jecor. aselli, 549, 553.) 

Ringworm (ammoniated counter-ir- 
ritants, 250.) 

Roseola (chlorin. aq. 193.) 

Rubeolas (chlorin. aq. 193.) 

Rupia (iodinum, 474; hydrargyri et 
arsenic, iodid. 431.) 

Scalp, dryness of the (glycerin, 402.) 

St. Vitus's dance (ammoniated coun- 
ter-irritants, 250; liq. argent, 
muriat. ammon. 96; artemisia, 
111; mdigum,434; nux vomica. 
542; zinci chlorid. 690.) See 
Chorea. 

Salivation, mercurial (acid. acet. 
empyr. 15; calx chlorin. 157.) 
Mercurial (creasotum, 265; iodi- 
num, 476; potassae chloras. 
534.) 
Profuse (auri praeparat. 116; ferri 
et aluminas sulphas, 712.) 



Sarcomatous tumour of the knee 

(bromin. 144.) 
Scabjes(acid.acet. empyr. 15; chlo- 
rin. 187.) 
Scalds (iodinum, 484.) See Itch. 
Scarlatina (acid. acet. empyr. 15; 
calx chlorin. 157; chlorin. aq. 
192,195; colchicum, 229; iodin. 
467; potassae chloras, 584.) 
Sciatica (acupunct. 57; cannabis in- 
dica, 170; ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 252; codeia, 222; io- 
din. 475; electro-magnetism, 
296; morphia, 521; potass, cy- 
anur. 590.) 

Gouty (acid, hydrocyan. 33.) 

Rheumatic (acid, hydrocyan. 33.) 
Scirrhus (auri p:aepar. 119; calen- 
dula, 151 ; ferr. iodid. 354; iodi- 
num, 470; platinum, 576; po- 
tass, iodid. 598.) 

Of the lips (carbo animalis, 174.) 

Of the mammae (calendula, 151; 
carbo animalis, 275; ferri iodid. 
354; iodin. 470.) 

Of the prostate (carbo animalis. 
175.) 

Of the pylorus (acid, hydrocyan. 
33; auri praeparat. 119; iodin. 
471; zinci ierrohydrocyanur. 
696.) 

Of the stomach (artemisia, 111: 
iodin. 471; platinum, 576.) 

Of the tongue (auri praeparat. 
119.) 

Of the uterus (acid, hydrocyan. 
33; auri praepar. 119; iodin. 
470.) 
Scorbutus (acid. acet. empyr. 15; 
iodin. 476; monesia, 514; ol. 
cadinum, 721.) 
Scrofula (acid, pyrolign. 15; anthra- 
kokali, 80; auri cyanur. 125; 
auri praepar. 118; barii iodidum, 
132; brominum, 144; carbo 
animalis, 175; chimaphila, 181; 
chlorin. 187; chondrus, 211; 
ferr. bromid. 335; ferr. cyanur. 
347; ferr. iodid. 355; fucus 
crispus, 211; hydrarg. iodid. 4 IP; 
hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 422; iodi- 
num, 457; iodic acid, 491; 
oleum cadinum, 721; juglans 
regia, 494; monesia, 515; ol. 
jecoris aselli, 549 ; potassii 
bromid. 586; potass, iodid. 
600.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



751 



Scrofulous affections (acid. acet. 
empyr. 15; auri et sodii chlo- 
ric!. 124; carbon, sesquiiodid. 
177; ferri iodid. 354; juglans, 
493 ; soda chlorin. 645 ; sodae 
hyposulphis, 727. 
Caries (creasotum, 280.) 
Diathesis (carbo animalis, 174.) 
Discharges from the nose and ear 

(iodinum, 178.) 
Diseases (barium iodatum, 133.) 
Habit (auri et sodii chlorid. 123 ; 

ferr. cyanur. 347.) 
Inflammation (iodin. 459.) 
Swellings (barii iodidum, 133; 
brominum, 144; calx chlorin. 
154; carbo animalis, 175; chlo- 
rin. aq. 194; conia, 707; iodid. 
quinise, 611; iodinum, 458, 483 ; 
potassii bromidum, 588; plum- 
bi iodid. 580, 586; potassii 
iodhydrargyras, 594; veratria, 
685.) 

Of the glands (calx 
chlorin. 157; iodinum, 102; 
potassii iodhydrargyras, 594 ; 
potassii iodidum, 600; quinise 
hydriodas, 610; veratria, 685.) 
Of the joints (calx 
chlorin. 164.) 
Tumefaction of the testicle (po- 
tassii bromidum, 586.) 
Tumefaction of the upper lip (aur. 

t et sod. chlorid. 123.) 
Ulcers (potass, iodid. 601 ; hyd. 
et arsen. iodid. 430; juglans 
regia, 494; monesia, 515 ; zinci 
chlorid. 689, 692.) 
Scurvy (creasoton, 267.) See Scor- 
butus. 
Sea sickness (creasoton, 276.) 
Sebiparous organs, affections of the 

(collodion, 234.) 
Secretion, undue (argenti oxidum, 

"•) 
Sensibility, unusual, of the abdo- 

domen(zinci ferrohydrocyanas, 

696.) 
Serous cysts (electro-punctura, 307; 

iodinum, 478.) 
Serpents, bites of (caincse radix, 

149; guaco, 408; iodin. 485.) ' 
Serpigo (potass, iodid. 600.) 
Sibbens (hydrarg. et arsen. iodid. 

431.) 
Skin, irritation of the (glycerin, 

402.) 



Sleeplessness (lactucarium, 498; 
magnetism, animal, 499 ; mor- 
phias bimeconas, 530.) 
Sloughing of cellular membrane 
(acid. acet. empyreum. 16 ; 
iodin. 482.) 
Of the female organs (calx chlo- 

rinata, 156.) 
Gangrenous (monesia, 515.) 
Ulcers (calx chlorin. 155.) 
Small pox, pitting from (calx chlo- 
rin. 156; chlorin. aq. 193 ; io- 
din, 466.) 
Sore mouth, nurses 7 (iodin. 476.) 
Sore throat (ammoniated counter- 
irritants, 250; hsemospasia, 
713.) 
Phagedenic (iodin. 474.) 
Mercurial (zinci chlorid. 692 ; 

creasotum, 269.) 
Ulcerated (chloroform, 198.) 
Sores, bed (collodion, 236 ; plumbi 
tannas, 581.) 
Sloughing, gangrenous (acidum 

pyrolign. 14; iodinum, 484.) 
Syphilitic (hyd. deuto-iodid. 
423.) 
Spasmodic diseases (acid, hydro- 
cyan. 32 ; acupunct. 56 ; canna- 
bis indica, 170; colchicum, 229; 
conia, 707; indigum, 432; mag- 
nes, 499 ; zinci ferrohydrocya- 
nas, 695.) 
Erethism (creasoton, 278.) 
Spasms (acupunct. 57; ammoniated 
counter-irritants, 250; magnes, 
499.) 
Of the muscles of the face (elec- 
tro-magnetismus, iv.) 
Specks of the cornea (fuligo, 386.) 
Spermatorrhoea (compressio, 241 ; 
cubeba, 284 ; ergota, 324 ; nux 
vomica, 541 ; lupulina, 718.) 
Sphacelus (acid. acet. empyr. 14.) 
Spina bifida (iodinum, 479.) 

Ventosa (ol. jecor. aselli, 552.) 
Spine, diseases of the (iodinum, 

485.) 
Spleen, diseases of the (potass, bro- 
mid. 587.) 
Engorgement of the (quinise sul- 
phas, 605, 623.) 
Enlarged (ferri subcarb. 378; 
hydrarg. deuto-iodid. 424; iodin. 
456; potassii hydrargyro-iodid. 
594.) 
Indurated (iodinum, 455.) 



752 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Sprains (creasoton, 266; galvanism, 
392; glycerin. 402; electro- 
punctura, 304. 
Violent (ammoniated counter-irri- 
tants, 250.) 
Staubasthma (acid, hydro-cyan. 32.) 
Steatomatous cysts (electro-punc- 

tnra ; 307.) 
Stiffness (glycerina, 402.) 
Stings of wasps (iodinum, 485.) 
Stomacace (iodinum, 476.) 
Stomach, coats of the, hypertrophy 
of the (sulph. carbur. 671.) 
Induration of the (calendula, 

151.) 
Irritability of the (argenti oxi- 
dum, 99; nux vomica, 542; sp. 
pyroacet. 648.) 
Irritation of (codeia, 222.) 
Neuropathic disorders of (acid. 

hydrocyan. 32.) 
Scirrhus of the (artemisia, 111; 

iodin. 471.) 
Spasms of the (sumbul, 730.) 
Stomatitis (monesia, 515; potassae 

chloras, 583.) 
Strangulation, internal (strychnia, 

661.) 
Strangury (apis mellifica, 703.) 
Stricture of the Eustachian tube 
(catheterism for, 437.) 
Of the oesophagus (iodin. 476.) 
Of the urethra (iodin. 471 ; lupu- 

lina, 718.) 
Spasmodic, of the urethra(diosma. 
295.) 
Strophulus (glycerina, 402.) 
Struma varicosa (carbo animalis, 

175.) 
Strumous habits (chimaphila, 181 ; 
ferri citras, 343; ferri subcar- 
bonas, 378.) 
In children (ferri ferrocyanure- 
tum, 347.) 
Suffocation, sense of, (acid, hydro- 
cyan. 32.) 
Suppuration, profuse (creasoton. 

265; sumbul, 730.) 
Surgical operations (aether sulphu- 
ric. 66; chloroform, 204.) 
Sweating, profuse (acidum galli- 
cum, 22; acid, tannic. 42 ; ar- 
gent, oxyd. 100; boletus lari- 
cis, T38; ferri et alumin. sul- 
phas, 712.) 



et arsen. iodid 



431.) 



Synovial cysts (electro -punctura 7 

307.) 
Syphilide, tuberculous (auri chlorid. 

121.) 
Syphilis (argenti praeparat. 94; arg. 
et ammon. chlorid. 96; arg. ox- 
idum, 99: auri cyanur. 125; 
auri chlorid. 121; auri praepa- 
rat. 116; aurum muriat. 121; 
chlorin. 187; hydrarg. bromid. 
412; hydrarg. cyanur. 415; hy- 
drarg. deuto-bromid. 413; hy- 
drarg. deuto-iod id. 423; hydrarg. 
proto-nitras, 427; hydrarg. et 
arsen. iodid. 431 ; iodic acid, 
491 ; manganesii sulphas, 719 ; 
platinum, 576; potassae chlo- 
ras, 583.) 

Consequences of (ferri iodidum, 
355.) 

Of children (hydrarg. iodid. 419.) 

Secondary (ferr. iodid. 354; hy- 
drarg. et arsenic, iodid. 431 ; 
iodinum, 472; potassii bromi- 
dum, 587.) 

Tertiary (iodin. 473, 487; potassii 
bromidum, 587; potass, iodid. 
597.) 

With scrofula (potass, iodid. 599; 
hydrarg. iodid. rubr. 422; sapo 
mollis, 642.) 
Syphilitic affections (potassae chlo- 
ras, 583.) 

Eruptions (arsen. iodid. 107; /err. 
carb. 339; hyd. et arsen. io-lid. 
430.) 

Excoriations (aurum metallicum, 
129.) 

Excrescences(aurum metallicum, 
129; platinum, 576.) 

Osteocopi (hydrarg. et arsenic, 
iodid. 432; strychnia, 660.) 

Sore throat (hyd. deuto -iodid. 
423) 

Swellings of the bones (potass, 
iodid. 602.) 

Tubercles (iodin. 473.) 

Ulcers (auri nitro-murias, 129, 

creasolum, 269.) 

Tabes mesenterica (ferr. iodid. 354.) 

Taenia (acid, hydrocyan. 34; braye- 

ra anthelmintica. 139; colchi- 

cum, 229; creasoton, 277: eu- 

phorb. ol. 334; filix mas, 382; 

granatum, 407; ol.croton. 563.) 

Tarsi, inflamed, chronic (creasoton, 

272.) 






INDEX OF DISEASES. 



753 



Tartar of the teeth (acidum tanni- 

cum, 44; calx chlorin. 157.) 
Teeth, affections of the (chloroform, 
199.) 
Caries of the (calx chlorin. 157; 
creasotum, 279; monesia, 515; 
piscidia erythrina, 722.) 
Stopping for (collodion, 236.) 
Tenesmus (morphia, 523.) 
Testes, enlarged (iodinum, 456; po- 
tass, iodid. 601.) 
Scrofulous swelling of the (potas- 
sii bromid. 586.) 
Tetanus (acid, hydrocyan. 32; acu- 
puncture, 57; aether sulphuric. 
69; ammoniated counter-irri- 
tants, 250; cannabis indica, 
169, 172; chloroform, 203; col- 
chicum, 229; galvanismus, 
395.) 
Traumatic (cannabis indica, 169; 
morphiae acetas, 525; quiniae 
sulphas, 624; strychnia, 659.) 
Tetter (iodinum, 468.) See Herpes. 
Humid (hydrarg. cyanuret. 416.) 
Thoracic inflammation (hydrargyri 

cyanur. 416.) 

Throat diseases (zinci chlorid. 692.) 

Relaxation of the (acid, tannic. 

41.) 

Thymus, hypertrophied (iodin. 456) 

Thyroid gland, swelled (iodinum, 

458.) 
Tiz douloureux (acid, hydrocyan. 
; 33; aconitia, 49; ammoniated 
counter-irritants, 250; delphi- 
nia, 289; galvanism, 394; strych- 
nia, 659; veratria, 682, 687; 
zinci valerianas, 699.) See 
Neuralgia. 
Tinea (calx chlorin. 158, 164; chlo- 
rin. aq. 194, 195; fuligo, 385; 
iodid. sulph. 674.) See Porrigo. 
Tinnitus aurium (electro-magne- 
tism, 299.) 
Tone, general, deficient (ferri citras, 

343.) 
Tongue, induration of the (auri prse- 
parat, 119.) 
Malignant ulcers of the (iodinum, 

483.) 
Paralysis of the (electro-punctura, 
304.) 
Tonsils, enlarged (iodinum, 456, 
483; zinci iodid. 108.) 
Malignant ulcers of the (iodinum, 
485.) 



Toothach(acid. hydrocyan. 33; acid, 
acet. empyr. 14; acid, tannic. 
42; acupunct. 57; collodion, 236; 
creasoton, 273; liq. ferr. perses- 
quinit. 363; magnes. 500; mor- 
phia, 522; oleum cadinum, 721; 
piscidia erythrina, 722; zinci 
chlorid. 692.) 
Rheumatic (creasoton, 273; ergota, 
325; sulph. carbur. 673.) 
Tophi, gouty (acidum benzoicum, 

18; iodinum, 475.) 
Tormina (artemisia, 111.) 
Torpor in children (ferri ferrocyanur. 

347.) 
Tremors (magnes. 499; strychnia, 
658.) 
From mercury (electro-punct. 
303.) 
Trichiasis (collodion, 236.) 
Trismus (acupuncture, 57; ammo- 
niated counter-irritants, 250.) 
Tubercles (iodinum, 450; ol. jecor,. 
aselli, 554.) 
Of the lungs (chlorin. 184; conia, 

707; iodinum, 459.) 
Mesenteric (iodinum, 459.) 
Softening of (moxa, 534.) 
Syphilitic (iodin. 473.) 
Tuberculous eruptions (brominum, 

144.) 
Tumefactions, indolent (electro- 
punctura, 307.) 
Tumours of the bones (auri praepa- 
rat. 119.) 
Erectile (ol. tiglii, 565.) 
Hemorrhoidal (acid, tannic. 41.) 
Indolent (plumbi iodid. 580.) 
Of the mammae (ol. jecor. aselli, 

556.) 
Scrofulous (iodid. quinisB, 610; 

iodinum, 483; veratria, 685.) 
Vascular (acid, nitric. 702.) 
Typhoid fever (aq. chlor. 192; iodi- 
num, 465; quiniae sulph. 622.) 
Typhus (calx chlorin. 154; chloro- 
form, 203; codeia, 223 ; chlorin. 
aq. 193; iodin. 465; potassee 
chloras, 583; quiniae et cincho- 
nise tannas, 635; sodae chlori- 
dum, 644; sumbul, 730.) 
Abdominalis (chlorin. aq. 193.) 
Bilious (calx chlorin. 154.) 
Convalescence from (sumbul, 
730.) 
Ulceration of the mouth (calx chlo- 
rin. 155.) 



754 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



Ulceration of the rectum (moxa, 

534.) 
Ulcerative process (iodinum, 481.) 
Ulcers (acid. acet. empyr. 16; calx 
chlorin. 155; chlorin. aq. 194; 
collodion, 234; cortex adstrin- 
gens, 254; creasoton, 266; iodi- 
num, 484; matico, 507; mone- 
sia, 515; ol. jecor. aselli, 559; 
soda chlorin. 645.) 

Atonic (creasoton, 266; ferri iodid. 
355; iodinum, 481; ol. jecoris 
aselli, 553; sulph. iodid. 675; 
zinci chloridum, 688.) 
Ulcers, cancerous (acid, tannic. 42 ; 
calx chlorin. 155; carbo anima- 
lis, 175; creasotum, 266; ca- 
lendula, 151; chlorin. aq. 195; 
fel bovinum, 708; ferr.subcarb. 
376; hydrarg. deuto-iodid. 423; 
hydrargyri deuto-nitras, 428; 
potassii iodid. 601; zinci chlorid. 
689.) 

Of the face (creasoton, 
268; plumbi chlorid. 722; fel 
bovinum, 709; soda chlorin. 645.) 

Carious (creasoton, 266.) 

Erosive (zinci chlorid. 689.) 

Fistulous (creasoton, 266.) 

Flabby (acid. acet. empyr. 14 
chlorin. aq. 194; ferri et alu 
min. sulph. 712.) 

Foul (acid. acet. empyr. 16; alu 
minae sales, 76; carbon, trichlo 
rid. 706 ; ferri et alumin. sulph 
712; fuligo, 388; zinci chlorid 
689.) 

Fungous (acid. acet. empyr. 14 
creasotum, 268.) 

Gangrenous (calx chlorin. 154 
creasoton, 267.) 

Herpetic, &c. (acid. acet. empyr 
14; calx chlorin. 155; creasoton 
268; fuligo, 388.) 

Ill-conditioned (ferri ferrocyanur 
348.) 

Indolent (creasoton, 266; platin 
577.) 

Irritable (argent, oxid. 100; iodin 
484. 

Interciliary (ol. jecoris aselli 
553.) 

Malignant (conia, 707; creasoton 
267; iodinum, 484; monesia 
515; zinci chlorid. 689.) 

Obstinate (creasotum, 266; plumb 
iodid. 580.) 



Ulcers of the mouth, after salivation 
(calx chlorin. 162; hydrarg. 
iodid. rubr. 423; iodin. 481; 
potassaechloras, 583 ; sodachlo- 
rinata. 645.) 
Offensive (chlorini aqua, 194.) 
Old (iodinum, 484.) 
Phagedenic (calx chlorin. 155; 
creasotum, 280; hydrargyri io- 
didum, 420; monesia, 515; zinci 
chlorid. 689.) 
Psoric (fuligo, 388.) 
Putrid (chlorini aqua, 194.) 
Sanious (creasoton, 266.) 
Scorbutic (creasoton, 267.) 
Scrofulo-venereal (hydrargyri io- 

didum rubrum, 422.) 
Scrofulous (brominum, 144; calx 
chlorin. 155; creasoton, 266; 
hyd. et arsen. iodid. 430; hy- 
drarg. iodid. 419, 421; hy- 
drarg. iodid. rubr. 423; juglans 
regia, 494; iodinum, 488; mo- 
nesia, 515; zinci chlorid, 688.) 
Serpiginous (monesia, 515.) 
Sinuous (zinci chlorid. 688.) 
Sloughing (acid. acet. empyr. 14; 
chloroform, 199; creasoton, 267; 
zinci chloridum, 689.) 
Sloughing, from lying (plumb, tan- 

nas. 581.) 
Specific (brominum, 144.) 
Superficial (creasotum, 266.) 
Syphilitic (argent, prsepar. 93; 
aurum metallicum, 129; b >f- 
minum, 144; calx chlorin. 15o; 
creasoton, 266, 269; ferr. iodid. 
354; fuligo, 388; galvanismus, 
396; hydrarg. cyanuret. 416; 
hydrarg. iodid. 419; hydrarg. 
iodid. rubr. 423, 426; iodinum 5 
473 ; iodide of chloride of mer- 
cury, 492; monesia, 515.) 
Syphilitic, old (zinci chlorid. 689.) 
Torpid, foul, &c. (calx chlorin. 

155; ferr. cyanur. 348.) 
Varicose (creasoton, 266.) 
Ulceration of os uteri (collodion, 
235; hydrargyri deuto-nitras. 
428; iodin. 471.) 
Urethra, diseases of the (diosma, 
295.) 
Inflamed (iodin. 485.) 
Mucous membrane of the, tume- 
fied (carb. anim. 176.) 
Urethritis (cubeba, 284; ergota, 
331.) 



INDEX OF DISEASES. 



755 



Uric acid calculus (ammonia? phos- 

phas, 77; sodae phosphas, 728.) 

Diathesis (acidum benzoicum, 

18.) 

Urinary organs, diseased (cainca, 

148; chimaphila, 180.) 
Urine, incontinence of (diosma, 295; 
ergota, 326; iodin. 468; potass, 
nitras, 726; sumbul, 730.) 
Retention of (apis mellifica, 704; 
ergota, 326; strychnia, 660.) 
Urticaria (cort. adstring. Brazil. 

253; ferri nitras, 363.) 
Uterine contractions, excitant of 
the, 322, 329. 
Irritation, (chloroform, 198.) 
Uterus, cancer of the (cortex ad- 
stringens, 254; ferr. subcarb. 
376.) 
Diseases of the (argenti oxidum, 
99; hydrarg. et arsen. iodid. 
431.) 
Engorgement of the (ergota, 330.) 
Hard tumours of the (iodidum, 

470.) 
Hypertrophy of the (ergota, 325; 

ferri bromidum, 338.) 
Induration of the glands of the, 

(calendula, 151.) 
Inertia of the (ergotin, 332, 333.) 
Neck of the, fungus of the (aur. 

nitricomuriat. 127.) 
Neuralgiaof the (chloroform, 198.) 
Pain of the (acid, hydrocyan. 32.) 
Spasmodic pains of the (acid, hy- 
drocyan. 32.) 
Ulcerated (iodin. 471.) 
Uvula, relaxed (ferri et aluminae 

sulphas, 712.) 
Vagina, discharges of blood from 
the, 509.) 
Inflammation of the (collodion, 
235; fuligo. 386; monesia, 514; 
zinci chlorid. 691.) 
Fetid discharges from the (alumi- 
na? sales, 76.) 
Vaginitis (cubeba, 284; ergota, 331.) 
Varicose condition of the rectum 
(matico, 510.) 



Varicose veins (acupunct. 58; elec- 

tro-punctura, 307.) 
Variola, see Small-pox. 
Venereal, see Syphilitic. 

Infection, prevention of (chlorin. 
aq. 194.) 
Vomica (chlorinum, 184.) 
Vomiting (acid, hydrocyan. 33; aq. 
picea, 91; argilla, 102; creaso- 
ton, 276; strychnia, 650; sum- 
bul, 730.) 
Chronic (artemisia, 111; calendu- 
la, 151.) 
Obstinate (calendula, 151; chlo- 
roform, 198.) 
Of infancy (argilla, 102.) 
Of pregnancy (creasotum, 276 ; 
nux vomica, 542.J 
Wakefulness (bimeconate of mor- 
phia, 530.) 
Warts, malignant (iodinum, 485.) 
White swelling (chimaphila, 181; 
iodinum, 458; ol. jecor. aselli, 
555; potassii cyanuret. 590; 
potassii iodidum, 601.) 
White tissues, thickening of the 

(ammoniae phosphas, 77.) 
Whitlow (iodinum. 483.) 
Womb, inertia of the (ergotin, 332, 

333.) 
Worms (caincae radix, 149; corylus 
rostrata, 255; ferri et alumin. 
sulphas, 712; filix mas, 382; 
granatum, 407; juglans, 494; 
ol. tiglii, 563 ; zinci ferrohy- 
drocyanas, 695.) 
Wounds (calx chlorin. 156.) 

Contused (calx chlorin. 156; di- 
osma, 295; iodinum, 483.) 
From dissection (calx chlor. 155 ; 

iodinum, 483, 485.) 
From gunpowder (calx chlorin. 

156.) 
Lacerated (iodinum, 483; calx 

chlorin. 156.) 
Painful (acid, hydrocyan. 33.) 
Poisoned (argilla, 101.) 
Punctured (iodinum, 483.) 
Zymotic diseases (chlorinum, 188.) 



THE END. 



























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